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Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic Care and Osteopathy

Active Release London

Q. What exactly is chiropractic care?

A: Chiropractors have traditionally been seen as mainly dealing with the spine, however, they now pride themselves on being at the forefront of the treatment and diagnosis of most types of neuro-musculoskeletal conditions. They make use of techniques and diagnostic tools to identify where your body needs attention and make gentle adjustments to relieve your body from pain.

David Daniel Palmer developed chiropractic in 1895. He believed the nervous system was responsible for the integrity of ones health.

Q. What is Osteopathy?

A: Osteopathy traditionally used longer lever techniques when treating the body and also looked at the inter-relatedness of all the systems, including the viscera or internal organs of the body to help with treating aches and strains.

The field of osteopathy has evolved by leaps and bounds. The understanding of the human body has resulted in new and innovative ways to achieve pain relief that we apply here in our office.

Andrew Taylor Still developed the first school of osteopathy in 1892. He believed the circulatory system was the most important system for maintaining ones health.

Q: What are the similarities between chiropractic care and osteopathy?

A: Both the treatments are all natural, hands-on approaches to healing that are regulated by law. There are far more similarities than differences. In a similar fashion to Coke and Pepsi, some people prefer chiropractic care and some prefer osteopathy.

At ActiveBacks our practitioners practice from the same principles and enjoy working as part of a team for the full benefit of our patients. We would also recommend using either chiropractic or osteopathy to improve your health rather than Coke or Pepsi any day of the week!

Q: Are you covered by insurance?

A: We are covered by some health insurance companies. To be precise about a particular insurance company and practitioner, please check with your insurance provider regarding your specific plan. Our support staff can help you by providing our provider numbers when needed.

Some of the larger insurance companies no longer allow patients to pay the difference between what their policy covers and what the treatment fee is. We no longer accept those companies for this reason.

Q: Will I be treated on my first visit?

A: Maybe. Each patient is unique with a unique case history and a unique set of signs and symptoms, so it’s impossible to know if we’ll be able to treat you on your first visit until we’ve seen you. Depending on your health needs, we’ll form a care plan for you. During your first visit, the main concern is to find the root of your problems, and get to know your needs.

Once we’ve collated your findings we determine the treatment schedule that would give you the best results.

Q: Do you work with patients individually or as a team?

A: At ActiveBacks, we believe in working as a team, both in-house with our combined chiropractic and osteopathy skills as well as with any other member of your healthcare team. We have a network of many highly skilled Pilates instructors, Personal Trainers and coaches that can work jointly with our patients and us.

We also know the importance of patient-practitioner continuity of care so we will usually have one practitioner that will oversee the management of your case.

Q: Is care at ActiveBacks a lifelong process?

A: You’re the boss! The nature of involvement in the practice is completely up to you. Getting adjustments and releases done is a sure way of beating stress-related problems. People prefer to come in again and again because they have reaped benefits out of the care.

Like a gym routine and a nutrition programme, healthcare can be a continuous process if you want to maintain that balanced, good feeling it gives you. Ultimately it depends on your lifestyle factors and the type of issues you present with, either way you can discuss with your practitioner what makes most sense for you.

We find it just as rewarding working with our patients on short-term goals as well as the long-term ones. Bottom line, we’re here to help you.

Q. What are the costs?

A. Depending on who you see at the practice, the initial consultation ranges from £140-£175, and follow up treatment ranges from £95-£130.

We will be able to let you know what number and frequency of treatment you will need after we have assessed your case. This will usually be at your report of findings appointment at which time you will usually get treated once you are happy to get started.

Q. Can I be seen outside of your normal clinic hours?

A. Out of hours appointments may be available depending on the practitioners’ availability for an additional surcharge on top of the normal appointment fee, and is strictly subject to availability.

If you would like an out of hours appointment to better fit your schedule simply check with the clinic assistant when you call.

Call today to get your queries answered about leading a healthy life, free from stress and pain.