Our fees
Initial Consultation/Examination - £65.00
(for anyone new to the clinic, or whose last visit was 3+ years ago)
Adult Treatment (repeat visit) - £43.00
Re-exam Adult - £48.00
(for anyone whose last visit was between 1 and 3 years ago)
Initial Consultation/Examination for Children - £50.00
(for anyone under 16 years old new to the clinic, or whose last visit was 3+ years ago)
Child Treatment (repeat visit) - £35.00
Spring Chiropractic is a professional and friendly chiropractic clinic based in Southampton, Hampshire. Chiropractic is the third largest primary healthcare profession in the western world, after medicine and dentistry. Chiropractors specialise in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health. All organs and cells require nerve information to function correctly and most nerve information is passed through the spinal cord, which is protected within the spinal column.
About chiropractic
By normalising the function of all joints in the body, particularly the spine, chiropractic treatment ensures that the body’s nervous system is working optimally and is therefore very effective for a wide range of conditions, which may or may not be painful. Chiropractic provides a natural approach to healthcare and an alternative to drugs, painkillers and surgery. It offers effective relief for a wide range of conditions, including joint and muscle pain. It is safe and gentle enough to be used on people of all ages and conditions, including the elderly, babies/children and pregnant women. We effectively treat many ailments including back pain, neck pain, cervicogenic headaches & migraine (neck related), joint pain, shoulder & elbow pain, hip & knee pain, frozen shoulder (arising from associated musculoskeletal conditions of the back and neck), tennis elbow (arising from associated musculoskeletal conditions of the back and neck), muscle spasm & tension, and posture problems.
A Chiropractor assesses by feeling for any loss of function, mobility or alignment within the spine and other joints of the body.
Treatment then consists of gentle manipulative techniques, or adjustments, to restore correct function, mobility and good alignment to the joints. By restoring normal function to the musculoskeletal system chiropractors can therefore play a major part in relieving disorders, and any accompanying pain or discomfort, arising from accidents, stress, lack of exercise, poor posture, illness and the every day wear and tear that happens to all of us.
Chiropractors take a holistic approach to your health and well-being; this means that they consider your symptoms in the context of your full medical history, your lifestyle and your personal circumstances. Because chiropractic provides a natural approach to healthcare and an alternative to drugs, painkillers and surgery, it is safe and gentle enough to be used on people of all ages and conditions, including the elderly, babies/children and pregnant women.
Our techniques
Sacro-occipital Technique (SOT) is a specialist chiropractic method which is concerned with normalising the relationship between the sacrum, at the base of the spine, and the occiput, at the base of the skull. By making sure both the top and the bottom of the spine are functioning correctly, the entire nervous system can function properly. In the process, SOT corrects abnormal spinal mechanics and any associated nerve problems. The nature of the technique means that an SOT chiropractor can integrate large amounts of information to diagnose the underlying cause of your problems and correct them.
To qualify as an Advanced SOT practitioner, your chiropractor must have completed over 65 hours of post-graduate training and passed a rigorous examination, with both written and practical components.
SOT treatment itself is particularly gentle; for example, the weight of the body itself is used in specific positions to make pelvic joint corrections. SOT produces lasting results in a short time; these include reduced pain, along with improved function in all parts of the body. Since the body is functioning better, many patients report improved general health and feelings of well-being. Along with spinal and pelvic adjustments, SOT treatment will often involve cranial work to normalise the bones of the cranium. The cranial bones and other cranial structures can cause problems that are often overlooked. Correction of musculoskeletal tissue tensions around the major organs may also be performed.
SOT integrates easily with other chiropractic techniques and an SOT chiropractor will often use several different techniques and approaches simultaneously. Patients can also expect to receive advice regarding nutrition, lifestyle and ergonomics.
Your first visit
Your initial consultation at the clinic will take an hour. A full case history will be taken, not just about the health issue that may have brought you in, but also about your past health history. Some questions may appear irrelevant but they are extremely important to allow your chiropractor to make a diagnosis. Once the case history is complete, your chiropractor will carry out a comprehensive physical examination. For this, you will be given a gown and asked to undress down to your underwear. The examination will concentrate on your musculoskeletal system (nerves, muscles and joints), but it may also be necessary to check other things such as your blood pressure, pulse, heart, lungs and abdomen to rule out other causes. If it is clinically justified, x-rays may be requested.
Your chiropractor will then draw up your personalised report and, at your follow up Report of Findings, will tell you her findings from your examination, diagnosis and your proposed treatment plan. You will be given an indication of how many visits may be required; this depends on your particular condition, its severity and your response to treatment. If chiropractic does not appear to be suitable for you, you will be referred to your GP or relevant specialist. If it appropriate your chiropractor may suggest further investigation, such as X-rays or an MRI scan. We can refer you directly for these privately, or again refer you back to your GP.
Chiropractic treatment involves specific adjustments to free joints in the spine or other areas of the body that are not moving properly. The adjustments may involve a short thrust to a joint, though a variety of techniques can be used. Don’t worry if you hear a clicking or popping noise when one of your joints is being adjusted - this is perfectly normal. Some patients feel immediate relief of symptoms and may have an increased feeling of well-being or increased energy levels. There is not usually an instant cure, however, and others may experience some reaction to treatment, including a temporary increase in discomfort, stiffness or tiredness for a day or so.
As well as the adjustment, we use a wide variety of techniques, including massage, ice and ultrasound therapy. We will also advise you on any rehabilitation exercises or changes to your lifestyle or diet that may be beneficial. An important part of getting better is up to you, so please follow any instructions and advice carefully and completely. Rehabilitation exercises have been shown to reduce disability as well as significantly reducing the chances of recurrent episodes of back and neck pain.
Chiropractic in pregnancy
During pregnancy many physiological and endocrinological changes take place, all for the purpose of creating an optimal environment for the developing baby. This complex process involves every system of the pregnant woman’s body. The musculoskeletal system is particularly affected by the protruding abdomen, duck-like walk, and increased lower back curve. The pelvis changes early in pregnancy due to the release of oestrogen and relaxin. These hormones cause the ligaments to relax and soften, which, together with increased synovial fluid, widens the pelvic joints. This increased mobility is not only restricted to the pelvis, but may be noticed in other joints and muscles as well. As the uterus enlarges and expands forward, the centre of gravity is displaced. Misalignments and restrictions in the spine may occur, and this results in associated muscle and/or joint pain. This change in posture puts more strain on the lower back and pelvis, which can then result in lower back pain. At least fifty percent of all women complain of low back pain during pregnancy. Low back pain in pregnancy has in turn been linked to longer labour times. Problems in the neck may also occur as it compensates for the changes in the lower spine by moving forward. This can result in various symptoms, including neck pain, headaches and dizziness. Chiropractic care can help relieve the common musculoskeletal disorders that arise during pregnancy.
Distortions in the musculoskeletal system, and particularly the pelvis, can also affect the shape of the uterus, since it is tethered directly to the bones of the pelvis by ligaments. This distortion can mean that the baby’s position may not be optimal. The Webster technique is a method used by chiropractors in the special case of breech positioning. By optimising the mother’s spine and pelvis, the baby is able to return to a better position. By making sure the pelvis is aligned and functioning properly, the uterus and therefore the space for the growing baby is also optimised. This in turn allows labour and childbirth itself to progress naturally and smoothly. The chiropractic techniques we use on pregnant women are very gentle and safe.