My background in engineering has probably influenced the way I approach musculoskeletal problems. When something isn’t working properly, I want to understand why.
I don’t start with a particular treatment and try to make it fit the problem. I start with the problem, assess what is happening and use the findings to decide what to do.
Every movement involves many muscles, joints and nerves working together. Even lifting a coffee cup requires coordination between your spine, shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand.
So the place you feel pain isn’t necessarily the only place I need to assess.
That’s why I look beyond the painful area and try to understand how different parts of your body are working together.
I’ll listen to what you’ve been experiencing, understand what you want to get back to doing and assess how you move. I’ll look at things such as your range of movement, joint function and muscle control and use specific tests where appropriate.
From this, I build a working explanation of what may be contributing to your problem.
I’ll then use the findings from my assessment to decide which treatment is appropriate. After treatment, I’ll reassess the relevant movement or muscle function to see whether we’ve changed what needed attention.
Your brain uses information from receptors in your muscles, joints and other tissues to help determine where your body is and how it is moving. This ongoing process of sensing and controlling movement is known as sensory-motor integration.
This is one reason I don’t simply look at the area that hurts. I want to understand how the different parts involved in a movement are working together.
One of the assessment tools I use is functional muscle testing. This allows me to assess how well your muscles and the nervous system are coordinating during particular movements. If something isn’t working as expected, I can investigate further and use that information alongside the rest of my assessment.
I then reassess after treatment to see whether the change we were looking for has occurred.
I believe you should understand what we’re doing and why.
I’ll explain what I find, answer your questions and talk you through the treatment I’m recommending. Where appropriate, I’ll also discuss things you can do between appointments, including exercise, lifestyle factors or supplements that may be relevant to you.
And because I’m a one-person practice, you’ll see me at every appointment. That gives you continuity from your initial assessment through to reassessment and ongoing care.
You can book an initial consultation by using the online link or phone number below.
Not sure if my treatments will be right for you? You can book a free 15-minute Chiro Chat and I’ll call you at a scheduled time.
Call the clinic on: 01225 251380