Frequently Asked Questions

---

Table of contents

How many sessions will I need?

How will I feel after treatment?

Do I need a referral from my doctor?

What should I do after treatment?

Will it hurt?

Is chiropractic available on the NHS/Can I get private insurance to pay for my treatment?

What should I wear?

---

How many sessions will I need?

The number of sessions needed varies considerably depending on:

Age, generally healing is slower as you get older
The nature of the problem
How long you have had the problem

Most patients need between two and ten sessions, initially at weekly intervals, then gradually more widely spaced out, by which time a noticeable change should have occurred.

Regular check ups are recommended to keep your spine and joints functioning well.

How will I feel after treatment?

There is a whole range of sensations that you can experience after treatment. The most important thing to remember is that change is a sign that your body is beginning to adapt to the adjustments it has received.

Feeling better: relief from pain as your body becomes better aligned can make you feel straighter, taller and altogether more balanced.

Feeling worse before feeling better: while your body is adjusting to its new alignment, the shape and size of the painful area may change, or new aches and pains may emerge due to positional changes in your body. You may experience stiffness and soreness as the muscle tensions change and you may find previous aches and pains recur. These effects settle down after treatment.

Tiredness: you may feel tired after treatment, and may sleep well following the relaxation of deep tensions in your body.

Headaches: the release of waste products as your body heals can cause headaches. Drink plenty of water to help flush them out.

Emotional changes: these are quite normal.

Menstrual cycle: periods may become heavier or lighter, less painful or shorter.

Dizziness: you may feel light headed or dizzy due to the release of tension and increased blood flow to the brain.

Medication: anyone taking medication e.g. diabetics, will need to monitor their medication before and after treatment.

Good health is not just absence of pain or disease, but also a positive sense of physical, emotional and mental well-being.

The more balanced the body is, the better it will cope with the stresses of daily living, as well as unexpected trauma.

Remember, your body will respond well to consideration, kindness and care. Given the chance, it also has wonderful self-healing abilities. You can help the healing process by observing the advice of your McTimoney chiropractor.

Do I need a referral from my doctor?

You do not need a referral from your doctor to visit a chiropractor. Many McTimoney chiropractors work with their local GP surgeries and more and more GPs are aware and interested in chiropractic treatment. It is worth noting however that some private health insurance companies require GP referral prior to treatment.

What should I do after treatment?

Your chiropractor will advise of ways that you can help yourself after treatment. Generally this will include the advice that you rest for 20 minutes immediately after treatment, and you take it easy for 24 to 48 hours. Your chiropractor will also suggest you pay attention to your posture, refrain from sporting activity or lifting anything heavy.

Will it hurt?

The highly dextrous and light adjustments of the McTimoney treatment mean that it is gentle and rarely painful. However, the treatment is very effective and after treatment you may feel physical changes as your body realigns. These may include a brief period of tiredness or stiffness, but more often than not patients report a feeling of wellbeing and relief from stress and pain.

Is chiropractic available on the NHS/Can I get private insurance to pay for my treatment?

Unfortunately, chiropractic is not yet generally available on the NHS. However, many private insurance companies do now recognise chiropractic as a treatment for which claims can be made.

What should I wear?

In order to be assessed by your chiropractor it is preferable to undress to underwear. Many men prefer to wear running shorts. Thongs are not ideal but gowns are always available.

---