FAQs

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

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Understanding Chiropractic Care
What is a chiropractor?

Chiropractors are highly trained, regulated musculoskeletal specialists. We assess, diagnose, and treat conditions affecting the bones, joints, muscles, and nerves.

Using a range of techniques grounded in the latest scientific evidence, my goal is to help you achieve confident, comfortable movement and find effective relief from both long-term and recent pains.

See our list of conditions for more information

I treat a wide range of aches and pains relating to the musculoskeletal system (muscles, bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments) all over the body.

The most common conditions I see include:

– Neck and shoulder pain

– Upper and lower back pain (with or without sciatica)

– Cervicogenic headaches

– Hip and knee pain

Sometimes people feel stiffness or general aches rather than sharp pain. You can read more about the specific issues I can help with on my Conditions page, or feel free to reach out directly if you are unsure whether chiropractic care is right for you.

There’s a lot of overlap between how these professions help people with aches and pains. Research shows that chiropractic, physiotherapy, and osteopathy are similarly effective for common musculoskeletal conditions like back and neck pain.

A good healthcare provider, regardless of their title, will offer a mix of hands-on care, exercise, and tailored advice and education about self-management. 

More importantly than the title, is finding a practitioner who listens to you, whose approach you feel comfortable with, and who helps you feel confident in your recovery. 

The care I provide combines the best treatment options that modern evidence and global guidelines recommend.

Major health organisations, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), and the NHS strongly endorse the hands-on therapies, exercise, and advice that I use for conditions like lower back pain.

While no single treatment is a guaranteed fix for every person, using an approach backed by the highest level of medical research gives you the best possible chance of a successful recovery. If there are ever treatment options that may be beneficial for you that I cannot provide, I will always be honest with you and sign-post you to where you can access them.

Because the words sound similar, people often confuse chiropractors with chiropodists (or podiatrists).

I do not treat skin or nail conditions like ingrown toenails, bunions, or fungal nails, for those you’ll need a chiropodist. However, I do treat musculoskeletal foot and ankle pain, such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendon issues.

I also often get asked about insoles (orthotics) for lower back pain. Current clinical guidelines do not recommend insoles for managing back pain. While I don’t offer insoles, I can absolutely help you manage and overcome your back pain using modern, evidence-based treatments.

Do you crack backs? What is a chiropractic “adjustment”?

Yes, sometimes. Some hands-on techniques can sometimes produce a popping sound and provide short-term pain relief and improved movement for some people.

A chiropractic “adjustment” is a technique where a joint, usually in the neck or back, is moved quickly through a safe range of motion. While the term “adjustment” historically implied that bones were being ‘put back into place’, modern research tells us this isn’t actually what happens. Nowadays this technique is more accurately referred to as Spinal Manipulation Therapy (SMT), and it is strongly supported by high-quality recent evidence for its ability to relieve pain.

However, your comfort is my absolute priority. If you don’t like the idea of this technique, I simply won’t use it. There are plenty of alternative, equally effective options available, such as joint mobilisations (a slower, gentler approach).

For more specifics on what happens during each session, you can check out my prices page. 

If you are interested in the history and science behind these techniques, you can read more here.

Chiropractic treatment should not be painful or worrying. Some people can experience mild, temporary soreness or stiffness after a session (similar to the feeling you might get after a workout), but the ultimate goal is always to relieve your pain.

During your initial consultation, we will thoroughly discuss your health history to ensure that every technique used is completely safe for you. For example, certain conditions like osteoporosis or specific heart issues may mean that faster manual techniques aren’t the right fit.

If that is the case, or if you simply prefer a gentler approach, I often suggest mobilisations instead. This is a slower, more gentle technique that achieves the same pain-relieving benefits without any sudden movements or popping sounds.

Both approaches are considered very safe and effective. This review analysed nine previous studies and confirmed the safety of these treatments (especially when compared to surgery). I always prefer to start gently, working together with you to find the exact level of care that feels right for your body and preferences.

Not at all. While spinal manipulation (the technique that can produce a “popping” or “cracking” sound) can be a very effective tool for short-term pain relief, it is completely optional.

I want you to feel entirely comfortable during your sessions. If you prefer not to have this technique used, I simply won’t use it. I offer a wide range of equally effective, evidence-based treatments, including slower joint mobilisations, soft tissue therapy, and tailored exercise plans. We will always discuss your preferences and choose the approach that works best for you.

On average, patients at Frodsham Chiropractic Studio have three to four sessions. However, this largely depends on your personal preferences and goals.

If you want just one or two sessions to get you on the right path so you can manage your symptoms independently, I am happy to teach you as much as I can to give you the best chance at a self-managed recovery. 

I also offer written case reports and personalised plans to purchase as a detailed, individualised, step-by-step guide on how to fix your problem yourself.

Alternatively, if you would prefer more guidance and regular check-ins, we can take your recovery one step at a time with more frequent treatments and adjustments to your plan.

Some conditions (like recent onset lower back pain) usually improve quickly, whereas conditions like sciatica usually take significantly longer. I always formally assess your progress following 6 weeks of treatment, and discuss whether we need to change our approach or if a referral to another healthcare professional would be more appropriate for you.

I treat many older adults, but I do not treat children under the age of 16.

My practice is entirely evidence-based, and because the clinical research and training I rely on focuses on adult musculoskeletal care, I feel it is best to limit my practice to adults. If you are seeking care for a child, I recommend speaking with your GP or a paediatric musculoskeletal specialist who can provide the most appropriate care.

On the other hand, I see many older adults with a wide variety of health needs and co-morbidities. Chiropractic care can be incredibly beneficial for maintaining mobility and reducing pain later in life. I always adapt my treatments to suit your specific health background, often using gentler techniques like slow mobilisations or soft tissue therapy rather than faster manual adjustments, ensuring your care is both safe and effective.

Yes, in many cases you can. However, it depends entirely on the type of surgery you had and how far along you are in your healing process.

I am always keen to co-manage your recovery alongside your surgeons or doctors. Your treatment and rehabilitation exercises will be carefully tailored to match the recommendations given by your other healthcare practitioners, ensuring your care is both safe and effective.

Managing secondary aches and pains that often arise during recovery is a particularly common focus for my post-operative patients. Additionally, if you have an upcoming surgery, booking an appointment beforehand to establish a recovery plan (and even doing some pre-surgery training) can be a fantastic way to improve your surgical outcomes.

Why you? How is Frodsham Chiropractic Studio different?

I set up Frodsham Chiropractic Studio with a clear mission: to provide the care I would want. That means high-quality, high-value care without the high-pressure sales tactics often associated with private healthcare, such as upfront packages, short appointments, withholding treatment, or fear-mongering.

I never lock you into a long-term treatment programme or pressure you to pay for a block of appointments upfront.

I believe good care takes time. My initial consultations are usually an hour, with follow-ups lasting 30 to 45 minutes. This gives us the time to properly discuss your story and tailor your care.

Provided it is safe to do so, I always aim to start your treatment during your first appointment.

I focus on building your confidence to help you feel strong and capable, rather than using fear-mongering tactics that make you feel fragile or reliant on appointments.

But you don’t just have to take my word for it. I encourage you to read my patient reviews to see what others have to say.

Yes, I am fully qualified and registered. I graduated with a Distinction in my Master’s degree in Chiropractic (MChiro) from the Welsh Institute of Chiropractic at the University of South Wales.

I am registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) – the statutory body that regulates the profession in the UK. You can look me up on their website. Additionally, I am a member of the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) and the Royal College of Chiropractors (RCC). These memberships ensure I stay connected with the latest research and maintain the highest standards of evidence-based care.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn’t yet a suitable replacement for high-quality human health care providers, so I don’t use it to guide my treatment decisions or diagnoses, nor do I recommend that patients take advice directly from Large Language Models like ChatGPT. However, I do recognise that AI can be a useful starting point for general health information, but always to be taken with a healthy pinch of scepticism.

What’s included in my first appointment?

Your first appointment lasts about an hour and includes a detailed discussion of your health history, a thorough physical examination, and a clear explanation of my findings. Provided it is safe and mutually agreed upon, we can usually begin your treatment during this very first session.

For more detail see Prices.

Arrive on time, there is no waiting room for early arrivals, and late arrivals may mean you don’t get to utilise the full duration of your appointment. Please complete your digital intake forms prior to your arrival. Wear comfortable clothing that allows a full range of movement. You may also want to review the General Chiropractic Council’s patient checklist to help you know what to expect and what questions you might want to ask during your visit.

Everyday clothes are fine – whatever you would wear to the shops, to run errands, or to the gym. We may be doing a lot of movements or exercises so sports clothes are mildly favourable.

No, you do not need a referral from your GP to book an appointment. As a primary healthcare professional, I am fully trained to assess, diagnose, and manage musculoskeletal conditions independently.

How much does treatment cost?

How much does it cost?

Your initial consultation is £85, which includes a full hour of assessment, plan building, and treatment. Follow-up appointments are priced at £75 for 45 minutes, and £50 for 30 minutes.

That seems expensive, isn’t it?

While this may seem like a significant investment upfront, my business model is designed to get you better in fewer sessions (typically three to four visits) saving you both time and money in the long run.

I aim to give you the tools to get better quickly. If you prefer regular “maintenance” care because it helps you feel your best, I am happy to provide that on your terms, but the choice is entirely yours.

Why is your pricing structure different?

1. Fewer Sessions. I don’t believe in locking you into long-term, twice-weekly treatment plans. On average, I see patients just three to four times before they feel better, or are confident managing their condition themselves.

2. Longer Appointments. My sessions are significantly longer than most chiropractic appointments. This gives us the time to properly address your concerns without rushing, meaning we can achieve more in a single visit.

3. Cheaper than alternatives. When compared to the cost of private consultants, private surgery, or even the financial hit of taking a few days off work due to severe back pain, investing in a few focused, high-quality sessions is often the most economical choice.

Yes, you can use your private health insurance. However, you will need to pay for your appointments upfront, and I will provide you with a detailed receipt so you can claim the cost back from your insurer directly.

1. Pay as you go at each appointment

2. Claim the amount back by sending the provided receipt and invoice to your insurer

You can read more about this under the Private Health Insurance heading on my policies page.

If you are unable to visit the clinic, there are several excellent, evidence-based resources available online to help you manage your pain independently. I also offer virtual consultations on a case-by-case basis if you need personalised guidance from home.

If you are looking for free, reliable resources to help you self-manage, I highly recommend the following:

Pain Concern: Endorsed by NICE, this charity provides excellent resources, podcasts, and advice for anyone living with chronic pain.

NHS Back Pain Guide: A great starting point for general advice, including safe exercise videos you can follow at home.

NICE Guidelines: If you have a healthcare background or want to read the clinical recommendations I follow, you can review the guidelines for low back pain and sciatica, as well as neck pain.

WHO Guideline for Chronic Low Back Pain: The World Health Organisation recently published a comprehensive global guideline on the best non-surgical approaches to managing back pain.

On-Street Parking: Available along Main Street (though this can be very on Thursday mornings during Frodsham Market).

Bears Paw Car Park: There is a paid car park located behind the Bear’s Paw pub. It costs £1 (payable at the bar), and all proceeds go to support Macmillan Cancer Support.

Frodsham Chiropractic Studio is located inside the Elysium Health and Fitness gym, next to the Bears Paw. 

My treatment room is a private, newly renovated space on the ground floor, making it fully wheelchair accessible. Because there is no waiting room, please arrive as close to your scheduled appointment time as possible so I can greet you at the reception at the start time of your appointment.

You can easily cancel or reschedule your appointment for any reason up to 24 hours beforehand without charge. If you miss an appointment or cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice, the full appointment fee will be charged, as I cannot offer that time to another patient.

Life happens, and I completely understand that traffic or unexpected delays can occur.

Your appointment time is reserved specifically for you, so you are welcome to arrive late and use the remaining time. However, please note that you will still be charged the full fee for the session, and I may not be able to extend your appointment if it impacts the next patient’s scheduled time.

If you know you are running significantly behind, please let me know as soon as possible. If there is availability later in the day, I will always do my best to accommodate a same-day reschedule.

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