FAQs
Should you have any further questions, please get in touch by phone or by using our contact form. We will be happy to help!
Chiropractic FAQs
Is Chiropractic safe?
Providing that your treatment is performed by a registered chiropractor, then chiropractic care is extremely safe. Your first visit to us will include a thorough examination which is essential for the chiropractor to diagnose your condition and assess your needs. A chiropractor will only adjust you if it is appropriate to do so. A small number of patients may experience mild stiffness for a few days after their first adjustment.
What’s an adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment is a highly refined manual process that is developed through years of intensive studies, training and practice. Proper chiropractic adjustments have a specific amount of energy, delivered to a precise spot, at the right angle. Chiropractors use their hands to adjust the joints, especially those of the spine, in order to reduce pain and restore proper dynamism, balance and range of movement. The technique can be adapted to each patient according to their individual needs, symptoms and comfort levels.
Do adjustments hurt?
Chiropractic adjustments are very gentle and not painful. There can sometimes be mild post-treatment soreness, particularly in the first phases of treatment, but this will resolve quickly.
What’s the popping noise?
Sometimes, you may hear a popping noise during a chiropractic adjustment. This is 100% normal. The sound is known as ‘cavitation’ or ‘tribonucleation’, and it’s caused by the shift of gas inside the joints. The absence of it does not indicate that the adjustment was unsuccessful.
Is everyone adjusted the same way?
No, each individual diagnosis and care plan is unique. Patient care is custom-tailored according to age, symptoms, expectations, comfort, and level of fitness. You are unique – why should your chiropractic care be any different?
How many adjustments will I need?
Each case is unique and can require a specific duration and frequency of treatment. The number of sessions can vary according to individual health goals. Most people notice progress within a week or two. As the stability of your spine improves, you will generally visit your chiropractor less and less often.
What’s a subluxation?
A subluxation is a condition that commonly affects the spine and which is successfully treated by chiropractors. It consists primarily of a slight misalignment of the vertebrae and it can occur alone or in conjunction with other disc problems. Subluxations can cause pain and impair the normal functioning of the nerves, compressing them and causing paresthesia (pins & needles and a burning sensation). Subluxations in the neck generally cause numbness in the arms, while numbness in the legs is usually associated with the presence of subluxations in the lumbar spine.
Can I adjust myself?
No – even your chiropractor consults a colleague to benefit from chiropractic care! You can make your joints ‘pop’, but you cannot perform a real chiropractic adjustment before years of specific training. Serious damage can be caused by mobilising a joint with weakened ligaments – better avoid the risk of making things worse.
What should I wear for my first appointment?
Loose fitting clothes are fine. We’ll ask you to perform a series of range of movement tests so it’s best not to feel too constricted! You will be offered a gown to wear if you prefer and given privacy to change.
Can babies and children get adjustments?
Yes, and most kids enjoy their adjustments! The essential biological and physiological principles of chiropractic care apply to both adults and children. The treatment can be equally beneficial to adults, children and babies. Paediatric chiropractic adjustments can be extremely gentle: your chiropractor will apply the same pressure you’d use to test the ripeness of a tomato. During childhood, periodic examinations by a chiropractor can help to prevent and identify deficiencies or postural weaknesses that may predispose children to significant spinal problems. Typical ‘growing pains’ can often be traced to the spine. Chiropractic care is always adapted to the individual.
Am I too old for Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is highly recommended and beneficial for elderly patients. Through the use of appropriate and individualised adjustment techniques, a chiropractic doctor can help older patients improve mobility and vitality, reducing the symptoms of diseases typically attributed to ageing, such as arthritis and osteoporosis.
I have Osteoporosis, can I see a Chiropractor?
Of course! Chiropractic techniques are non-invasive and chiropractors always take into account the patient’s health status. When developing a treatment plan, your chiropractor will consider the unique circumstances and expectations of each patient.
What if I had back surgery?
You can still benefit from chiropractic adjustments. Rest assured that your chiropractor will avoid the surgically modified areas of your spine. Surgery often causes instability above or below the involved level. These areas will be the focus of your chiropractic care.
Can Chiropractic relieve acute back pain?
Many of our patients begin their treatment as they experience episodes of acute pain. There are no contraindications and numerous scientific studies show that chiropractic can help you relieve both chronic and acute back pain.
What’s the difference between Osteopathy and Chiropractic?
There are some similarities between the two professions, but the main difference is that chiropractic care focuses on the spine and nervous system, while osteopathy focuses on the heart and the cardiovascular system.
Will my insurance policy cover Chiropractic?
Chiropractic care is included in most health insurance plans. Some plans may have limitations or exclusions applicable to chiropractic so check your benefit plan description for details and please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any doubts!
Physiotherapy FAQs
Are your Physiotherapists registered with the ISCP?
Yes, all of our physiotherapists are registered members of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists.
What should I wear for my first appointment?
Loose fitting clothes are fine. We’ll ask you to perform a series of range of movement tests so it’s best not to feel too constricted! Your physio will need to see the affected body part so it would be best to bring a pair of shorts if it’s a lower back, hip, knee, ankle, or foot problem and to bring a tank top or T-shirt if it’s a neck, upper back, shoulder or arm problem.
I’ve got an injury, how soon should I come and see you?
This is up to you, but generally we would try and see you as soon as possible after your injury to advise you and start treatment. If you have recently had surgery, your doctor can advise you on when is best to start physiotherapy treatment. If you are still unsure please give us a call and we will advise you!
Who can we help?
We help and treat patients from all age groups and all walks of life. This includes anyone from children in special schools to the elderly in Day Care Centres. We also help members of local sports teams including GAA, Soccer and Rugby at all levels right up to elite athletes involved in all sports at national and international level. We treat injured workers of all sectors and we can help to ensure a safe working environment.
Do I need a referral from a GP?
No, you do not need a referral.
Will my insurance policy cover Physiotherapy?
Chartered Physiotherapy services are included in the vast majority of health insurance plans. It is advisable to check with your insurance company before starting treatment as they may need to pre-authorise it. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any doubts!