This FAQ section is here to provide clear, helpful answers to some of the most common questions our patients ask. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to get in touch – we’re always happy to chat and guide you through anything you’d like to know.
Often, the answer is yes. Chiropractic is a safe and gentle form of healthcare which is used to treat the spine, muscles, and joints of the body. Treatment is given to a wide range of patients from young babies, pregnant ladies, and elderly patients. We are fully trained as primary healthcare practitioners and are therefore able to recognise if you are not suitable for chiropractic care.
No. It is illegal for anyone in the UK to use the title ‘Chiropractor’ or to imply that they are a chiropractor unless they are registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC).
Richards Chiropractic GCC 00440
You can either click on the book online link, click on Chiropractic and then New Patient. If you cannot find a convenient day/time on the online booking or have any problems, please contact me on 07979 815655 or use the contact me form.
During the first visit, the chiropractor will ask you lots of questions regarding your general health, your current symptoms and whether you have had any previous episodes of pain. You will then be asked to underdress down to your underwear. Ladies will be provided with a gown. Men can bring shorts to wear. The chiropractor will examine your back and do specific tests to diagnose your problem. They will then explain where your problem is, what type of treatment can help and answer any questions you may have before getting you to sign a consent form for treatment. You will receive your first treatment during this visit.
You should allow an hour for the initial consultation with your first treatment. Follow on treatments allow 30 minutes. However, appointments may vary slightly in length.
As a qualified Diversified Chiropractor, I use a variety of treatments including specific chiropractic manipulation; mobilisation techniques, Activator techniques and soft tissue therapy including PBMT. I am also qualified to use Kinesiology Tape (KT) and Dynamic Tape. I can also prescribe rehabilitation exercises to help stretch and strengthen your joints and muscles.
This will vary depending on a number of factors such as how long you have been suffering with the pain; how severe the pain is, your lifestyle/occupation and if you follow the advice given. An individual treatment plan will be tailored for each patient and our goal is to help you reach your own goals as quickly as possible.
Most of the time, scans or further tests are not required. Richards Chiropractic can refer you directly to InHealth Diagnostic Centre for private MRI, CT, and/or musculoskeletal ultrasound scans.
Chiropractic treatment is usually painless unless an area is particularly inflamed, although most patients will feel an immediate relief. Some patients may experience temporary achiness or soreness around the area that is being treated. Regular use of icepacks or polar frost will help to reduce this inflammation.
You may hear a ‘pop’ or ‘crack’ when being adjusted. This is simply the sound of bubbles of gas popping in the fluid of the joint as the pressure is released.
Richards Chiropractic is recognised by most private medical insurance companies and can direct bill them. Please contact the insurance company before booking your initial consultation to obtain an authorisation code from them and find out if you have an excess on your policy. You will be required to pay any excess directly to Richards Chiropractic at the time of treatment. My most common consultant provider numbers are as below:
- BUPA: 30020701
- AXA/PPP: SR01923
- WPA: 58836
You can park outside the clinic in the pay and display areas (from 7am – 6pm) or park for free for 3 hours in Sainsbury's. The walk from Sainsbury's takes approximately 5 minutes.
There are a couple of disabled car parking spaces just outside the clinic entrance. Although Richards Chiropractic clinic is on the first floor within InHealth Diagnostic Centre, it is fully accessible for people with disabilities. There is a lift for anyone who may need it.
Still have questions? Feel free to get in touch with the team at Richards Chiropractic – we’re always happy to help and talk you through your options. Your comfort and confidence in your care are important to us.
Contact us today to find out how we can support your journey to better health.
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Begin your journey to relief with Richards Chiropractic. Book your initial consultation and take the first step toward lasting recovery from pain.
Sarah has got me and a dodgy knee through 2 marathon length charity walks pain free. She has a professional yet friendly approach talking you through the treatment plan and providing clear guidance on additional exercises to do between treatments. I have and do recommend her to anyone seeking a chiropractor.
Sheshela
Couldn’t tell if chiropractic treatment was suitable for my issue, from a lot of research online. This became a catch-22 as I needed help but was apprehensive about spending money on something ultimately unhelpful. Sarah was the only chiropractor in the area who took the time to respond to queries via email with honesty, and in the end kindly offered to meet and talk so I was better informed. While Sarah recommended a better-suited route of treatment for me, I am still leaving a review. Since it is such a privilege these days to come across someone honest and evidently highly experienced, who actually listens and takes concerns seriously.
Guy Harper
Professional, friendly, highly skilled local practitioner with oodles of experience and tonnes of techniques to ease virtually any ache, pain or injury you can think of! Sarah always finds time to fit me in when I need help and has saved my neck and back from painful restrictions many times. She uses a variety of techniques to help too, highly recommend!
Sally Guest
Sarah was recommended to me when I moved to MK over 16 years ago. I’ve trusted her to look after my back ever since, which she’s done in a friendly and very professional manner. I’ve recommended her to a number of friends and family, who have also been very pleased, and wouldn’t hesitate to do so again. Thank you Sarah!
Carol Swann
Over the last 15 years Sarah Richards has changed my life for the better. When I first started with back issues I struggled to do every day things and was in constant pain. Sarah identified the problem areas and treated them accordingly, this helped me to continue as a full time HGV driver. Excellent customer experience every time, my best investment in myself.
Tony Critchley
An absolute god send. Bulging disc nerve damage – drs cannot help you have without doubt. Thank you so much truly for everything
Janine Freed
I have been seeing Sarah for many years now (only every 3 months now for a top up)and I truly believe my lower back treatment has made a huge difference. I don’t even think about my back now whereas before I started seeing Sarah it felt like a constant struggle. I have my life back – thank you
Boz Cranfield
Excellent service. Gutted I moved a few hundred miles away, which is the only reason you will find to stop seeing Sarah. After she helped me recover from the worst of my sciatica, the less regular maintenance appointments helped stop a serious flare up. Any flare ups were down to me pushing my luck, more often than I should have. I never felt judged by Sarah. Even though it meant I saw her less she recommend pilates to help me improve my core strength and posture. If I get a big win on the lottery I’d consider bribing her to relocate. Having an excellent chiropractic in your local area us priceless.
Michelle Brigham
Fantastic chiropractor – Sarah always sorts out my neck and back pain. I have referred other people to her who have been equally impressed with their treatments.
Annie
Highly recommended. Treatments are fantastic! Just as much as Ms Richards is
Kyra Shaan
Very professional and extremely helpful. Worked wonders on my back. Highly recommended.
Amalia Wyatt
