Edinburgh Chiropractic Clinic | Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is chiropractic care suggested during pregnancy?

A woman’s body goes through many changes during pregnancy putting more or different strains on the ligaments and joints especially in the pelvis area. Those changes include the softening of the ligaments, weight increase and changes to posture. This can lead to additional pressure on joints in various parts of the body, including the spine and pelvis.

Our Clinical Director Jayne L Brassington is one of only a few chiropractors in Scotland to have obtained a degree in Clinical Chiropractic Paediatrics and Pregnancy (DICCP), Palmer College, USA. She is highly and specifically trained in a wide variety of chiropractic techniques to help manage the stresses of pregnancy on the body. She uses safe, gentle techniques that are suitable for babies, children and mothers-to-be.

We are affiliated with the Pelvic Partnership, a non-profit organisation helping women who suffer from pelvic pain during or after carrying a baby.

We are also affiliated with the Breast-feeding society, baby sensory and hypnobirthing associations and offer support, help and nutritional advice and testing for mums and mums-to-be.

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Edinburgh Chiropractic Clinic: Dr Jayne L Brassington FAQs

Dr Jayne Brassington answers all your questions about chiropractic, treatment, and our team.

What is "Chiropractic"?

Chiropractors are qualified health professionals who offer treatment for problems with the bones, joints and muscles that support the body (the "musculoskeletal system").

Problems may occur as a result of accidents, illness, poor posture, lack of exercise, sports injury - or simply everyday wear and tear. These problems tend to cause pressure on the nerves in the body.

Chiropractors treat a wide variety of conditions, including back, neck or joint pain and conditions arising from sports injury. They also treat headaches caused by neck problems, as well as helping patients with migraine prevention. Although chiropractors do not administer or prescribe drugs or perform surgery, they may counsel patients on exercise, self-help, diet and lifestyle. Some may also offer rehabilitation programmes.

Chiropractors are trained to recognise when chiropractic treatment will not help a medical condition, and will refer a patient to a GP when necessary.

All chiropractors in the UK must be registered by law with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) and meet these requirements:

A degree in chiropractic (recognised by us)
No health issues that may prevent safe treatment
Valid indemnity insurance
A commitment to maintain their skills and knowledge.

From the Scottish Chiropractic Association:

Chiropractic is Safe.

Chiropractic is Natural.

Chiropractic looks to Correct the Underlying Cause of the Problem.

How do I know if it's a chiropractor I need to see?

During the initial consultation the chiropractor will do all medical and chiropractic diagnostic tests necessary to help determine the cause of the presenting problem. Your current presentation, past medical history and lifestyle will be taken into consideration.

All types of signs, symptoms and general health are considered before recommending care. Careful, thorough investigation is paramount for the best outcome measures for our patients.

Although chiropractors do not administer or prescribe drugs or perform surgery, they may counsel patients on exercise, self-help, diet and lifestyle. Some may also offer rehabilitation programmes.

Chiropractors are trained to recognise when chiropractic treatment will not help a medical condition, and will refer a patient to a GP when necessary.

Can I simply make an appointment or do I need a referral from a GP?

Chiropractors are not part of the NHS services in the UK but they are considered primary health practitioners. There is no need to have a referral from any other health professional to attend the chiropractor.

Chiropractors are highly skilled clinicians. They are qualified to a high level and are experienced in diagnostic techniques and in some cases, ours particularly, experienced with the taking and diagnosis of radiographs (X-ray films). In the best interest of patients, the chiropractor may decide to refer to other healthcare professionals if necessary.

What type of problems do people see chiropractors for?

Typical everyday problems that we see on a daily basis include…

Lower back / Pelvic pain and stiffness
Neck pain and stiffness
Sporting injuries
Mid back pain and stiffness
Wrist pain
Slipped or Herniated discs
Tennis / Golfers elbow

Headaches / Migraines
Joint pain and stiffness
Shoulder / Elbow pain
Pain between shoulder blades
Pins and needles / numbness / weakness
Hip / Groin pain
Knee / Ankle pain

Certain specialist chiropractors also treat pregnant mothers and provide paediatric care for newborns, babies and young children as they develop their musculoskeletal systems in early childhood.

If your symptom(s) do not appear on the list please call (0131 538 32 86 or 01382 220242) or email us. Our chiropractic team will be more than willing to discuss this with you.

Visit our Services & Treatments page for further info.

How long will it take to get better?

The time scale of healing is different for everyone. The factors that need to be addressed are:

Your age
The presenting complaint and complications.
Lifestyle including work environment (we offer ergonomic advice and can provide letters for employers to address your work conditions)
Compliance to treatment and advise
Previous history and prognosis of injuries/accidents

However, the sooner a problem is presented, the sooner the problem can be dealt with accordingly. Our patients get the best results when they follow the care plan and advice given.

How much will it cost?

We provide discount rates for students and concessions. We offer significant discounts for bulk prepayment of 12 to 36 visits.

Visit our Fees page for our full payment information.

Are you recognised by health insurance companies?

We are recognised by most major insurance companies; however always ask prior to care. Visit our Fees & Insurance page for further details.

What are your team's qualifications?

Chiropractors have different levels of education but all must be to degree level and above. The chiropractors at Edinburgh Chiropractic Clinic are educated well over the expected level to practice and also hold post graduate degrees, specialities and masters level education. All chiropractors must be registered with their governing body and over by the UK health board.

Furthermore, in order to retain registration, a chiropractor must have ongoing education hours, continually studying best outcome measurements and treatments. This is approved every year.

Also, it is chiropractors very high level of training in the areas of neurology and orthopaedics as well as nutrition and exercise that allows each treatment to be specific for that patient.

Visit Our Team page to meet our highly qualified team and read their professional histories.

What treatment do chiropractors give?

There are over 100 different types of treatments that chiropractors can deliver from varying positions depending on your symptomology. The objective is to find the right type of treatment for each individual patient, depending on their needs.

Techniques practiced at Dundee Chiropractic Clinic are gentle, highly skilled and safe. We choose to use a range of Activator Technique, Applied Kinesiology, Diversified, Sacro-Occipital Technique and Webster Technique - just to name a few!

What’s the difference between Chiropractic and Osteopathy?

Chiropractic and osteopathy differ in their training and principles to health.

Osteopaths tend to generally manipulate large areas of the spine, whereas chiropractors are trained extensively in the nervous system and nerve function.

Chiropractors focus on specificity and will only adjust the vertebra that needs to be corrected. They are also highly trained to take and interpret x-rays which osteopaths are not.

Why do you refer to an "adjustment" rather than "manipulation"?

Adjustment is what makes chiropractic different from all other health care professions around the world. An adjustment is extremely different from a manipulation which is practiced by physical therapists and osteopaths. The adjustment is a very gentle very specific placement by hand of the vertebrae into its correct position. Adjusting the vertebrae to restore normal function removes the irritation and helps the nervous system return to normal.

As a result of the adjustment the nervous system is free to work to its maximum and allows the vital messages that the brain sends out to the body to flow freely allowing the body to be healthy. Chiropractors undergo hours of extensive training during chiropractic college to perform this art and are the only profession in the world able to deliver a specific spinal adjustment.

Will I need X-rays?

We house digital x-ray facilities at our Dundee and Fife locations to help provide accurate diagnosis. Ours chiropractors are expertly trained in the taking and reading of x-rays and the writing of professional x-ray reports. Each individual case is different. A decision may be made on your initial consultation after the case history and examination is taken. It is important to remember that we will only ever take an x-ray if it absolutely necessary for your individual case.

For some patients, x-rays are a necessity to rule out certain conditions that chiropractic cannot help. Other times, if initial examination findings are unclear, an x-ray is taken to help lead to a diagnosis or we may x-ray after a few sessions if progression is limited. The main reasons chiropractors take x-rays are for your safety, to assess the condition of the spine, to check for congenital anomalies and to assess for any degeneration within the spine.

Is chiropractic safe for babies?

Absolutely 100% yes! At all our clinics we treat people from just a few weeks old to over 90 years old. The birth process can be such a traumatic event, having your baby’s spine and nervous system assessed as soon as you can is one of the most important things you can do for a newborn. Research shows that babies can react to treatment better than any other age group.

Is chiropractic safe for children?

Again, yes absolutely! The human body is constantly changing during the first 20 years of life. Often these pains are described by some people as growing pains. Chiropractic is very safe and effective for children and adolescents.

Why would a newborn baby need an adjustment?

Even today’s "natural" childbirth methods can affect an infant’s spine. Preliminary studies suggest that colic, unusual crying, poor appetite, ear infections or erratic sleeping can be signs of spinal distress. Adjusting a newborn requires very specific and gentle techniques and as a rule, no more pressure than you’d use to test the ripeness of a tomato is involved.

The birth process may be the cause of our first subluxation. Then, learning to walk, ride a bike or play sports can produce so-called growing pains. Ignored, these problems may worsen until they can become more difficult to correct as an adult.

Why is chiropractic care suggested during pregnancy?

We are affiliated with the Pelvic Partnership, a non-profit organisation helping women who suffer from pelvic pain during or after carrying a baby.

We are also affiliated with the Breast-feeding society, baby sensory and hypno-birthing associations and offer support, help and nutritional advice and testing for mums and mums-to-be.

Can I get chiropractic care if I’ve had back surgery?

Yes!

Your chiropractor will avoid areas of your spine surgically modified. However, surgery may produce overcompensation in other areas of your spine. If necessary, these areas will be the focus of your chiropractic care.

Can patients with osteoporosis get chiropractic care?

Of course!

Regardless of your age, size, or condition, chiropractic care can be helpful. The specific needs of each patient are considered. If yours is not a chiropractic case, we’ll refer you to the appropriate specialist.

How many visits will I need?

This depends on a number of factors including how long you’ve had your problem, how severe it is, your lifestyle and several other factors specific to you. After your initial appointment you will be seen within the week to assess your bodies response to care. This specific timing is paramount for accurate findings.

Your chiropractor will explain to you how many visits he expects you will require and explain your strategy and care plan. Most patients get the best results if they strictly follow the care plan and advice. Generally speaking the sooner you have a problem assessed and treated the quicker you will recover.

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trends

What are the trends in chiropractic care?

Studies have shown that the demand for alternative medicine has grown significantly in the past 10 years.

With more strain on our lifestyles through poor dietary habits, sedentary work environments and relationship stresses, our need for integrative healthcare and achieving best outcome measures are vital. Consequently, chiropractic is the largest growing healthcare group in the world.

Since 2008, chiropractors are the third largest health profession in the world behind medical doctors and dentists. Although chiropractors do not administer or prescribe drugs or perform surgery, they may counsel patients about nutrition, exercise, and stress management.

cancellation

What is your cancellation policy?

Missed appointment charges are applied for any appointment not cancelled within our 24 hour cancellation policy.

To be as helpful as possible we offer an email reminder of your appointment time in line with this policy. This is an extra service we provide, in case of any technical issues please do not rely on this.

locations

Do you have different clinic locations?

Yes, we operate 3 clinics across Dundee, Fife (Glenrothes) and Central Edinburgh. All are available for appointments.

We can book appointments for all 3 clinics via phone or email.

covid-safe

Is it safe for me to visit? What covid protections are you using?

Absolutely - we run a covid-safe clinic at all times. Our staff utilise PPE throughout the clinic. A regular anti-viral and anti-bacterial cleaning schedule is in place.

virtual appointments

What virtual or covid-safe options do you offer?

We offer online consultations, as well as in-person appointments. We strictly follow all government regulatory guidance. See our COVID policy.