What chiropractic care is, how our chiropractors are trained, and the techniques we use to help you move, feel and live better.
What is chiropractic?
Chiropractic care is dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those affecting the spine and their broader impact on the nervous system and overall health.
When the body is under stress (physical, chemical or emotional), it can cause muscles to tighten and joints in the spine to become stuck or misaligned. This can cause interference with the healthy function of your nervous system – the vital communication pathway from your brain to your body. This can lead to a range of symptoms, such as pain, stiffness, muscle spasm and much more.
Our chiropractors are highly trained to assess, locate and then safely and precisely correct these misalignments, restoring the correct function of the spine and allowing the body to heal and better adapt to the stresses of everyday life.
A healthy spine moves more freely, is stronger, more stable, less likely to be injured and can adapt to stresses more effectively.
What do chiropractors study?
Chiropractors undertake an extensive education studying anatomy, physiology, neurology, neuro-diagnosis, radiology, biomechanics, pathology, immunology and clinical diagnosis, along with hands-on training in chiropractic techniques and patient care.
On graduation, the chiropractor attains the title of Dr, recognising the level of study required to become a chiropractor and the responsibility to serve the public.
Chiropractors must then register with the governing body, the General Chiropractic Council, in order to practise in the UK. Our chiropractors are graduates of some of the most stringent education programmes and internships in the world, and stay up to date with current evidence-based research, techniques and best practice.
Your brain speaks. Your body responds. Your spine connects.
Chiropractic techniques
In practice, our chiropractors treat people from all walks of life, with all kinds of conditions and health goals, so we use a range of chiropractic techniques to cater for everyone. Each technique chosen and each adjustment given is delivered with purpose. Most importantly, we listen to you and work together to deliver a treatment that best suits your needs, personal preference and health goals. This may also include exercise recommendations, rehabilitation strategies and lifestyle advice to elevate your overall health and wellbeing.
Below is a list of some of the chiropractic techniques we offer at City Chiropractic.
01
Diversified
This is one of the most popular techniques used in chiropractic clinics around the world and is available right here at City Chiropractic. It is a more traditional ‘hands-on’ method of chiropractic treatment where the chiropractor gently adjusts the affected area of the spine, effectively correcting misaligned vertebrae and joints of the pelvis and extremities.
This technique is commonly used by our chiropractors as it can provide safe and gentle relief from common presentations such as sciatica, headaches, lower back pain, neck pain and much more. Your chiropractor will speak to you before treatment occurs to discuss what type of chiropractic care will best suit you to reach your specific health goals.
02
Activator Methods
This is an instrument-based technique, delivering adjustments with precision and often a reduced force compared to other techniques. Instrument-based adjustments are used in 70% of chiropractic offices, however not all chiropractors are trained in Activator methods or other instrument-based techniques. Our chiropractors are trained in the Activator technique and additional advanced Activator treatment protocols.
03
Gonstead Technique
A core technique used worldwide, Gonstead is particularly popular in the treatment of disc bulges and sciatica. Gonstead focuses on the position of the disc between the vertebrae, and its weight-bearing ability (wedging). This relationship between the disc and the vertebrae is the foundation of the spine and is treated gently and specifically to give you lasting relief while restoring the correct function to the spine.
Our chiropractors go to great lengths to analyse your spine to ascertain if this is the right technique for you and your goals. This technique can be used to treat a wide array of symptoms. The right technique for you will be discussed with your health goals and preferences in mind, and our chiropractors may offer a combination of several techniques if they think that will best suit you and your needs.
04
Upper Cervical Specific
This technique focuses on the vertebrae at the very top of the spine (C1 and C2). The C1 vertebra is often regarded as ‘one of the most important’ vertebrae in the spine. Misalignment in this area can cause further dysfunction down the spine and nervous system.
The upper cervical vertebrae move very differently to the other vertebrae, moving in a ‘coupled motion’. Our necks give up stability for mobility to accommodate a much greater range of motion, allowing our heads to move in all directions. Upper cervical dysfunction is greatly correlated with conditions such as headaches, migraines, tinnitus, TMJ (jaw) dysfunction and balance.
05
Thompson Technique
Thompson technique uses a highly specific and specialised chiropractic drop table, providing gentle, gravity-assisted adjustments where certain pieces of the table gently lift and drop down. It focuses on using leg length analysis to assist in locating misalignments in the spine and where an adjustment may be needed. With the assistance of the table, the chiropractor is able to make specific adjustments to align the spine and pelvis, addressing the source of your pain and dysfunction, not just the symptom.
It is one of the most popular chiropractic techniques and has helped millions of patients all over the world. Thompson technique is often used to treat the pelvis and lumbar spine but is also commonly used for many other issues such as neck and shoulder pain, headaches and pregnancy-related lower back pain.
At City Chiropractic, we review your holistic health picture to provide a tailored, comprehensive health plan. This may include chiropractic care, prescribed exercises, lifestyle advice or rehabilitation strategies.
Pregnancy, paediatrics and post-partum support
Pregnancy is a beautiful and transformative journey. The incredible changes your body makes to grow new life are amazing; however, they also place unique demands on the body as it adapts to support your growing baby.
At City Chiropractic, our chiropractors possess years of hands-on experience and specialised training, supporting women from pre-conception and pregnancy through to post-partum recovery, so that you can enjoy your pregnancy without the pain.
Pre-conception
Pre-conception is the best time to optimise your health and prepare your body to improve your chances of having a healthy pregnancy. We offer support during pre-conception by performing a detailed health assessment and offering advice and lifestyle adjustments where needed to optimise your health and wellbeing.
During pregnancy
During pregnancy, your body undergoes significant changes, often creating unique challenges such as pelvic misalignment, lower back pain, spinal pressure, sciatica and changes in hormonal patterns affecting your ligaments and muscles. City Chiropractic offers a full range of support throughout your pregnancy, starting with a thorough, in-depth assessment to provide and recommend the approach that best aligns with your needs and goals.
Our chiropractors often use low-force adjusting methods such as Activator and Thompson techniques to gently address pelvic imbalances and neck, upper back and lower back concerns. They are also trained in techniques specific to pregnancy, such as the Webster technique, which focuses on the alignment of the pelvis. When corrected, this can help give your baby more space and can reduce the incidence of a breech position.
Post-partum
Postpartum recovery and support is also available at City Chiropractic. After childbirth, many women are met with challenges such as pelvic floor dysfunction, core muscle instability, and postural and shoulder pain from breastfeeding. By providing gentle and specific chiropractic care to align the pelvis and spine, we work to get you feeling back to your usual self again so you can enjoy that special time with your little one without pain and discomfort.
We help with…
Lower back pain
Sciatica and nerve pain
Neck pain
Shoulder tension and frozen shoulder
Mid-back pain and rib dysfunction
Headaches and migraines
Sleep disturbances in babies and children
Stress-related tension and fatigue
Anxiety and nervous system dysregulation
General body tension
Poor posture and “tech neck”
Jaw pain and TMJ dysfunction
Whiplash and car accident injuries
Concussion recovery and brain fog
Workplace-related pain and overuse injuries
Repetitive strain injuries (RSI)
Postnatal recovery and pelvic alignment
Poor sleep and insomnia
Head pressure and dizziness
Sports injuries
Muscle imbalances and joint stiffness
Pelvic imbalance
Hip pain
Knee pain
Ankle and foot issues (including plantar fasciitis)
Scoliosis management
Pregnancy-related back and pelvic pain
Preparation for birth
Chronic pain and fibromyalgia
Not sure if we can help? Get in touch with our team and we’ll be happy to discuss your symptoms and whether we may be able to help.