FAQs
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At Caley Chiropractic
Why Caley Chiropractic?
Caley Chiropractic is a family-run chiropractic practice and all of our patients receive individual and personalised care, with the full support of our team throughout. At Caley Chiropractic we use the Gonstead system and we specialise in applying this approach to all aspects of care. Dr Caley himself has been in practice for 10 years, exclusively using the Gonstead system, most recently at the Gonstead Clinic U.K. on world-famous Harley Street, London, U.K.
Why Caley Chiropractic?
Why is the word “health” written as “HEALth” throughout Caley Chiropractic?
True HEALth is your body being able to adapt to its surroundings at all times. If your body has the ability to HEAL itself, this shows a great level of adaptability.
Think HEALthy; think “is my body able to HEAL?”
Why is the word “health” written as “HEALth” throughout Caley Chiropractic?
What can I expect during my first visit?
Your initial visit will consist of a chat with Dr Caley about some of your HEALth goals and what you feel some of your concerns may be. This is followed by a thorough Chiropractic examination where we check how well your spine is moving and how well your nerves are functioning - this page will help you to understand the Gonstead method of assessment.
What can I expect during my first visit?
If X-Rays have been taken, Dr Caley will go through these with you once your area of concern has been established. You will then receive your first adjustment, if appropriate. Ladies will be asked to remove clothing from their top half and given a gown to wear (there is no need to remove shorts or trousers in the majority of cases), and gentlemen will be asked to remove their shirts.
How many appointments will I need?
This question is very important - and the first thing we all want to know when wondering whether to consult any healthcare provider.
The honest answer is that it depends on 3 things:
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How long the dysfunction has been there
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How HEALthy your body is in it’s capacity to HEAL
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What you are looking for (it takes longer to truly correct a problem than to get out of pain for example)
How many appointments will I need?
These are all completely different for every individual. This is why, at Caley Chiropractic, we will never give you long term generic care plans. Your care is catered to you.
Does the adjustment or the assessment hurt?
When gently pressing into an inflamed area during assessment you will experience a similar tenderness as when pressing onto a bruise. Chiropractic adjustments themselves are quick and generally painless.
Does the adjustment or the assessment hurt?
Do you always take X-rays?
X-rays are invaluable and a great way to be accurate about your HEALthcare. They aid us in being specific about your concern as well as the best way to correct it. That said, X-rays are not always taken, and we only order X-rays when clinically necessary on a patient-to-patient basis.
Do you always take X-rays?
I have an MRI scan, does this replace an X-ray?
MRI scans are highly beneficial when looking for soft tissue injury, or the severity or type of damage done to structures. MRI scans are generally taken while lying down and so are ineffective at assessing the spinal posture and biomechanics. If Dr Caley does require an X-ray of you, this is for a different reason from why one would require an MRI. This is typically because an MRI scan is taken whilst you are lying down, whereas a stand-up X-ray helps to evaluate the spine whilst in a gravity environment.
I have an MRI scan, does this replace an X-ray?
Is there an age limit (high or low) to those who can/should receive chiropractic care?
At Caley Chiropractic we assess and adjust those in all stages of life - from birth, through pregnancy, illness, after traumas and post-surgery - through to the elderly. There is no limit to those who can benefit from an optimally functioning spine and nerve system.
Is there an age limit (high or low) to those who can/should receive chiropractic care?
What is the popping sound?
The cavitation or “pop” which we all associate with a joint moving is the production and collapse of an air bubble which is created due to the change in pressure within the joint. It is not bones clunking against bones and it does not indicate that anything damaging or sinister is occurring.
What is the popping sound?
Why do children see chiropractors?
Chiropractic is about making sure we have the best possible communication between the brain and the body. What better time is there to make sure of optimum connection than when our brains and bodies are developing? As children we undergo traumas starting at (and often before) birth, which only increase as we grow up and start to crawl and walk and play. Getting the spine checked for potential subluxations may allow us to correct an issue before it arises.
Why do children see chiropractors?
I have had back surgery, can I still see you?
Absolutely! The fact that you required surgery in the first place illustrates that there has been a long standing problem, and the fact that you’re still looking for help shows that it is clearly not resolved. Gonstead Chiropractic care is specific, accurate and gentle. We can work around and cater your adjustment for you. Dr Caley himself has taken care of people who are wheelchair bound and paralysed.
I have had back surgery, can I still see you?
Will you adjust someone diagnosed with osteoporosis/osteopenia?
Yes. Our assessment and adjustments are catered for each individual, whatever their HEALth status may be. The perfect adjustment for one person may be very different to the perfect adjustment for the next.
Will you adjust someone diagnosed with osteoporosis
/osteopenia?
Can someone attend my appointment with me?
For many reasons, patients often like people to accompany them on their first visit, or throughout their consultations with Caley Chiropractic. This is welcomed by our team, and, in fact, encouraged! Our rooms have ample space for other attendees and our reception area is comfortable for guests to wait outside if they are merely accompanying someone to help them attend the practice. If you have specific mobility or access needs, do contact us and we will work with you to understand your requirements.
Can someone attend my appointment with me?
Do you share information with my doctor?
We are happy and willing to share your information with others in your HEALthcare team. This will only be done with express written consent or request from you, as the patient.
Do you share information with my doctor?
Chiropractic
accumulation of macro and micro traumas experienced through life. These can be traumas of all kinds: physical, chemical and emotional. Such traumas, in isolation or combination, cause more damage than your body is able to fight against and spinal subluxations can be the result.
What caused this in the first place?
What caused this in the first place?
This is a very common question and obviously an important one to know to avoid future recurrence. Unfortunately, to fully answer this question we would have had to follow you through your whole life and assess every stress your body has not optimally adapted to. Generally speaking, however, spinal subluxations occur from your body’s inability to effectively adapt to an
Has my disc slipped?
A disc cannot “slip”. This is a common term used by both laymen and other healthcare professionals. Many different types of injuries can occur to a disc, the important thing is finding out exactly where the problem is, and whether the specific disc injury in question is due to subluxation (a spinal bone misaligning and not moving well, impeding nerve function). This is what the specificity of assessment and adjustment within the Gonstead system allows us to do.
Has my disc slipped?
I’ve heard that once you start seeing a chiropractor you always have to go. Is that true?
This is a common misconception. At Caley Chiropractic your HEALth is our main priority. Whilst many people may initially visit us with some form of a complaint they require ”help” with, most people choose to continue individualised periodic check ups once they have experienced the wonderful “side effects” of having a better functioning nerve system. This is similar to going to the gym, you do not always have to go once you join, but once you do, you realise the benefits of being proactive with your health.
I’ve heard that once you start seeing a chiropractor you always have to go.
Is that true?
What can I do to help?
Should I use ice or heat?
Should I use ice or heat?
This is one of the most common questions asked by new patients at our practice. Both heat and cooling have benefits at different times, but due to the nature of spinal subluxations involving inflammation in the disc, ice is always recommended over heat when receiving chiropractic care, unless advised otherwise.
What position is best to sleep in?
What position is best to sleep in?
This tends to be person specific as well as doctor specific. Both sleeping on your side and back have their own benefits for different reasons. Sleeping on your stomach is never advised, and if this is your preferred position it is recommended to break this habit and change positions as soon as possible. Do ask us if you would like to understand more here.
What exercises or stretches should I do?
Neither are advised until the source of your complaint has been located. Walking for short periods, a few times per day is advised if you feel that this helps to alleviate some of the discomfort. If you would like to know more about the specific exercises recommended for you, these will be completely individual and can be discussed with Dr Caley during your visits.