Most countries, especially in Singapore, believes in the benefits of getting chiropractic care. However, chiropractic is a career with such a broad range of principles and methods of practice, making it quite challenging to find a chiropractor Singapore that you are compatible with and comfortable with. Since chiropractic care requires hands-on treatments, both the personal choice for the method of therapy and the relationship of the chiropractor Singapore and the patient must be considered.
This article discusses questions that should be asked while doing an interview with a chiropractor and provides information about what to expect from chiropractic treatment. It also highlights certain red flags that could very well signify highly questionable strategies to care.
Things to consider before choosing a chiropractor Singapore
Ask for referrals and feedbacks
One way to get started would be asking a primary care doctor, spine specialist, or physical therapist for referrals of chiropractors Singapore who they see as reputable and knowledgeable. However, quite a number of medical practitioners have little to no close relationships with chiropractors and may not be able to make a recommendation.
It also helps to obtain feedback from colleagues, workmates, and friends and relatives. While these referrals may be valuable, bear in mind that the perception of one individual as to who is the best chiropractor Singapore for him or her can be somewhat different from another person’s perception. Finding a chiropractor who will address the needs of an individual is incredibly important.
A chiropractor that is referred by several people is more likely to be a credible and reliable one.
Set an interview with a chiropractor
It is typically best to do a phone interview first before undergoing chiropractic care or schedule an in-office appointment to know a little bit more about the chiropractor, the treatment facility, and the procedures employed. To discuss further these details, a chiropractor Singapore will normally suggest a personal meeting.
For most patients, being comfortable with that of the chiropractor and getting an overall great experience at the treatment facility is crucial. Feeling relaxed is subjective and depends on a person’s preference, including simple details, including how long a patient will have to stay in the reception area or how the chiropractor’s office looks.
Another factor to consider is if the chiropractor has an undergraduate or even a post-graduate specialization is. Some chiropractors study post-graduate programs in different specialisations, like orthopaedics, rehabilitation, sports medicine, nutrition, neurology, or nutrition. These specialisations are not necessary, but it would be great if a chiropractor possesses.
Do background research
The patient must also check first if there are any pending disciplinary measures against the chiropractor. This info is accessible from the chiropractic licensing board of each state, which can commonly be found on the state’s website.
Patients should also check to see whether the Council on Chiropractic Education accredits their chiropractor’s school.
Choosing a health care provider for any treatment is one that should be done with due diligence. There is no need to feel obligated to immediately get treatment with the very first chiropractor you consulted. Most individuals consult with a number of chiropractors first prior to actually choosing someone they genuinely think is best suited for treating their body pain.
The fact of the matter would be that a chiropractor’s job is to advise a patient’s course of treatment, and it would be solely the decision of the patient whether to heed the advice of the chiropractor or not. Patients should not ever feel that the chiropractor is coercing them into an immediate decision on getting treated or even with payment.
Red flags that you should steer away from when looking for a chiropractor Singapore
A lot of chiropractors acknowledge the fact that certain chiropractic practices seem to be questionable. Some tactics that are dubious include:
- A chiropractor makes it appear that he is the only one using a modern approach not used by anyone else.
- The chiropractor claims that different medical disorders, such as heartburn, asthma, infections, or any other systemic severe disease, may be cured by chiropractic care.
- For practically every patient, irrespective of the patient’s situation, the chiropractor suggests the same form of care.
- The chiropractor perpetually suggests continuous treatment with no expectations, assessment of improvement, or endpoint.
It is appropriate to consider consulting another chiropractor Singapore or getting a second opinion if a patient encounters any of the above scenarios.
Chiropractors also provide recommendations on how to prevent potential issues by assessing:
- Programme for home exercise. Patient-specific workouts and poses are also performed early in treatment, usually during the first three visits, as the best outcomes are obtained by doing spinal manipulation with exercise.
- Ergonomics. It may be advised to alter destructive or asymmetrical lifestyle patterns or incorporate different back supports, pillows, or belts to best support and protect the spine. Directions for ergonomically proper ways to pull, push, bend, and lift may also be given.
- Posture. Gait evaluation, sitting, and standing postures can be assessed as well. To significantly improve posture, it may be advised for home use to perform stretches with a foam roller and use elastic bands when exercising.
- Orthotics. Using a special shoe insole or heel lift can help postural imbalance.
- Diet. Maintaining a healthy diet will help in decreasing pain due to chronic inflammation, promote better well-being, and boost energy levels.
Chiropractic care procedures
The following are some of the most-used hands-on procedures:
- Spine manipulation. Chiropractic care is most closely correlated with this treatment. A chiropractor uses his hands to perform a high-speed, low-amplitude correction of a spinal joint. This type of adjustment requires sufficient strength to relieve the joint from its limited motion (but still within the joint’s anatomical constraints) in an attempt to increase mobility and minimise pain. Technically, this rapid manipulation is called thrust with ‘High Velocity, Low Amplitude’ or HVLA. This would usually produce a sound like that of cracking or popping, and this is called cavitation. Some individuals appreciate the manipulation type of HVLA and consider it therapeutic, while other persons might very well perceive this sound frightening. While the adjustment process itself is not at all painful, a slight discomfort might be felt even with a gentle touch to a particular area and is typical if there is inflammation present.
- Spine mobilisation. This hands-on approach makes gentle, steady movements directed towards the spinal joints through its ROM or range of motion. It can use either the hands or a tool to stimulate the spinal joints. Although this procedure shares the same goals as spinal manipulation, since it is gentler and does not include loud popping or cracking noises, some patients actually prefer to get spinal mobilisation instead. While it is more delicate in its approach, mobilisation could result in slower recovery in some instances. Thus, it would need a lengthier course of treatment than with spinal manipulation.
Although chiropractors typically conduct these procedures, other trained clinicians can also perform these approaches, like osteopathic physicians or physical therapists.
Patients have reported beneficial spinal manipulation and mobilisation effects for spine-related discomforts, such as those in the back and neck. Some chiropractors may advise a blend of both spinal manipulation and mobilisation.
Tommy Williamson did his degree in psychology at the University of Edinburgh. He has an ongoing interest in mental health and well-being.
