+ What is chiropractic?

According to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), chiropractic is defined as: “A primary health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health. Chiropractic care is used most often to treat neuromusculoskeletal complaints, including but not limited to back pain, neck pain, pain in the joints of the arms or legs, and headaches.” In addition, chiropractic assists the body in self-healing without the use of drugs and/or surgery.

Chiropractors practice a drug free approach to health and wellness and study a 6 years Master’s degree including 2 years of internship in order to qualify to practice.

+ What does a chiropractor do?

Chiropractors focus their attention on diagnosing and treating disorders of the neuro-musculoskeletal system. The treatment approach is holistic in nature and focuses primarily on the spine although extremity conditions are within their scope of practice. Once a detailed history and examination is complete, a chiropractor may use a variety of treatment options depending on the condition or injury. What makes chiropractors unique, is the use of spinal adjustments. This involves a quick, controlled and gentle force to a segment of the spine to restore natural movement and to ease tension. This is usually accompanied by various soft tissue techniques such as dry needling, massage etc. to ensure the condition is treated optimally. Chiropractors have broad diagnostic skills and are also trained to recommend therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises, as well as to provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counselling.

+ Who can utilize chiropractic?

Chiropractic is for everyone! Babies, pregnant mums, children and adults; chiropractic can help people of any ages and help you reach your true potential. Methods and treatment will vary from person to person. This is dependent on a multitude of factors and are adapted to each individual’s circumstances.

+ What to expect at your first visit?

On your initial consultation, your chiropractor will conduct a thorough history and full examination after which the findings will be communicated to you as well as the recommended approach and treatment. Should any further investigation be warranted (X-ray, Ultrasound, blood tests) your chiropractor will request them in order to make a more accurate diagnosis. Once your first treatment s concluded, your chiropractor will communicate home advice and help you schedule your next adjustment at the front desk.

+ What makes chiropractic different?

Chiropractors are holistic in their approach to patient management. What this means is that chiropractors are trained to detect, diagnose and treat the cause of an ailment or pain and not the symptoms.

Pain is the last symptom of dysfunction, so you don’t have to have symptoms for your body to be in survival mode. Chiropractic corrects the dysfunction before it becomes a problem perfectly putting the saying “Prevention is better than cure” into practice.

+ What’s the popping sound heard during an adjustment?

The pop that may be heard during an adjustment is called a cavitation. No bones are “put back in place” or cracked” as many people think. The cavitation heard is due to small cavities of air forming within the joint fluid and then rapidly collapsing, producing a sharp sound.

+ Does Chiropractic treatment hurt?

No! Chiropractic shouldn't hurt. At times you may feel pressure when applied to a tender joint or muscle. But once the adjustment is performed, you shouldn’t feel any pain.

+ Does my Medical Aid cover Chiropractic care?

Yes, most medical aid schemes cover chiropractic care, but to ensure you are fully covered, please contact your medical aid provider to make sure.