top of page

What is Chiropractic? – A chiropractor’s view on the two most commonly used chiropractic techniques

Chiropractic is simply a method of adjusting the bones of your body to improve your body’s alignment which helps your nervous system work more efficiently, relieving pain and discomfort and increasing mobility.


I first discovered chiropractic when I was 16 years old the GP referred me through my private health insurance due to a long term condition called scoliosis. My spine is S shaped with an exaggerated curve into my shoulder on the right side and into my lower back on the left side. I developed back pain at school after sitting for hours at my desk and carrying a heavy rucksack so needed some treatment to help relieve my discomfort. (There is no cure for scoliosis without surgery) I went to see a chiropractor using the diversified technique which is the most commonly used adjustment technique. Like many chiropractic and osteopathic manipulative techniques, diversified is characterized by a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust. Diversified is considered the most generic chiropractic manipulative technique and is differentiated from other techniques in that its objective is to restore proper movement and alignment of spine and joint dysfunction.


I found this technique very effective and felt an immediate improvement in my back pain and continued to have regular maintenance treatment to help manage my back condition. A few years later whilst at university studying a Sports Science degree, my back pain returned and this was when I discovered McTimoney Chiropractic; I went to see a chiropractor who explained that she used the McTimoney technique. Knowing nothing about the differences in chiropractic techniques I was happy to give it a try. I had such positive results that after 3 sessions I signed up on the 5 year degree to become a McTimoney Chiropractor. Both Diversified and McTimoney Chiropractic treatment helped me manage my back pain but the more gentle approach associated with McTimoney suited my needs.


McTimoney Chiropractic was developed by John McTimoney over 30 years ago, the McTimoney method is a gentle precise whole body approach to chiropractic care. A McTimoney Chiropractor strives for optimal health by treating the entire person not just the area of pain. The McTimoney chiropractor will use quick, gentle and accurate adjustments to correct any misalignments in the spine and joints.


Chiropractic is effective in treating back, neck and shoulder pain, as well as many other musculoskeletal conditions. I have found both techniques so beneficial in helping me manage a structural back condition and preventing major surgery. If you are a back pain sufferer just give Chiropractic a try because it could change your life!

Comments


bottom of page