Chiropractic care
Individual assessment and manual treatment of the musculoskeletal system
Chiropractic techniques may be considered for certain complaints involving joints, muscles and movement. Before treatment, we discuss your symptoms, medical history and goals, and check for possible contraindications. Treatment is only provided when it is appropriate for the individual case.
Possible treatment goals include:
- Supporting mobility of the spine and other joints
- Reducing muscular tension
- Supporting the management of certain neck, back or joint complaints
- Improving confidence in everyday movement
Responses to treatment vary from person to person. Chiropractic care does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. If your symptoms require further investigation or fall outside our scope of practice, we will recommend consultation with an appropriate medical professional.
The Ackermann concept
The concept developed by Swedish physician Dr P. W. Ackermann combines elements of structural osteopathy with gentle chiropractic techniques. It considers the spine and pelvis as functionally connected structures. After an individual assessment, precise manual techniques may be used to influence restricted joints and the surrounding muscular tension.
Complaints for which an individual assessment may be useful include:
- • Neck pain
- • Upper or lower back pain
- • Sciatic-type complaints
- • Hip, knee or shoulder pain
- • Tennis elbow and other joint-related complaints
- • Muscular tension and restricted movement
- • Acute lower-back pain (lumbago)
- • Headaches that may be associated with the musculoskeletal system
Not every complaint is suitable for chiropractic treatment. Symptoms such as persistent numbness, visual disturbances, tinnitus, breathing-related pain or severe and unexplained pain require appropriate medical assessment before manual treatment is considered.
Does a chiropractor put joints back into place?
No. Chiropractic adjustment is not the same as relocating a dislocated joint. The aim is to improve the function and mobility of a joint that has become restricted. A true dislocation, particularly involving the spine, is a medical emergency and is not treated in the practice.
Can treatment make the joints loose?
Correctly selected techniques are applied in a controlled and targeted manner. They are directed at joints with restricted function and are not intended to overstretch healthy joints.
Are several appointments necessary?
This depends on the complaint, its duration and the individual response to treatment. Muscles, connective tissue and movement patterns may need time to adapt. We discuss the expected course after the assessment and review progress regularly.
Why consider chiropractic care?
Chiropractic care is one possible conservative approach for selected musculoskeletal complaints. The appropriate treatment depends on the findings, your health history and your goals. Where useful, it may be combined with physiotherapy, exercise and advice for everyday activity.
Is chiropractic care safe?
As with any manual treatment, chiropractic techniques can have side effects and risks. We select techniques individually, take contraindications into account and explain the planned treatment beforehand.
What causes the popping sound?
Some techniques may produce a popping sound. This is commonly associated with a change in pressure and the release of gas within a joint; it is not the sound of bones breaking. A sound is not necessary for treatment to be effective.
When is chiropractic treatment not appropriate?
Chiropractic techniques may be unsuitable in cases such as advanced osteoporosis, acute fractures, certain inflammatory rheumatic diseases, congenital abnormalities, bone metastases or other serious underlying conditions. The decision is always based on the individual assessment; medical clarification may be required before treatment.
