Treatments

The McTimoney Method

The McTimoney method of chiropractic was developed by the late John McTimoney over 50 years ago and is taught only at the McTimoney College of Chiropractic in Abingdon, near Oxford. It is well known for being a precise, whole body approach to chiropractic care. The gentle nature of the McTimoney method makes it especially suitable for people of all ages.

What is Chiropractic and how does it work?

Joint problems and pain can occur for many reasons, including:

  • Incorrect lifting
  • Car or sporting accidents
  • Falls
  • Stress
  • Poor posture

Chiropractic treatment is simply a method of adjusting the bones of your body to improve skeletal alignment. In doing so, it helps your nervous system work more efficiently, relieves pain and discomfort, and increases mobility.

Can the McTimoney method help me?

Can the McTimoney method help me? The gentle nature of the McTimoney method makes it suitable for people of all ages. Its proven to be effective in treating the following conditions:

  • Back, neck and shoulder pain
  • Pain, discomfort and stiffness in joints
  • Migraine
  • Muscular aches
  • Sports injuries
  • Arthritic pain

What can I expect from my first session?

Your McTimoney chiropractor will first assess you general health, previous conditions and existing symptoms. He or she will then conduct a physical examination to locate the problem, during which time your chiropractor will make adjustments using the light, dextrous, techniques associated with the McTimoney technique. If at any point your chiropractor discovers or suspects a condition that requires medical intervention, they will refer you to your GP for further tests. Normally your first visit can last anything between 30 minutes and an hour. During this time, a chiropractor will:

  • Take a full case history, assessing your general health, previous conditions, and existing symptoms
  • Ask your permission to conduct a thorough physical examination (this will include neurological and orthopedic tests, if necessary)
  • Take or refer you for x-rays if they are needed
  • Make adjustments using the light, dextrous techniques associated with the McTimoney technique

In some instances your chiropractor may need to ask you to remove some clothing. Privacy and a gown are always provided but do tell you chiropractor if you feel uncomfortable about undressing.

A chiropractor's first concern is to find out what is wrong. They will also check for signs of any serious conditions for which you would need specialist advice.

How many sessions will I need?

Most people find between two and six sessions sufficient to address straight forward problems. The number and frequency of treatments will depend on a number of factors including:

  • Age
  • Extent of injury
  • Duration of injury
  • General fitness
  • Stress (muscle tension and stress on you nervous system)
  • Posture

The anticipated number of sessions will be discussed with you prior to treatment. Once you're up and running you can choose to schedule regular check-ups a few times a year to keep chronic conditions under control.