Chiropractic Explained

Although the general public perception of Chiropractic is spinal manipulation, similar to that of osteopathy, there are actually many different treatment approaches utilised by chiropractors. Over 100 chiropractic techniques have been recognised within the chiropractic profession, ranging from strong force applications to gentle touches. We are thus able to adapt our approach to suit the most appropriate requirement for your condition. Some of the Chiropractic techniques we utilise are SOT, NSA and ART.

Chiropractic is an approved and regulated profession.

In the UK to use the title "chiropractor" practitioners must be registered with the General Chiropractic Council.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2" css=".vc_custom_1510759245426{background-image: url(http://www.cirencesterchiropractic.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Depositphotos_43325009_original.jpg?id=28852) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="40px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=".vc_custom_1510757487732{padding-right: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;padding-left: 30px !important;background-color: #abc4d3 !important;}"][vc_column][vc_column_text]

The following are two commonly accepted definitions of Chiropractic.

[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner equal_height="yes" gap="30"][vc_column_inner width="1/2" css=".vc_custom_1510757230403{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-right: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;padding-left: 30px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}"][vc_column_text]1) A health profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, and the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health. There is an emphasis on manual treatments including spinal adjustment and other joint and soft tissue manipulation.

World Federation of Chiropractic, 2001.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2" css=".vc_custom_1510757246976{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-right: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;padding-left: 30px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}"][vc_column_text]2) Chiropractic is a healthcare profession that focuses on diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, with special emphasis on the spine. It emphasises manual therapy including spinal manipulation and other joint and soft-tissue manipulation, and includes exercises, and health and lifestyle counselling.

Endorsed by the General Chiropractic Council code of practice.
Endorsed by the Committee of Advertising Practice, (CAP) codes.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="40px"][vc_tta_tabs][vc_tta_section title="SOT" tab_id="sacro-occipital-technique"][vc_column_text]

Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT)

SOT pays detailed attention to how different parts of your body connect, reciprocate and coordinate. Consideration of these interactions is central to both the diagnostic and treatment aspects of SOT, resulting in a better understanding of the integrated function of our different body parts is achieved. SOT adjustments may be gently administered, some utilising the force of gravity and others with very light pressure. More traditional adjusting and therapeutic interventions may also be used, but SOT treatments are always very specific to your individual needs.

Only through many hundreds of hours of study and hands-on experience are we able to utilise this technique to its fullest and pass these benefits onto to you and your family.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title="NSA" tab_id="network-spinal-analysis"][vc_column_text]

Network Spinal Analysis (NSA)

Network Spinal Analysis (NSA) is a relatively new chiropractic technique that has already generated a lot of interest within the Chiropractic Profession, and has produced some unrivalled research in regard to outcomes.

NSA has been practiced at Cirencester Chiropractic Centre since 1994 and is currently provided by Franziska Bockenheimer and Alastair Atkinson.

NSA care is suitable for all. Like other forms and techniques of treatment however, in our experience, some people seem to suit certain approaches more favourably than others.

For more details please see References & Further Reading[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title="ART" tab_id="active-release-technique"][vc_column_text]

Active Release Technique (ART)

ART treatment consists of the Chiropractor using his or her hands to evaluate the texture, tightness and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension with very specific patient movements. The length of treatment time and frequency may vary depending on the severity and complexity of the condition. However, as it is well tolerated, most patients recover quickly.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title="Cranial" tab_id="cranial"][vc_column_text]

Cranial

The difference between Cranial Osteopathy and Cranial Chiropractic

Craniopathy, or the study of dysfunction related to the skull was pioneered early in the 20th century by the Chiropractor and developer of Sacro-Occipital Technique, Major Bertrand de Jarnette.

Sutherland DO was developing cranial osteopathy around the same era. Cranial Osteopathy developed to become increasingly gentle pressure, applied only to the external skull, in its method of analysis and correction.

De Jarnette however realised that the connection of the dural membranes (part of the meninges - membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.) to the sacrum bone in the pelvis was of crucial importance. He discovered that by stabilising the function of the pelvis first, more extensive cranial work could be applied successfully.

The eminent neurosurgeon, Alf Brieg MD, who systematically studied the biomechanical (movement and positional), influences affecting the nervous system, further verified the importance of the relationship between skeletal structure and the dural membranes in his work.

The majority of cranial work within chiropractic was developed within De Jarnette’s SOT organisation.

The SOT organisations, SORSI (Sacro-Occipital Research Society International) in the USA, and SOTO Europe (Sacro-Occipital Technique Organisation) teach and examine the study of cranial work leading to a certification in Craniopathy, hence a Craniopath is a practitioner who has gained this certification.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title="Chiropractic Neurology" tab_id="neurology"][vc_column_text]

Chiropractic Neurology

Alastair is a strong believer in the benefits of Chiropractic Neurology as a system of assessing and treating the conditions that people commonly come to chiropractors for. He has pursued postgraduate study with a number of chiropractic neurologists, including the highly regarded Ted Carrick of the Carrick Institute.

Alastair takes time to train and educate his associates in his areas of specialist knowledge, experience and expertise. As such, our chiropractors use chiropractic neurology to help diagnose and treat your condition.[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title="References" tab_id="references"][vc_column_text]

References

Listed below are references for the content found within the Chiropractic section of our website.

The Physician's Clinical Reference Manual.: 7th edition, Dr R Cass Ph.D 1994.

Chiropractic Anatomy and Physiology of Sacro Occipital Technique: J. Howat D.C, D.I.C.S, F.I.C.S, F.C.C 1999.
Adverse Mechanical Tension in the Central Nervous System: A.Breig M.D 1978.

Practice Leaflet References:

Medical Doctors and chiropractors study for the same number of hours to achieve their (respective) degrees.

GMC Tomorrow's Drs 2009 P83

G.C.C. Degree Recognition Criteria. 2010 P20

Research conducted by the Medical research Council (an independent government backed body) found Chiropractic to be the most effective treatment for low back pain when compared to osteopathy, hospital outpatient care and physiotherapy.

BMJ 1990; 300; 1431 - 1437

BMJ 1995; 311; 349

References for info and advice section (on sitting, standing, disc pressures etc)

Nachemson A, Elfstrom G. Intravital dynamic pressure measurements in Lumbar discs. Scand J Rehabil Med Suppl. 1970; 1 - 40

Andersson BJ, Ortengren R Lumbar disc pressure and myoelectric back muscle activity during sitting. Scan J Rehabil Med 1974; 6 (3): 115 - 21

Occhipinti E, et al. Sitting posture: analysis of lumbar stresses with upper limbs supported. Ergonomics. 1985 Sep; 28 (9): 1333 - 46[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_tabs][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Chiropractic Explained