Chiropractic FAQS
Your Questions Answered | St Andrew Chiropractic Clinic, Wells
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1. How long are appointments?
Your first appointment lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour and includes a full consultation, examination and — where appropriate — your first treatment. Follow-up appointments are 15 to 20 minutes. We don't rush. The time you need is the time you'll get.
2. Will I receive treatment on my first visit?
Often, yes. After a thorough consultation and physical examination, your chiropractor will discuss their findings with you. If treatment is clinically appropriate and you feel ready to proceed, it usually takes place during the same visit. If further investigation is needed first, we'll explain why.
3. Will treatment hurt?
Chiropractic care with a qualified practitioner shouldn't be painful. Our chiropractors use gentle, hands-on techniques tailored to your body and your comfort level. Some patients experience mild, short-lived soreness after their first treatment — similar to how you might feel after gentle exercise — and this usually settles within a day. If anything feels uncomfortable during a session, we'll always adjust our approach.
4. How much does a treatment cost?
Adult First Appointment (45 minutes to 1 hour, including examination and treatment where appropriate): £70
Follow-up Chiropractic Treatment (20 minutes): £45
Child First Appointment: £55
Follow-up Child Chiropractic Treatment: £35
Payment can be made by card or contactless at the clinic, and we'll always discuss your care plan and any associated costs with you openly before treatment begins. No surprises.
5. What is the difference between Chiropractic, Osteopathy and Physiotherapy?
All three are regulated, hands-on professions that help people move and feel better, and there's genuine overlap between them. The differences are real but more nuanced than the labels suggest.
Chiropractors focus primarily on the spine, joints and nervous system, using precise hands-on techniques to support healthy movement and function. Training is a four to five year university degree, and the profession is regulated in the UK by the General Chiropractic Council. Many chiropractors, including our own, work with refined, low-force techniques such as Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) and cranial work — a particularly gentle approach suitable for patients of all ages, from children to older adults.
Osteopaths take a broader whole-body approach, often working with soft tissues, muscles and the body's overall structure alongside joint work. Training and regulation are comparable.
Physiotherapists generally focus on rehabilitation, movement and exercise-based recovery, often after injury or surgery, and are widely available through the NHS.
What often distinguishes chiropractic care in practice is the attention to detailed assessment, the precision of hands-on technique, and the time taken to understand each patient as an individual. At St Andrew Chiropractic Clinic, first appointments last 45 minutes to an hour because we believe careful listening is part of good treatment.
That said, the best choice often depends less on the profession and more on the individual practitioner — their training, their approach, and how well they listen. If you're not sure whether chiropractic is the right fit, we'd genuinely rather help you find the right person, even if that turns out not to be us. Call us on 01749 673 160 and we'll happily talk it through.
6. Is Chiropractic safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Chiropractic care is widely used during pregnancy and is considered safe when delivered by an experienced practitioner using techniques adapted for each stage.
Many women seek chiropractic support during pregnancy for lower back discomfort, pelvic tension, postural strain or general aches as the body changes. Our chiropractors use gentle, pregnancy-specific techniques, with supportive cushioning and positioning to keep you comfortable throughout. We'll always tailor treatment to where you are in your pregnancy and how you're feeling on the day.
Both Dr Eric Pahl (Doctor of Chiropractic) and Paul Dunn (MChiro) have experience working with pregnant patients, and Eric has specific postgraduate training in pregnancy and paediatric chiropractic. We're also happy to liaise with your midwife or GP if helpful.
7. How often do I need to visit?
This depends entirely on your individual condition, lifestyle and goals. After your initial assessment, your chiropractor will recommend a care plan and explain the reasoning behind it. You're always in control — there's no obligation to commit to a fixed number of sessions, and we'll review progress with you regularly.
8. Will I need an X-ray?
Not routinely. X-rays are only requested when there's a specific clinical reason — for example, to investigate a particular symptom or rule out an underlying issue. If we feel imaging would be helpful, we'll explain why and refer you accordingly. We don't take X-rays on site.
9. Do I need a GP referral?
No. Chiropractic is a regulated primary healthcare profession in the UK, and you can book directly with us. If you'd like to keep your GP informed, we're happy to share a brief summary of your care with them on request.
10. Will my private health insurance cover treatment?
Our chiropractors are recognised by most major UK health insurers. Cover varies by policy, so we recommend checking directly with your insurer before your first appointment. We can provide receipts and treatment summaries for your claim.
11. I'm not sure if chiropractic treatment is for me - what do you suggest?
It's completely normal to feel unsure — most of our patients felt the same before their first visit. Chiropractic care isn't right for everyone, and we'd rather you arrive informed than uncertain.
The simplest first step is to book a new patient appointment. This is a full consultation, not a sales conversation. Your chiropractor will listen carefully to your concerns, take a detailed history, carry out a thorough physical and postural assessment, and explain clearly what they've found — in language you can understand. If we believe chiropractic care can genuinely help you, we'll discuss a personalised plan together. If we don't think we're the right fit for your situation, we'll tell you honestly and, where appropriate, point you toward the practitioner or service that is.
If you'd prefer to ask a few questions before booking, you're welcome to call us on 01749 673 160 or email contact@standrewchiro.co.uk. We're happy to have a brief, no-obligation phone conversation to help you decide whether booking an appointment feels right. No GP referral is needed. New patients are welcome Monday to Saturday.