How can I find a McTimoney chiropractor?
You can search this website for a McTimoney trained chiropractor in your area. Alternatively, you can contact the McTimoney Chiropractic Association office on 01491 829211, or you can contact the General Chiropractic Council
(www.gcc-uk.org), or telephone 020 7713 5155, who maintain a directory of all registered chiropractors.

Do I need a referral from my doctor?
You do not need a referral from your doctor to visit a chiropractor. Many McTimoney Chiropractors work with their local GP surgeries and more and more GPs are aware and interested in chiropractic treatment. As an association, we encourage our members to liaise with GPs and your chiropractor will typically inform your GP that you are receiving treatment.

Is chiropractic available on the NHS/ Can I get private insurance to pay for my treatment?
Unfortunately, chiropractic is not yet generally available on the NHS. However, many private insurance companies do now recognise chiropractic as a treatment for which claims can be made.

How much does treatment cost?
Prices vary slightly from chiropractor to chiropractor depending on their location in the country. As a rule of thumb, the average cost of the first consultation and treatment is £40-55, and subsequent treatments may cost £25-30.

How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions needed varies considerably from patient to patient. Your chiropractor will advise you of an initial treatment plan which will take into account the nature of the problem, how long you've had the problem, your age and stress levels as well as numerous other considerations. However, as a guide, most patients, on average, need between two and six sessions, initially at weekly intervals then spaced out over monthly intervals. Once the problem has been resolved, preventative/maintenance treatments are recommended at intervals, which will vary depending on your individual circumstances.

What should I do after treatment?
Your chiropractor will advise of ways that you can help yourself after treatment. Generally this will include the advice that you rest for at least 20 minutes immediately after treatment, and take it easy for at least 24-48 hours. Your chiropractor will also suggest you pay attention to your posture, refrain from doing any sporting activities or lifting anything heavy.

Will it hurt?
The highly dexterous and light adjustments of the McTimoney treatment means that it is gentle and rarely painful. However, the treatment is very effective, and after treatment, you may feel physical changes as your body realigns. These may include a brief period of stiffness or tiredness, but more often than not patients report a feeling of wellbeing and relief from stress and pain.

What if I am unhappy with the treatment I receive?

If you have a problem
If you are not satisfied with any aspects of your care, you are encouraged to discuss these with your chiropractor. If for any reason you would like to discuss matters with someone other than your chiropractor, then we recommend that you speak to the senior partner at the practice. If after this, you are still not satisfied or your chiropractor works alone, then please contact The McTimoney Chiropractic Association (MCA), Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford, Oxon, OX10 8DJ, E-mail admin@mctimoney-chiropractic.org.

How we will deal with your complaint
The MCA takes your concerns seriously and we would encourage you to contact us, even if you are unsure whether or not to pursue your particular complaint. You may help us by bringing to our attention something that may otherwise be overlooked. The MCA will be happy to discuss your concerns with you confidentially, providing help and advice as appropriate. If you decide to pursue a complaint, the MCA has a range of sanctions available that can be imposed on any member found guilty of misconduct.

Is it safe?
Chiropractic treatment is very safe. Prior to any treatment your chiropractor will take a full medical history from you to ensure that there are no reasons why you should not receive treatment. If your chiropractor suspects a problem, which requires further investigation, then he/she will refer you to your GP before giving you any treatment.

The General Chiropractic Council (GCC) regulates the chiropractic profession, and all chiropractors have to be registered with the Council to be able to use the title chiropractor. This means that members of the public can visit a registered chiropractor with reassurance that he or she has met all the regulations and standards set by the GCC to ensure the safety of the public.

How do you become a chiropractor?
Chiropractic Colleges in the UK must be accredited by the General Chiropractic Council. One of these is the McTimoney College of Chiropractic, based in Abingdon, Oxfordshire. The College runs a five-year B.Sc. course in Chiropractic, as well as a postgraduate course in animal manipulation. Further details can be found at the College website McTimoney College of Chiropractic, or by calling the College on 01235 523336.