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 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.
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!
Expect a thorough musculoskeletal and neurological assessment, which may include:
Once your exam is complete, the chiropractor will explain:
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
Your chiropractor might give you:
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.
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.
Used by:
Hands on adjustments with a focus on very specific joint segments, sometimes guided by assessment tools.
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.
Used by:
A highly specialised adjustment using a quick, light, precise thrust followed by an immediate recoil, often on a specialised table.
Appointment
Monday – 9am to 6pm
Tuesday – 8.30am to 4.30pm
Wednesday – 9.30am to 4.30pm
Thursday – 9.15am to 6pm
Friday – 9.15am to 4.30pm
Copyright © 2025 Dore & Totley Chiropractic and Wellness Clinic