Receiving Treatment From A McTimoney Chiropractor
What to expect from your first treatment
Your McTimoney chiropractor, Allan Dalziel, will take a full case history regarding your general health background as well as details of your symptoms. This will help in assessing and analysing your particular problem. Allan will then thoroughly examine all the joints in your body, literally from head to toe, and undertake any further clinical assessment that might be necessary to determine that it is safe to treat you. McTimoney Chiropractors have a very finely tuned sense of touch, developed in their four years of training, which enables them to identify misalignments of the vertebrae and other bones. Upon finding a problem, Allan will use one of a number of light, swift and dexterous techniques, characteristic of McTimoney chiropractic, to adjust each individual bone that requires it.
If Allan discovers or suspects a problem, which requires medical investigation or an x-ray, they will refer you to your GP. Wherever possible Allan will work in co-operation with your GP and a letter, where required, is sent to your doctor informing them of your treatment.
How many sessions will you need?
The number of sessions needed varies considerably depending on:
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Your age: you generally heal more slowly as you get older.
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The nature of the problem: a simple backache will often clear more quickly than a sciatic problem.
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How long you have had the problem: generally, yesterday's injury will resolve faster than one of 20 years' standing.
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Most patients need between two and six sessions, but Allan will give you a better idea of the probable treatment plan after they have examined you at the first session.
Should I pay in advance for a year's treatment?
The first questions to ask are:
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Why would you need a year's treatment?
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How does the chiropractor know in advance that you need a year's treatment?
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Will you get a full refund if you decide to discontinue treatment?
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There is no doubt that many patients benefit from regular chiropractic care at intervals of time that may vary, depending on factors such as the condition for which they are being treated, the type of work they do and other activities that they engage in. For example:-
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A carpet layer who had suffered lower back problems might visit a chiropractor every couple of months to prevent a recurrence of that problem, while maintaining his health in between visits by following the chiropractor's advice.
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A professional footballer might be kept under weekly review by a chiropractor
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Someone who's had a chronic condition over a long period of time could benefit from chiropractic care at regular intervals, to maintain a healthy position.
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But that is very different to paying in advance for a large number of visits, based on a decision taken at the first or second visit. At a recent hearing of our Professional Conduct Committee, the Committee determined that a patient treatment plan involving 3 appointments per week for 12 weeks, followed by a reassessment, was inappropriate, excessive and not in the best interests of the patient.
So do ask all the questions you need to before making any payment in advance.
Do I have to have an x-ray?
Allan Dalziel will only recommend that an x-ray be taken if there is a valid clinical reason for doing so. Like all health professionals, chiropractors must comply with the legislation that governs the use of x-rays - the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2000.
Who owns the x-rays?
Ownership of x-ray films and other medical images
Patients are asked to note that any x-rays or other medical images taken or ordered by a chiropractor must be retained by the chiropractor as part of your health record for a period of 8 years after the date of your last visit. This is one of the legal requirements of the Code of Practice published by the General Chiropractic Council, which is the statutory regulator for chiropractors in the United Kingdom.
There may be occasions when you want another health professional to look at your x-rays or other medical images. In these circumstances your chiropractor will be willing to release them to you or (with your consent) to your health professional of choice, on the clear understanding that the x-ray films or other medical images will be returned to your chiropractor.
Under the Data Protection Act, you are entitled to a copy of your health record, including any x-rays or other medical images, and your chiropractor may make a reasonable charge for the copy. The maximum charge that can be made is £50.
Do please ask your chiropractor if you have any questions about the information set out in this notice.
For a free copy of the Code of Practice please telephone 0845 601 1796 or visit www.gcc-uk.org.
Will I get help and advice to ensure the problem does not recur?
Yes. You will receive postural advice after the treatment to help your body get the most benefit from the adjustments you have received, and to raise your awareness of simple things that you may doing every day which may be exacerbating your problem. You may also be given some basic exercises or stretches to do if Allan feels that would be beneficial.
Can anyone call themselves a chiropractor?
No. It is illegal for anyone in the UK to use the title 'chiropractor' or to imply that they are a chiropractor unless they are registered with us the General Chiropractic Council.
By law, the GCC must
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Check those who apply for registration to make sure that they have a chiropractic qualification, are of good character and are physically and mentally fit
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Set and monitor standards of education and training
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Set standards of practice and conduct
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Deal with any complaints about the conduct or practice of chiropractors.
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Is chiropractic care safe?
Yes, all the evidence is that chiropractic is a safe and effective form of care when provided by registered chiropractors.The approach to care that chiropractors take is recommended in the relevant European guidelines and the Department of Health's Musculoskeletal Services Framework. Patients may experience some side affects such as feeling more uncomfortable, stiff or tired for a day or so - these affects are normally minor and do not last for very long.
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It is important that you talk to your chiropractor if you have any questions during any part of your care.
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Department of Health's Musculoskeletal Services Framework: Click Here
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Can chiropractic care help me?
Chiropractic is an effective form of care for back and neck pain, as well as a range of other conditions including shoulder, leg and arm pain, and sports injuries. You may also see an improvement in some types of asthma, headaches, including migraine, and infant colic. You may find it helpful to read the GCC leaflet What can I expect when I see a chiropractor?
Can I get chiropractic care on the NHS?
It is always worth asking your GP, your local Primary Care Trust or Health Board if NHS funding is available for chiropractic. As yet, it is not widespread even though chiropractic care is included in the Musculoskeletal Services Framework published by the Department of Health. There is also a pilot scheme in Northern Ireland that includes funding for chiropractic. Perhaps what is needed now is the application of 'patient power' so that the choice of chiropractic care is open to more of those who can benefit from it.
How much does McTimoney Chiropractic treatment by Allan Dalziel cost?
Prices vary slightly from chiropractor to chiropractor depending on their location in the country. The cost of the first consultation and treatment is £60, and subsequent treatments will cost £40.
Why do some chiropractors call themselves doctors?
In the UK the courtesy title 'Dr' is used by medical doctors, dentists, vets and chiropractors. The title 'Dr' is not protected in law, and may be used by chiropractors providing they make it clear that
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They are registered chiropractors
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They are not registered medical practitioners.
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What qualification should I look for?
Chiropractic is a world-wide profession and there is a great variety in the titles of qualifications.The important thing is that all chiropractors in the UK must be registered with the GCC. Some chiropractors have a special interest in (for example) sports injuries or the care of children - if this is what you're looking for, then you'll find it helpful to check first by telephoning your local chiropractors.