Dore & Totley Chiropractic & Wellness Clinic

Chiropractic Services

About Chiropractic

Chiropractors are qualified healthcare professionals who assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of conditions affecting the joints, muscles, and soft tissues—particularly those involving the spine and their influence on the nervous system.

Chiropractic care can provide a variety of benefits, including relief from pain and discomfort, improved mobility, and reduced disability related to musculoskeletal problems.

Chiropractors use a broad range of treatment techniques. They are best known for manual therapies such as spinal and joint manipulation (often called “adjustments”), but may also employ other hands-on or instrument-assisted methods.

In addition to treatment, many chiropractors offer lifestyle advice and tailored exercises to help patients manage their condition. This may include guidance on nutrition, posture, and stress management.

Before beginning any treatment, a chiropractor will carry out a thorough assessment to determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your condition and which techniques are likely to be most effective. Chiropractors are trained to identify when chiropractic treatment is not suitable and will refer you to your General Practitioner or another healthcare professional if necessary.

Your first visit | What we treat | Treatments explained

What to expect on your first visit

Your initial chiropractic appointment focuses on assessment before any treatment begins.

Your chiropractor will start by discussing your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and goals. You’ll be asked about when the pain began, its location, what aggravates or relieves it, any previous injuries, current medications, and daily habits. This helps identify possible causes and rule out non-musculoskeletal conditions.

A physical examination will then follow, assessing posture, gait, range of motion, joint and muscle tension, and nerve function. Blood pressure and other relevant clinical tests may also be performed. Further investigations or referrals may be recommended if necessary to ensure a complete understanding of your condition.

Once the assessment is complete, your chiropractor will explain their findings, outline a working diagnosis, and discuss suitable treatment options — such as chiropractic adjustments, exercises, or other therapies. They’ll also explain any associated benefits, risks, and alternative options, such as referral to your GP.

Together, you’ll agree on a personalised care plan, ensuring no treatment proceeds without your informed consent.

If time allows and both you and your chiropractor agree that immediate treatment is appropriate, care may begin during your first visit. Follow-up sessions will be scheduled as needed.

To make the most of your appointment, wear comfortable clothing and bring along details of your symptoms, medications, and any questions you may have. We want you to feel at ease—if you have any specific needs or accessibility requirements, please let us know in advance so we can make suitable arrangements.

Initial Consultation & Health History

Your Chiropractor will start by asking about your main concerns (pain, stiffness, injury, etc.) They will also carry out a review of your medical history, medications, surgeries, and lifestyle habits. Along with discussing any previous imaging (such as X-rays or MRIs) if available. All of this information is essential in enabling the chiropractor to determine whether chiropractic care is safe and appropriate for you!

Physical Examination

Expect a thorough musculoskeletal and neurological assessment, which may include:

  • Posture evaluation - checking for uneven shoulders, hips, or spinal curves
  • Range of motion tests - asking you to bend, twist, or move in certain ways
  • Palpation - feeling your spine, muscles, and joints for tightness or misalignment
  • Reflex, muscle strength, or sensory testing if nerve irritation is suspected

Diagnosis & Treatment Plan

Once your exam is complete, the chiropractor will explain:

  • What they believe is causing your symptoms;
  • #treatmentsWhether chiropractic care can help;
  • What kind of treatment plan they recommend (frequency, techniques, goals).
  • You will then have a chance to ask questions and discuss any concerns before beginning treatment.

First Adjustment (If Appropriate)

If it is safe and if you agree and if time allows, your chiropractor will perform your first adjustment during this visit. You will lie on a padded table. The chiropractor applies a controlled, quick thrust to specific joints. You may hear a popping or cracking sound, this is just gas releasing from the joint, not bones breaking. Most people feel relief, lightness, or greater mobility afterward, though mild soreness can occur

Post-Treatment Advice

Your chiropractor might give you:

  • Stretches or exercises to do at home
  • Ergonomic or posture tips for work and sleep
  • Recommendations on heat, ice, or lifestyle changes
  • They will also schedule follow-up visits if ongoing care is needed.

What we treat

Whether you’re dealing with a sudden pain or a long-standing concern, we’re here to help. At our friendly and professional clinic, we take pride in offering honest, straightforward advice you can trust. Below is a list of the common reasons people come and see us, but if you are still unsure why not take advantage of our complimentary advice option where you can come and have a chat to see if it is the right option for you.

Common problems we can help with

Chiropractic treatments explained

Chiropractic treatment in the UK focuses on hands-on manipulation of the muscles, joints, and bones to help relieve back, neck, and joint pain. All our chiropractors are registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC), the body that regulates the profession to ensure safety and high standards of care.

Each session begins with a conversation about how you’re feeling and how your body is responding to care before any treatment is carried out.

Below, you’ll find more detail about some of the techniques our chiropractors use. If you’re interested in a particular approach, check which practitioners offer it before booking. And of course, if you have any questions, our friendly reception team will be happy to help.

Diversified chiropractic technique

Used by:

A very widely used hands‑on method using high‑velocity, low‑amplitude thrusts to restore joint motion and spinal alignment.

The Gonstead chiropractic technique

Used by:

Hands on adjustments with a focus on very specific joint segments, sometimes guided by assessment tools.

Manual muscle testing and applied kinesiology

Used by:

MMT involves applying resistance to a specific muscle or muscle group to detect neuromusculoskeletal issues. AK then expands on MMT into a holistic system, testing muscles to evaluate structural, chemical, and emotional imbalances via muscle response.

The chiropractic toggle recoil technique

Used by:

A highly specialised adjustment using a quick, light, precise thrust followed by an immediate recoil, often on a specialised table.

The Thompson drop chiropractic technique

Used by:

Uses a table with “drop pieces” that move just a small amount allowing the chiropractors thrust along with gravity to make the adjustment feel like a light vibration.

Activator technique

Used by:

Uses a small handheld spring‑loaded instrument to deliver a quick, low‑force impulse to the spine or extremity joints; often chosen for people who dislike or cannot tolerate manual thrusts.

Sacro‑occipital technique

Used by:

Uses wedge‑shaped blocks under the pelvis to influence sacrum and pelvic alignment.

Instrument‑assisted soft tissue work (e.g. Graston)

Used by:

Uses tools on muscles and fascia to break down adhesions and improve mobility.

Myofascial release

Used by:

Hands‑on pressure and stretching to release tension in fascia and tight muscles.