What is chiropractic?

Chiropractic specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of neuro-musculoskeletal disorders. Many people think we just click backs but the reality is we can do much more. We help with achieving lifestyle changes that will help the patient as a team. This includes nutrition, sleep, stress and pain management, and therapeutic exercise. We are trained to a high standard in radiology, neurology, orthopedics and manual therapy. Our treatments involve relaxing tight muscles, strengthening ones that are needed and provide pain relief naturally without medication. I am a pain based and evidence-based chiropractor meaning I practice to the latest research and look at the person as a whole, not just a symptom. Chiropractic here in Cardiff is very popular due to the University of South Wales being very close to us. Many people come here to study and end up staying because they love Wales so much. I am one of those too!

What conditions can chiropractic treat in Cardiff?

We treat a wide variety of conditions, see below:

• Ankle sprains (acute and chronic)
• Muscle cramps & spasms
• Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) golfers elbow and some entrapments of the elbow
• Cervicogenic headaches
• Joint pains of the hip, knee back, and neck
• Acute and chronic back pain
• Neck pain from a mechanical cause
• Help with the prevention of migraine
• Minor injuries that are related to sport
• Short term management of plantar fasciitis
• Rotator cuff issues, disease or disorders
• Sciatica
• Relaxation for tension and the inability to relax

Is chiropractic treatment safe?

Chiropractic is one of the safest manual treatments there is. Saying that, with any kind of treatment there are risks. Each patient is given a full health history and case review, taking into account their previous and current medication, previous injuries, general health, habits, sleep quality and a whole host of questions to make the treatment as safe as possible. The examination is an in-depth sequence of muscle tests, nerve tests, some manual brain tests (if needed), bone and joint tests (orthopedics) and an assessment of gait (how you are walking), balance and movement. Temperature and blood pressure will also be taken in some cases. Chiropractic has few side effects, some people may feel a little achy 24 hours after the first treatment or two, which is similar to the soreness you get from a good workout. This is usually manageable and we are always ready to help if there are any concerns. Some people feel vulnerable with neck manipulation because “they cause strokes”. Stroke from cervical manipulation is extremely rare when performed by a trained professional. Often people who have had a stroke after a cervical manipulation was not performed by a trained professional and an exam and case history was not taken properly. If certain signs and symptoms are presented then immediate referral is made to a GP or the hospital. Sometimes patients seek treatment for neck pain and headaches without realizing they are having a stroke in progress. We are trained to spot these signs and symptoms and to provide the right direction for the safety of the patient. We are also fully trained in CPR so should a patient come in feeling unwell then we know what to do. If you read the side effects of common pain-relieving medication then you can see that chiropractic poses much less risk than many over the counter medications do. Safety is paramount for every patient I see and at times some treatments will not be performed depending on the person for safety reasons.

Do i need to see my GP first before seeing you?

There is no need to see a GP first. We are primary health care providers and referral is not needed. We often send patients back to their GP for a review of medication (because there is less pain) or if we think a patient needs a scan. We can send patients for private scans if the patient wishes for a quicker turn around.

Do you take insurance?

We take AXA PPP We can also provide receipts for you to claim back.

Why does a joint make a clicking/cracking sound?

The name of the sound when we click a joint is called a cavitation. Most joints are surrounded by joint capsules. When we manipulate a joint we create a vacuum that is called tribonucliation. This creates an audible pop. This audible pop helps reduce pain and creates a greater range of motion in that particular joint.

How many treatments do I need?

This depends on how long you have had pain. If it is chronic (longer than three months) then it will take longer. A short course is 2-6 sessions over 3 weeks. Some opt to have a longer coarse and many will decide to have maintenance care to manage their issues. Maintenance care of once a month has shown to keep pain levels down so a patient can still enjoy their life. It also helps reduce medication negating the negative effects of pain medication. We always consult GP's about any changes in medication.

Are you a chiropractor near me?

We are based in the beautiful Victoria park' 593, Cowbridge road East, Victoria park, Cardiff, CF5 1BE