Frequently Asked Questions
The questions we hear most, answered plainly. From your very first visit through to fees and booking
Chiropractic Care Explained
What it is, and whether it's right for you
What Does a Chiropractor do?
Chiropractors look at how your spine, joints, muscles and nervous system are working together. At Ellan Vannin Chiropractic Clinic, we take time to understand what has been going on, how it is affecting your day-to-day life, and what your body may need to function better.
Care is always tailored to you, and we will explain things clearly so you know what to expect.
Do I need to be in pain to see a Chiropractor?
No. Many people first come to us because they are in pain, but chiropractic care is not only about pain relief. Some clients come because they feel stiff, restricted, run down, or simply want to look after their body and movement better.
Your chiropractor will talk through your goals and help you understand whether care is appropriate for you.
Is Chiropractic care safe?
Research continues to support the safety and efficacy of chiropractic treatment. Chiropractic is a holistic, non-invasive approach to health, meaning that no surgery or drugs are used within the profession.
Is the treatment painful?
Most adjustments are comfortable, although some people may feel mild tenderness afterwards, especially if their body has been under strain for a while. This usually settles.
Your chiropractor will always work with you and adapt care to suit your body, comfort level and needs.
Will I be given drugs or injections?
No, with chiropractic treatment no drugs or surgery is involved.
Chiropractic care employs a holistic, natural approach to health. Chiropractic takes nothing out of the body and puts nothing in. Chiropractic works by identifying the underlying cause of the problem and correcting it, rather than just masking it with painkillers.
Chiropractors use their hands to adjust, or move, the joints of your body, thereby improving the function of the nervous system and restoring the inborn, or innate, power of the body to heal itself.
How about painkillers?
Painkillers may make you feel less pain, but they do not address the cause of the problem, and can have serious side effects. One of the first aims of chiropractic pain management is for the patient to be able to function normally without pain and without painkillers.
What is the cracking sound?
Chiropractic treatment involves the manipulation of joints, with the goal of decreasing pain by improving movement and function within that joint. When a joint is adjusted, or moved, there is a natural change in the internal pressure of that joint. This change results in the release of gas normally dissolved in the fluid which lubricates the joint. The release of this gas may produce a “crack” or “pop” sound similar to that produced when you open a can of fizzy drink.
In the lower back, you may not be able to hear them, but you may be able to feel them. If you are having your neck treated, the clicking may sound much louder, simply because the area being treated is closer to the ears and the sound travels along the bones.
The sound itself is insignificant. It is caused by the interaction of fluid and gas within the joint space and is not dissimilar to the sound of clicking ones knuckles.
What is the difference between Chiropractic and Osteopathy?
Chiropractors and Osteopaths represent different schools of physical therapy. Both are accredited by their respective national bodies and both undertake in-depth training. There are no comparative studies to suggest one is better. It really comes down to personal choice of individuals.
Whilst there are many similarities between chiropractors and osteopaths in both the training and practical aspects, there are key differences in the underlying philosophies. Chiropractors focus their attention on the muscles, joints and, importantly, nerves throughout the body with an emphasis on the long-term benefits of maintaining an optimally functioning spine. It is your nervous system that controls nearly all body function whether conscious or not. Osteopaths on the other hand focus their attention on the vascular system.
Can I get over treated?
Every chiropractor we employ is well trained and uses their expertise to diagnose your problem, and evaluate when it is appropriate to give treatment and, more importantly, when it’s not. Every case is different, but it is unlikely that you will be over exposed.
Your First Visit
What to expect when you come in
What happens at my first appointment?
Your first appointment is an Initial Consultation. This gives us time to talk through your health history, current concerns and goals. Your chiropractor will then carry out appropriate assessments and measurements to better understand how your body is functioning.
After this, you will be booked for a Plan of Action appointment, where your chiropractor will explain their findings and recommend the most suitable next steps.
Will I be adjusted at my first appointment?
Your Initial Consultation is mainly about understanding what is going on and gathering the information your chiropractor needs. If an adjustment is appropriate, this will usually be discussed at your Plan of Action appointment.
Your chiropractor will always explain what they recommend and why, so you can make an informed decision.
What is a Plan of Action appointment?
Your Plan of Action is where your chiropractor talks you through their findings from your Initial Consultation. They will explain what they have found, what may be contributing to your symptoms, and what type of care may be suitable.
This is also your chance to ask questions and understand the recommended plan before moving forward.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Please wear something comfortable that allows you to move easily. Clothing such as leggings, joggers, shorts or a comfortable top is ideal.
You do not need to bring anything special unless we have asked you to.
Will x-rays be taken?
Not all patients are routinely x-rayed. In some cases x-rays are necessary depending on past medical history. Your treatment may need to be modified according to what can be seen on the x-rays. Such circumstances may include recent trauma, history of serious illness or unusual findings on physical examination. Chiropractors are trained and qualified to analyse x-rays.
If you have had x-rays or other imaging recently, your chiropractor may ask for your written consent to access that information. Should x-rays be required you will be informed of this at the initial consultation and referred to another local clinic that has these facilities prior to the commencement of treatment.
How soon will I feel better?
This is one of the most common questions we are asked. To provide you with realistic expectations, many factors affecting your recovery time must be taken into consideration, including:
Acute vs. Chronic pain
First episode or recurrent problem
History of previous injuries
General health
General fitness level, strength, flexibility and cardiovascular health
Poor postural hygiene
Lifestyle, work, diet, sleep
Patient comprehension and compliance with recommendations
Kept appointments
Stress, physical, mental or chemical
Family history
These factors and your individual health goals combine to structure the frequency and duration of your care. As a general rule, more recent injuries, depending on severity, tend to respond to fewer visits and symptoms can often be managed in relatively few treatments.
Recurrent conditions or problems that have been present for longer than three months tend to be more stubborn and will often require a longer course of treatment. For some conditions, maintenance visits may be advised to ensure that your progress is maintained.
Your treatment plan and the cost will be explained to you before you start treatment. How long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you.
How often will I need treatment? When should I be checked?
Chiropractic aims to reduce pain and improve mobility, strengthen and stabilise the injured areas, and maintain long term correction. The number of treatments required depends entirely on the individual condition and is based on how long the problem has been there and the severity of the injury. Treatment tends to be more intensive initially in order to re-train the joints and muscles to work correctly.
Most people will see an improvement in their symptoms within 1-2 weeks, after which they will be seen by the chiropractor less frequently as they continue to improve. Once a problem has been fully corrected many of our patients choose to attend our practice for maintenance care check ups from time to time to ensure long term correction is maintained.
Conditions We See
Some of the more common reasons people come to us
Can chiropractic help with back pain?
Many people visit us because of back pain, stiffness or discomfort. Your chiropractor will assess how your spine, joints, muscles and nervous system are functioning, then explain what may be contributing to the problem.
If chiropractic care is suitable, they will recommend a plan to support better movement and function.
Can chiropractic help with neck pain and headaches?
Neck tension, headaches and shoulder stiffness are common reasons people contact us. These symptoms can have different causes, so your chiropractor will take time to understand your history and assess what may be involved.
We will always explain things clearly and recommend the most appropriate next step.
Can Chiropractors help osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis affects the bones making them brittle and weak due to lack of calcium, this is particularly common in woman after the menopause.
Our chiropractors are able to carry out different treatments to help ease the pain that Osteoporosis can cause as well as provide you with advice and guidance on methods to help fight the problem. Chiropractic care in this case can help keep joints flexible helping to improve balance and strength minimising the risk of falling.
What about a good diet and exercise?
A balanced diet and regular exercise will certainly help your condition, but will not necessarily deal with an existing problem in the same way as chiropractic method. While exercise will increase your fitness and core strength, chiropractic can pinpoint problem areas that are reducing your body’s efficiency and flexibility.
Care for Every Age and Stage
Babies, children, pregnancy and referrals
Do you see children or babies?
Yes, we do see children and babies, and care is always adapted to their age and needs.
Before arranging an appointment for a baby, we usually need to make sure mum is under chiropractic care with us first. This helps us understand the wider picture and guide you safely.
Do you see pregnant clients?
Yes, we regularly support clients during pregnancy. Care is adapted to suit each stage of pregnancy, with comfort and safety always at the centre of what we do.
If you are unsure whether chiropractic care is right for you during pregnancy, please contact the team and we will be happy to guide you.
Do I need a GP referral?
No, you do not usually need a GP referral to book an appointment with us.
If your chiropractor feels that another healthcare professional should be involved, they will let you know and guide you appropriately.
Booking, Fees and Policies
The practical side of getting started
Can I claim through my health insurance?
Some of our chiropractors are recognised by several insurance providers, including AXA, Aviva, Vitality, WPA and Cigna.
We do not deal directly with insurers. Clients usually pay the clinic directly, then submit their receipt to their provider to claim back, depending on their policy.
How much does an Initial Consultation cost?
An Initial Consultation is £80. This includes your consultation and your Plan of Action appointment (doesn't include care or treatment).
The fee is payable at the time of booking, and £40 of this is a non-refundable deposit.
What is your cancellation policy?
For Initial Consultations, we ask for at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule.
For other appointments, we ask for at least 24 hours' notice. Late cancellations or missed appointments may be charged.
What if I have not been in for a while?
If it has been more than 6 months since your last appointment, we may need to go through a consultation process again. This helps us make sure your records are up to date and that any care we provide is still appropriate for you.
The team will be happy to check what you need and guide you through the next step.
How do I book an appointment?
You can contact the clinic directly and one of the team will help you find a suitable time.
If you are new to the clinic, we will talk you through the Initial Consultation process and answer any questions before booking you in.
I'm not sure whether chiropractic care is right for me. What should I do?
That is completely fine. The best first step is to contact the clinic and let us know what has been going on.
One of the team can guide you through the process, and if needed, arrange an Initial Consultation so one of our chiropractors can assess you properly and explain your options.
Is chiropractic available on the NHS?
Although chiropractic is available on the NHS in the UK it is not currently available on the Isle of Man.
Many health insurance companies and hospital funds pay for chiropractic treatment. The policies between different companies and organisations may vary, so always check with your insurer.
Still Have a Question?
If your question isn't here, the team is happy to help. Reach out and we'll point you in the right direction.