FAQ

What to expect?

At your first visit, we’ll begin by taking a detailed medical history to understand you and the area of concern. This is followed by a thorough examination, which may include checking your posture and movement, orthopaedic and neurological tests, and assessing your muscles and joints.

Once we’ve gathered all the information, we’ll explain our findings, discuss your diagnosis, and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. If further tests or scans are recommended, we’ll guide you through the next steps. Otherwise, treatment typically begins immediately.

Treatment techniques vary depending on your needs, but often include soft tissue work (such as massage) and joint mobilisation or manipulation.

Your initial consultation typically lasts 45–60 minutes, and follow-up appointments are approximately 20–30 minutes long. If it has been more than a year since your last visit, we’ll conduct a reassessment to review any changes in your health and provide additional treatment time.

Does it hurt?

Chiropractic care involves a range of techniques — including gentle joint manipulation, soft tissue work, and mobilisation — to help treat each patient most effectively. Many people feel immediate relief following a chiropractic adjustment and experience no discomfort afterwards.

It’s also quite normal to feel a little tender after treatment, especially following soft tissue work. This is similar to what athletes refer to as Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) — the mild ache or stiffness you may experience after exercise. This post-treatment soreness doesn’t happen to everyone, but when it does, it’s a completely normal response and usually subsides within one to two days.

All of our chiropractors complete additional training each year, which includes learning and refining a wide range of techniques. This means that if there’s ever a particular treatment approach you’re not comfortable with, please let us know — there’s almost always an alternative option that can be just as effective.

What is that popping sound?

During a chiropractic adjustment, you may hear a popping sound. This popping sound is called a cavitation. Chiropractors will perform an adjustment to align and mobilise a joint, which involves movement. Within a joint, there are lots of different structures, one of which is fluid to lubricate the joint. Sometimes, due to a change in pressure, gases are released into this area; therefore, an increase in force on this structure during an adjustment may result in a slight pop. Although cavitations are safe and commonly heard during treatment, they are not necessary, and sometimes a pop may not be audible. A chiropractor will primarily be looking for a change in joint mobility.

How many treatments do I need?

The number of treatments needed varies from person to person, as every condition and individual heals at a different rate. Some people feel significant improvement after just one session, while others may benefit from a longer course of care.

Your chiropractor will discuss what’s recommended for your specific situation and guide you through each stage of your recovery. Following any aftercare advice and exercises provided can also help speed up your progress and support long-term results.

Is it safe?

Chiropractic is a non-invasive and highly safe healthcare profession. Chiropractors are governed and regulated in a manner similar to that of medical doctors and dentists, ensuring the highest standards of safety for both patients and practitioners.

Chiropractic training in the UK involves a 4–5 year full-time, evidence-based degree that covers a wide range of subjects, including radiology, anatomy, physiology, neurophysiology, and pathology. Students must also pass rigorous clinical entrance and exit exams to demonstrate competence before qualifying.

All UK chiropractic programmes are accredited by the General Chiropractic Council (GCC). To remain registered and continue practising, chiropractors must complete annual continuing professional development (CPD) to maintain and enhance their skills.

Is it safe to have treatment while pregnant?

Yes, chiropractic care is safe and gentle during pregnancy when carried out by a qualified chiropractor. All of our chiropractors are trained to treat patients safely and effectively, including those who are pregnant.

In addition, Sarah and Sian have completed extra specialist training in Pregnancy, Postpartum, Neonatal, and Paediatric Chiropractic Care, so you can feel confident you’re in experienced hands.

What additional course do you take?

As chiropractors, we are required to complete at least 30 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) annually. This ensures we’re always learning, refining our skills, and keeping up to date with the latest developments in chiropractic care.

Each of our chiropractors has their own special areas of interest and has completed a variety of additional training courses. If there’s something specific you’re looking for — or a particular approach you’d like to know more about — please don’t hesitate to ask us or get in touch. We’re always happy to discuss how we can best support your needs.

Can anyone call themselves a chiropractor?

No, to become a chiropractor takes 4-5 years, depending on your entry route. Due to the extensive nature of the course, the title “Doctor of Chiropractic” is protected by law under the 1994 Chiropractors Act. In the UK, all chiropractors must be registered with the General Chiropractic Council. You can verify our registration (or anyone else’s) on that link.

Do I need a referral from a GP?

No, you don’t need a GP referral to see a chiropractor — you can book an appointment directly with us.

How quickly will I be seen?

We’ll always do our best to offer you an appointment as soon as possible. As a busy clinic, appointments are generally available on a first-come, first-served basis, so you may be lucky to get a same-day slot — especially with Sian or James.

Our Principal Chiropractor, Sarah, is often booked up well in advance, so we recommend booking early if you’d like to see her specifically, as same-day appointments are quite rare.

We also offer a cancellation list, and if you’re in pain, we always advise booking with the first available chiropractor so you can be seen and start feeling better as soon as possible.

Do you have a cancellation policy?

Yes — as a busy clinic, we often have patients waiting for appointments, sometimes in pain and hoping to be seen sooner. When an appointment is missed or cancelled late, it directly deprives another patient of the opportunity to receive the care they need.

We kindly ask for at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations or missed appointments will incur a 50% treatment fee. This policy helps us keep appointments available for those who need them most.

Can I claim through my health insurance?

We are registered with AXA, Aviva and WPA.

**Please note that for AXA patients, the new patient consultation fee is £50, and subsequent treatment fees are £40. **

** Patients can claim back 10 sessions per year. AXA patients must provide their membership number and authorisation code at their appointment **

What payment do you accept?

We accept cash and all major cards, including American Express.