Do I need a referral?
Here at Bradford House Chiropractic Clinic, we are delighted to work closely with the GPs in St Clements Surgery and other local GPs. You do not need a GP referral to see a chiropractor, however you might find your GP suggests you have chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, especially lower back or neck pain.
What should I bring to the first appointment?
You need to bring any previous scans or X-rays related to your current complaint. On arrival our friendly reception staff will welcome you and ask you to fill in a standard questionnaire. This will ask simple details about yourself such as name, address etc. There are also a few questions which relate to any history of illness within your family and any injuries you might suffer from as well as any medications you may take. This helps give the chiropractor an understanding and overview of your current condition and situation.
What can I expect at my first appointment?
One of our chiropractors will undertake a 30 minute full physical, orthopaedic and neurological examination which is completely painless and non-invasive. Your chiropractor will then decide on the best course of action and will either book you in for treatment or refer you for further tests such as X-rays, MRI scan or diagnostic ultrasound scan if necessary (off-site). Bradford House Chiropractic Clinic has off-site X-ray facilities at a private clinic in Fareham and X-rays are taken by our principal chiropractor – Max Atkinson DC. (All our Chiropractors adhere to the governmental IMER guidelines and only take X-rays where clinically required).
How many treatments will I need?
Our chiropractors will always give you advice and recommendations on the most effective ways to deal with any pain as quickly as possible. Each case is different, and your chiropractor may decide it is appropriate for you to have treatment on your first visit although this is usually started after the Report of Findings and any other tests that may be needed.
The second appointment takes between 15 – 30 minutes which includes a Report of Findings and your treatment. Within this appointment you are given a full explanation of your condition including diagnosis and a treatment plan and your chiropractor will explain how long they think it will take for you to improve.
How long will it take for my pain to go away?
Some patients feel significant improvements relatively quickly – the pain is usually the last thing to arrive and the first thing to disappear. It is vital to follow the treatment plan as, although the pain may have gone, the underlying condition may still be there and require further attention.
What next?
You will find that during your course of treatment we carry out reassessments periodically to monitor your progress. This is to ensure that we are meeting your expectations and that we are getting you out of pain and back to health so that you have less chance of a repeat condition. However, it goes without saying that cars are serviced regularly even when they are running well and we should really treat our bodies in the same way. Once one of our chiropractors has helped you back to health you may find a regular check-up can keep your body in good working order.
For further answers to some other questions you may have about your first appointment, please check out our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.
If you require treatment and live in the Winchester and Hampshire areas then ring the Bradford House Chiropractic Clinic on 01962 861188 or Contact us now to book your initial appointment.
