How does it work?
The correct alignment of your physical structure is vital for your health and well-being. Misalignments can lead to irritation of nerves, tightening of muscles and stress on joints and ligaments, all of which can cause pain or loss of function at the site of the problem or elsewhere in your body. Your spine is particularly vulnerable to misalignments. It is made up of 24 moveable vertebrae, the sacrum and the coccyx, and it houses the spinal column through which nerve information is transmitted to the rest of your body. If any part of your spinal column becomes misaligned then a nerve may become impinged, compressed or stretched, distorting the information that passes along it which can lead to pain, discomfort or restricted mobility. Practitioners of Classical Manipulation use light, dextrous techniques to make gentle adjustments to your body in order to restore its correct alignment.
Your body is totally interconnected, with misalignments in one region having knock-on effects elsewhere, and the point at which you feel pain is not always the root cause of the problem. Whilst the main focus of treatment is in maintaining the correct alignment of your spine, at each treatment Practitioners of Classical Manipulation assess and adjust your whole body to ensure that the root cause of the problem is addressed. As the balance and integrity of your musculo-skeletal system are restored, pain is relieved and function improves.
Can Classical Manipulation help me?
Classical Manipulation is a gentle treatment, making it suitable for all ages. The following conditions often benefit from treatment:
- Back, neck and shoulder pain
- Pain and stiffness in joints and muscles
- Tension headaches and migraine
- Sciatica
- Whiplash injury
- Sports injuries
If you would like to discuss how Classical Manipulation may be able to help your condition, please feel free to call Anna McLaren on 07967 495332.
What can I expect from my first treatment?
At your first treatment a full case history will be taken regarding your general health background and lifestyle as well as details of your symptoms. Your physical alignment will be thoroughly assessed using observation and a finely tuned sense of touch, and any misalignments discovered will be corrected using a number of swift, dextrous techniques, which usually feel like little more than a ‘flick’ to receive. At each treatment you will be assessed and adjusted from top to toe. Alongside the Classical Manipulation, I will often work on pressure points in your muscles - releasing tension to help maintain correct alignment.
You will not need to undress, but it is helpful if you can wear loose, comfortable clothing. The treatment is usually comfortable to receive and many people find it deeply relaxing.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions needed varies considerably depending on your age, the nature of the condition, how long you have had it and your general health. Most patients need between two and ten treatments, initially at weekly intervals, then gradually more widely spaced. At each stage your progress will be discussed with you.
Once the problem has been resolved, regular check-ups are recommended to keep your spine correctly aligned and your whole body well balanced.
Can I do anything to help myself?
There are many simple ways in which you can help improve your posture and keep your body properly aligned, for example altering the position of your computer monitor or learning to lift properly. During the course of your treatment we will try to uncover the root cause of your problem, and any factors that may be aggravating it, so that advice can be tailored to your individual needs. Where appropriate, you may also be given specific exercises to do at home.