Information for Patients

Costs

Please contact the clinic for current charges.

Telephone Advice

Sometimes you may need to talk to one of the practitioners for advice. If the receptionist is unable to put you through immediately, please leave your name and telephone number and the practitioner will return your call as soon as they are free.

Out of Hours Service

If problems occur, or patients need advice out of hours, please telephone 01823 333973 and follow the recorded message. Out of hours treatment is only available at the Taunton clinic. On a Saturday morning an emergency clinic is available at Taunton only.

Private Medical Insurance

Many medical insurance companies pay for chiropractic, although some may need a G.P. or Consultant referral. Please ask for details.

Industrial Injuries

The clinics specialise in occupational related spinal conditions, and have many contracts with local firms. For more information please ask one of the Chiropractors.

Off-Work Certification

The Chiropractors in the clinics are able to sign these forms, as and when they are required.

Receptionists

Our receptionists are very welcoming and aim to create a friendly atmosphere within the reception area. They will make you feel at ease and are happy to answer any questions to the best of their ability. Their work includes answering the telephone, taking messages, making appointments, word processing, monitoring clinics and various other administrative duties.

General Practitioners

All General Practitioners are allowed by the General Medical Council to refer their patients to Chiropractors. Guidelines from the Royal College of General Practitioners recommend manipulation for spinal problems. Our policy is to work closely with your General Practitioner. You may ask your G.P. for referral, or you can refer yourself.

Your First Visit

You will be asked to fill in an administration form and a health questionnaire. You will also be given a leaflet called 'What to expect when you see a chiropractor' to read before your consultation. Although appointments usually run on time, occasionally you may have to wait for a few minutes if the person before you was late or has a particularly difficult problem.

You will then be taken to a cubicle and asked to change. Ladies have gowns and dressing gowns and there are robes for the men.

Your chiropractor will collect you from the changing room and after introductions, will take you to a consulting room where your problem will be discussed in detail. A full case history will be taken and if you are taking any medication your chiropractor will need to know, therefore it might be a good idea to bring along a copy of your prescription.

At this stage the chiropractor will examine you (and if you need an x-ray this can be arranged through a variety of local centres). After being shown a diagram, your problem and treatment package will be explained. You will be given an estimate of approximately how many treatments will be needed. Your responsibility will be explained, in other words what you should and should not be doing to help yourself.

On most occasions treatment will be given on the first appointment. This will normally be in the form of manipulation, along with dry needling (a form of acupuncture). Stretching exercises will be given initially, then at a later date, strengthening exercises will be given by our Rehab trainer to help maintain the improvement. Advice will also be given to make sure that relapses are kept to a minimum. Your chiropractor will give advice on the things you should and should not do. Once you are changed then, you will return to reception where the receptionist will make some appointments for you. If you agree a letter will be sent to your GP and a copy given to you by your chiropractor on your next visit.

Available at Reception

  • Harley Neck Pillows
  • Pain Relief Gel
  • Ice Pack
  • Exercise Balls
  • Tennis Elbow Supports
  • Orthotics
  • Heel Lifts
  • Glucosamine