Complementary care,focus on Chiropractic

Tone Tellefsen Hughes

BSc, DC, FCC(paeds), FAEC (paeds)

October 2008

Thomas Edison 1847-1931

• “The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease”

Health Triad

Chiropractic and Cranial careSports therapy

Podiatry/Chiropody

Stress- managementHypnotherapyAromatherapyReflexologyRelaxation  

Nutrition Reflexology

At Luck’s Yard Clinic we work as a team.

Aromatherapy

Chiropractic care

Chiropractic care is the most common form of complementary

health care in the world

What is Chiropractic care?

• “Chiropractic is a health care profession which specialises in the diagnosis and treatments of conditions which are due to mechanical dysfunction of the joints and their affects on the nervous system”

Chiropractic history

• It is 113 years old, and originated in USA 1895

• The founder was D.D. Palmer• The word Chiropractic originates

from • “Chiro” - Hands, “Practice” - To do

“Correct spinal alignment is essential for a healthy body, mind and spirit”

D.D Palmer

How we may get back pain

• Accidents/ trauma• Poor diet• Repetitive strain (micro-trauma)• Poor posture• Lack of exercise

Joint mal alignment may cause

• Local and referred pain• Local inflammation/swelling• Restricted joint and body movement• Impingement of local and peripheral

nerves

Painful symptoms are a warning sign!

• Don’t ignore pain! • Listen to your body • The sooner you get advice the faster

the recovery.

The role of the Chiropractor

• Identify each patients biomechanical profile.

• Tailor an individual treatment protocol to support this need.

• Educate

Chiropractic care

• Does not involve the use of any drugs or surgery.

• Primary health care practitioners• No need for GP referral• Covered by all major health insurance

companies

First visitWe always take a careful case history

to ascertain:

• The present situation• Past and present medical history• Injuries and previous traumas• Family history, nutrition and hobbies• Work situation

• Global and spinal mobility,

• Postural alignment

• Orthopaedic tests

• Neurological evaluation

First visit

Every patient receives a full examination:

Report of Findings Before we start any treatment we discuss

and explain:

• Our findings• Suggested treatment• Initial side effects• Prognosis/treatment plan• Followed by written

consent for treatment

Initial Symptoms

• Initial but short lived soreness and tenderness is normal. “Healing crisis”

• Symptoms may initially peak. • Mobility will improve prior to pain relief.• Initial tiredness.• Feeling lighter/calmer.

Respect the healing process

Initially:• Avoid prolonged sitting, standing, lifting,

manual work and strenuous exercise.• Gentle active movement (walking).• Try ice, for analgesic and anti-

inflammatory support.

Postural advice

• Ergonomic/work station• Driving the car• Gardening• Sitting/ standing• Lifting• Travel• Sleeping

Chiropractic management

• Involves safe and gentle adjustments by hand to free joints that are not functioning properly.

• and• Mobilisation, soft tissue work,

stretching, trigger point work and advice on posture/exercises.

The adjustment need to be specific with regards to:

• Velocity (speed)• Amplitude (depth)• Direction

An increase in spinal mobility can therefore help to:

• Get out of bed• Get in and out of a car• Gardening,• Look after grand children. • Playing bowls • Improve the golf swing • Touch your toes….

Nearly half of all Chiropractic patients in

the world are over the age of 65.