The McTimoney Method
The McTimoney method of chiropractic was developed by the late John McTimoney over 50 years ago and is taught only at the McTimoney College of Chiropractic in Abingdon, near Oxford. It is well known for being a precise, whole body approach to chiropractic care. The gentle nature of the McTimoney method makes it especially suitable for people of all ages.
Improving the Health of the Nation
McTimoney chiropractic has helped thousands of people for over 50 years and around 150,000 new patients consult a McTimoney Chiropractor each year. Over 8000 people are cared for by McTimoney Chiropractors each working day.
How can McTimoney Chiropractic help me?
Back Pain, Neck, Shoulder, Arm and Wrist pain can have many causes but it frequently results from misalignment of the bones of the Pelvis and Spine. Many people arrive in my clinic room having suffered with chronic back pain or other symptoms for many years perhaps arising from poor posture at home or work or their chosen exercise. They have often tried many alternatives and find that the whole body McTimoney ChiropracticTechnique works for them. Other patients are experiencing their first ever pain following an accident or lifting injury .
-A number of my patients have described a significant reduction in frequency and severity of their migrain headaches .Migraine can have many causes. However there frequently seems to be a connection between migraine and problems with the vertebrae of the neck. The gentle and safe McTimoney neck adjustments, in conjunction with treating the whole body as appropriate, may dramatically reduce the severity or frequency of migraine attacks.
Chiropractic can be very effective in treating headaches. I have many patients come to see me with headaches of a chronic nature and who are relying on regular medication to keep going .Once more the cause may be tension in the neck or upper spine and often once this is resolved headachesbecome less severe or cease completely
Sports injuries
The range of injuries is very wide of course McTimoney chiropractic in combination with massage can assist in recovery from a wide variety of sports injuries enabling a return to sport much sooner in many cases My training in sports massage is an added benefit in treating problems of this nature
Vertigo type sensations The connection between the alignment of the joints of the body,, and problems with balance are often not appreciated. I have seen many patients in my clinic, (who have often first come to see me for other reasons), who have reported that Chiropractic adjustment has made a difference to these other ailments.
Leg and foot pain The term sciatic pain is often used by patients to describe a pain radiating down through the pelvis and into the legs. This type of pain is common and very debilitating. The pain may be the result of the nerves that run from the lower back down the legs, including the sciatic nerve, becoming stretched or compressed. According to the Advertising Standards Authority there is as yet insufficient statistical evidence to allow chiropractors to state categorically that sciatica is treatable but many patients do receive considerable relief from leg knee and foot pain during a course of treatment .
N B There gas been some debate in the last year about wether there is sufficient statistical evidence to prove sciatica can be helped by chiropractic However the new BRONFORT report states that : following his review of Santilli et al Professor Bronfort considered that the level of evidence for manipulation for sciatica/radiating leg pain should be changed from INCONCLUSIVE but favourable, to a moderate level of POSITIVE evidence when compared to sham manipulation. Professor Bronfort considered that Santilli et al has a low risk of bias and demonstrates manipulation to be superior to sham manipulation for sciatica/radiating leg pain in the short and long term.Unfortunately the advertisingstandards autority feel this evidence is not strong enough.
Unfortunately the evidence requirement is quite a new one and as I am sure you are aware studies can take many years to complete so it may be some time before we can make clear statements about the efficacy of chiropractic for certain of the conditions patients visit chiropractors for.
Patients who come to see a chiropractor with "frozen shoulder" often have a variety of symptoms. Some have severe pain around their shoulder, some are unable to move their shoulder very much and others have pain in both their shoulder and down the arm. Generally the problem originates in the nerves that control the shoulder either as a result of posture or injury .. Correcting the alignment of the joints of the body allows healing to take place and the messages to get through correctly again. Chiropractic can be very effective for treating frozen shoulder, along with other complaints such as Tennis Elbow.
There is no specific evidence in relation to this However Eczema and other skin problems often originate from problems with the nervous system leading to skin complaints. Like muscles and joints the skin is supplied by nerves. Improving the function of the nervous system through Chiropractic helps the body to re-balance and heal. A number of my patients have reported improvements in general well being including skin conditions.
Pregnancy
The body experiences many changes during pregnancy caused by carrying the baby and hormone changes which affect the muscles As a result many women seek chiropractic during pregnancy for back and other aches and pains eg. pubic symphisis pain and continue to have treatment after birth to realign the body following pregnancy and delivery. Treatment is of course very gentle and positions are adjusted to ensure your comfort. It is always lovely to treat expectant mums often right upto the day before the birth and of course their children later on !.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Chiropractic treatments will I need ?
Firstly It is important to understand that healing is a Process not an Event.
The type of problem, its severity and the length of time it has taken to develop will all play a significant part in determining the speed of recovery and the number of treatments necessary.
The objective of Chiropractic treatment is to allow the body to heal itself. Because the McTimoney method works with the body and the adjustments are rarely uncomfortable the patient is usually able to relax during the treatment. Once the body is more aligned the bodies natural healing process can begin. This process is very individual and every patient is different.
Usually an initial course of treatment at weekly intervals will be necessary with intensive treatment gradually evolving into a maintenance or preventative treatment plan should you so wish Frequency of treatment is always discussed and it is of course entirely up to you to decide on duration of treatment . My greatest wish is that you be as well as you can be and with this in mind I am happy to offer advice without pressure at all stages including suggesting other therapists or approaches which may assist your recovery. I am happy to liaise with other professionals who are working with you such as your GP, fitness instructor or physiotherapist.
How long does each Chiropractic treatment last ?
The first treatment lasts for 1 hour . Subsequent treatments last approximately half an hour the entire time being on a one to one basis. Very rarely, for example if you have a complex and severe problem such as frozen shoulder,I may ask you to book a double appointment on one or two occasions to allow time for for me to use additional massage and other techniques.
Will I be expected to undress for the treatment ?
It is very beneficial to undress down to underwear as much more subtle information about your condition can be obtained in this way . A gown is always available should you wish and the room is very warm. However some patients for a variety of understandable reasons prefer to remain clothed. If you wish to do this it is naturally fine but please wear soft ,light ,smooth clothing as I need to be able to feel very subtle misalignments through the material in order to give you the best possible treatment.
Is this form of Chiropractic treatment suitable for very muscular people such as sports people, builders etc ?
The treatment is very effective regardless of build or weight and is adjusted to suit each patient.
Is this treatment suitable for elderly people ?
There is no age limit !
It is very common in our culture for people to feel that age is the cause of their problems and that their aches and pains have to be lived with permanently. This is frequently untrue butoften prevents older people from seeking treatment As a result many continue to suffer uneccessarily possibly taking pain killers long term with all of their well documented side effects . I treat numerous people in their 70''s 80's and even 90's some of whom lived with the same pain for many years before discovering how chiropractic could help For many this is experienced as a new lease of life. Of course it is also very safe and gentle for people of all ages.
Do I need to be referred by my GP?
No, although GP's often advise people to consult me . I will happily provide your GP or consultant with information regarding your treatment if required. Sometimes an insurance company will require you to do this
I have had a hip replacement . Can you still treat me ?
Yes. Very much so. Hip replacements and other operations frequently leave the body misaligned and patients often continue to experience pain elsewhere in the body and even in the area of the replaced hip. This is often due to contraction of the muscles caused by misalignment of the pelvis and spine .
Remember I offer free chats by phone or in person if you are unsure if I can help you or your family.
