What to expect on your first visit...
- Prior completion of an online New Patient Intake Form (paper option is available)
- A one-hour initial consultation with a chiropractor to review the issue
- A chiropractic treatment (in most instances)
- Access to the relevant body part will be required (gowns are provided)
- You are welcome to be bring someone with you into the treatment room
- If successive treatment is required, these appointments will last 20 mins
- A re-exam appointment is necessary for new complaints or following a 12 month absence of treatment
At Riviera we take the time to examine, test, and talk to you. We will listen to you, and will explain our thoughts on your diagnosis and any proposed course of treatment for your consent.
How does Chiropractic treatment help?
What is Chiropractic?
A chiropractor’s mission is to optimise the communication between the brain and the rest of the body – thereby allowing the body to function optimally.
Put simply, our bodies are essentially controlled by our brains. The communication between our brain and the rest of the body is primarily conducted through the nervous system.
All of the nerves which carry the signals from the body to the brain are routed through the spinal cord – this is why much of a Chiropractors work is concerned with the neck and back. This is why many people mistakenly believe that Chiropractors only treat neck and back pain.
- Using hands-on, non-invasive techniques our qualified chiropractors treat musculoskeletal issues, primarily focusing on relieving back pain, neck pain, headaches and joint pain.
- The types of techniques most commonly used include soft tissue therapies, joint mobilisation and targeted adjustments of restricted joints.
- Adjustments target fixated (stuck) joints, stimulating nerve endings, reducing muscle spasm, and releasing endorphins.
- Chiropractic can enhance mobility, improve nervous system function, and alleviate pain by restoring proper movement to stiff or restricted joints.
Is Chiropractic treatment right for me?
- All of our team have completed 5 years of Masters degree level training with many having additonal post-graduate qualifications and specialisms.
- At Riviera Wellbeing we believe diagnosis is key. We take great care to identify the root cause so we can address the underlying issue, not just treat the symptom.
- We want you to get well in the most effective and timely manner possible. If chiropractic is not deemed the best treatment option for your issue, we may refer you to one of the alternative complementary therapies available at the clinic, or refer you on to other medical specialists.
- Our patients report reduced pain, increased mobility and range of motion, improved posture and generally improved wellbeing.
- In addition to manual techniques, our chiropractors also consider the bigger picture and often offer lifestyle advice and targeted exercises to help promote drug-free, long-term health improvements.
You will never experience a hard-sell from us.
We promise to only ever give the best advice and treatment for YOU. We will give you only as much treatment as you need and will support that with advise so that you can continue to care for yourself at home. We are always here if you need us - but that doesn't mean that you need to see us every week.
Is Chiropractic treatment safe?
Chiropractic care is effective, and there is a rapidly growing body of evidence supporting its use as a first-line treatment for non-specific acute back pain and a range of other conditions.
All of the Chiropractors have completed 5 years of full-time Masters Degree level training, as well as considerable amounts of post-graduate training and work to the highest clinical standards.
Unlike many of the other complementary healthcare professions, chiropractic is governed by statute. This means that chiropractors have to work within strict guidelines set by the UK government, much like doctors and surgeons who work within the NHS.
Chiropractic care, particularly spinal manipulation, has a well backed, evidence-based safety profile. In 2023 a study of nearly 1 million chiropractic treatments found that the risk of severe adverse effects was approximately 1 in 476,000 and no cases of stroke or cauda equina syndrome were reported (Chu 2023)
Excellence in our field
Who is suitable for Chiropractic treatment?
The short answer is – EVERYONE!
From the very young to the very old, our trained chiropractors will adapt their approach to their patients and the patients’ health history.
From babies with their unique musculoskeletal systems to osteoporotic spines of the elderly, we understand how to approach and adapt our care to all.
This is why we take time to get your full medical history and form a detailed plan for care, which we re-evaluate at regular intervals. We don’t rush – we put your care first.
And because Riviera is a multi-disciplinary clinic, we can offer our patients the best and most appropriate service for their needs. Amongst our team of chiropractors and therapists, our depth of knowledge and experience cannot be matched anywhere else locally.
Take a moment to watch this video by the British Chiropractic Association.
It only lasts a minute and explains in simple terms what chiropractic is all about.
Frequently asked questions about chiropractic
What is chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a regulated healthcare profession that diagnoses and treats problems with the muscles, joints and spine. Our chiropractors use hands-on techniques such as spinal and joint manipulation, mobilisation and soft-tissue work, plus exercise and lifestyle advice. All our chiropractors are registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC), which regulates the profession in the UK.
What can a chiropractor help with?
Our chiropractors most often treat back pain, neck pain, sciatica, headaches that start in the neck, and shoulder, hip and joint pain. We also see sports injuries, posture-related aches and pregnancy-related back and pelvic pain. If chiropractic isn’t right for your problem, we’ll tell you and refer you to the right person. See Conditions we treat for more detail.
Is chiropractic safe?
Yes, chiropractic is very safe when carried out by a registered chiropractor. A 2023 study of nearly one million chiropractic treatments found the risk of a severe adverse effect was about 1 in 476,000 (Chu et al., 2023). Some people feel mild stiffness or soreness for a day or two after treatment, which usually settles quickly. We take a full medical history and examine you before treating, so we can adapt or avoid techniques where needed.
Does chiropractic treatment hurt?
Treatment shouldn’t be painful. You may feel pressure, a stretch, or hear a click from the joint, which is just gas being released. If an area is very sore, we use gentler techniques. Tell your chiropractor at any point if you’re uncomfortable and they’ll adjust their approach.
What is the “click” during an adjustment?
The click is a small pocket of gas releasing from the fluid inside the joint as it moves. It’s the same thing that happens when people crack their knuckles. It isn’t bones moving out of or into place, and not every adjustment makes a sound.
Is chiropractic backed by evidence?
Yes. NICE guidance for low back pain and sciatica (NG59) recommends manual therapy, such as spinal manipulation, alongside exercise. That’s how we treat back pain: hands-on care combined with exercises and advice you can carry on with at home.
What happens at my first chiropractic appointment?
Your first visit lasts about an hour. Your chiropractor takes a full history, carries out a physical and neurological examination, and explains what they’ve found in plain language. If it’s safe and you’re happy to go ahead, you’ll usually have your first treatment in the same appointment. The consultation is £35 and treatment is £40, so most first visits cost £75.
How long are follow-up appointments?
Follow-up chiropractic treatments last 20 minutes and cost £40. Extended 60-minute treatments are also available. If you come back with a new problem, or after more than 12 months away, we’ll book a 45-minute re-examination first. Blocks of 6 (£230) and 12 (£440) treatments save you money.
How many chiropractic sessions will I need?
It depends on your problem and how long you’ve had it. Some people need only one or two visits, and most recent problems improve within a few sessions. Your chiropractor will give you an honest estimate at your first visit and review your progress as you go. We only recommend the treatment you need, and there’s never any hard sell.
Can I see a chiropractor while I’m pregnant?
Yes. Chiropractic is a safe, gentle option for back, pelvic and hip pain during pregnancy, and we adapt our techniques and positioning for each stage. We have pregnancy pillows so you can lie comfortably. We also offer post-natal care for the neck and back strain that comes with feeding and carrying a baby. See Ante & post-natal chiropractic.
Do you treat babies and children?
Yes. Dr Phoebe Bavin has additional training in paediatric chiropractic and uses very gentle techniques designed for babies and young children. A baby’s first visit is a one-hour consultation with a full assessment and gentle treatment if appropriate. Prices are the same as for adults: £35 for the consultation and £40 for treatment. If we think your child needs to see their GP or health visitor instead, we’ll say so.
