For New Patient

1,How to find me?When I'm working ?

Don't be nervous... there's a first time for everything, and we hope this first patient appointment guide helps

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  London:

(1) Battersea & Wandsworth Chiropractors

Bristol

Address 1:                            

                                    39 Cotham Hill

                                 Bristol

                                 BS6 6JY

                                 Tel:0117 974 1199

                                 make an appointment with Zak Han

                                            Friday;Thurdsday

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Address 2

 Bristol 0117 9221542

C1 Chiropractic Health Centre
25 Victoria Street
Bristol
BS1 6AA

Friday moring
Click here for a map

C1 Health Centre is one of four yellow medieval buildings towards the Bristol Bridge end of Victoria Street, which runs from Bristol Bridge to the Temple Quay roundabout close to Temple Meads.

Getting to C1
Bus - The main bus routes from the Centre to Bristol Temple Meads and to the Bath Road P&R pass by C1. The No 1 bus is our favourite, but Nos 52, 54, 54A, 70, 73 and 73A all go that way.
Bike – There is a set of bike racks in front of the centre for your use.
Car – There are metered car spaces available outside the centre. We have never had any problems finding a parking space.

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• We will make an appointment for you to see Zak within 24 hours.
• We will answer any questions clearly.
• We will give you easy directions on how to get to the Clinic.

2,What to bring with you?

If you have,GP referral letter,X-ray report,current meditation list,etc. You also come with nothing.

3,How to describe your problem with me?

The description also gives an indication as to how the individual feels about the pain they have. Having a new severe pain or unaccustomed less severe pain can be quite worrying. This is especially so when the reason for the pain is unknown to the sufferer.

To diagnose low back pain. Tell me about your complete medical history. I will examine you physically. Often the physical exam is completely normal except for pain with motion. I check for:

• Evidence of nerve problems. The evaluates strength, sensation and reflexes. I may ask you to move your spine to see how limited the motion is.
• Another problem not related to the spine that could cause back pain, such as poor blood circulation. Tell me what motions or positions hurt, and what helps relieve the pain.
• I always ask new patient question as follows

Is it confined to the lower back, or does it radiate to the buttocks and legs? (These questions check for sciatica.)

How severe is the pain? (A good description of pain intensity can help the doctor determine its cause.) When the did the pain begin? (If the pain follows an injury, it is less likely to be due to a slowly progressing condition, such as spinal stenosis.)

What makes the back feel better or worse? (The pattern of pain may indicate whether a nerve is involved, possibly because of a disk herniation.)

Has there been a prior episode of back pain? If so, how was it treated, and how effective was the treatment? (The condition may have recurred.)

Are there any other health problems? (Weight loss and poor appetite, for example, raise the concern that cancer has spread to the vertebrae.)

Are any medications being taken, such as corticosteroids or anticonvulsants? (These can affect spinal bone mass.) What is the person's profession, and what kinds of exercise or activities are being performed? (Muscle injury is frequently related to a particular activity.)

4,FAQ see FAQ

5 Your first visit

On your first visit, you will be asked to fill out a health history to help us better understand the nature of your condition.

Chinese backcare therapist is probably best known for its great success in treating back and neck pain. However, the scope of therapist extends far beyond these complaints. Therefore, I want to know about all the conditions or symptoms that you currently have.

Prior to the consultation the I will review your case history. During the consultation the I will ask you a number of questions regarding the history of your condition, other clinic you may have seen and you current symptoms.

During the examination the I will assess not only the causes of your complaints, but the condition of your spine and health in generals. My intention is to treat your body as a whole, not just as a symptom. During this process we often discover under laying problems that have not yet shown up as symptoms. None of the test involves any discomfort to the patient.

Then we will go over your exam findings in detail to explain the cause of your problem. I will also review your health in general and the current condition of yours . I will then discuss the steps necessary to correct your condition and reach your health care goals

In over 20 years of experience, I have treated thousands of patients of all ages and conditions in China army hospital. With this amount of experience I am confident that I will be able to provide you with the best that Chinese backcare therapist has to offer.

Step1:Relieve the Pain… In this phase our goal is to eliminate the pain and symptoms as soon as possible.
Step2: Correct the problem… In this phase our goal is to restore muscular and joint function.. Without doing this, your pain has a high probability of returning in a short period of time.

Step 3: Strengthening the Muscles… In this phase our goal is to strengthen the muscles in the affected area.. This phase is critical for a long-term outcome. If strengthening does not occur, you will be very susceptible to re-injury and the return of symptoms when doing more strenuous activity.
Not all patients are the same therefore the specific details of each patient’s treatment, and treatment plan.

When you first see me, you will be asked questions about your back pain, including how often it occurs and how severe it is. I will try to determine the cause of your back pain and whether it is likely to quickly get better with simple measures .
My Questions will include:
What does the pain feel like? Is it dull, sharp, throbbing, or burning?
When did the pain begin? Did it start suddenly? or gradually
Did you have a particular injury ?
What were you doing just before the pain began?
Do you know the cause of previous episodes of back pain?
How long does each episode of back pain usually last?
Do you feel the pain anywhere other than your back, like your hip, thigh, leg or feet?
Do you have any numbness or tingling? Any weakness or loss of function in your leg or elsewhere?
What makes the pain worse? Lifting, twisting, standing, or sitting for long periods of time?
What makes you feel better?
Are there any other symptoms present?
You will be asked to: what's your feeling? When...
Sit, stand, and walk. While walking.
Bend forward, backward, and sideways.
Lift your legs straight up while lying down.
I will also move your legs in different positions.
To test nerve function.
if your Pain that has lasted longer than one month ,I will ask you about:
Numbness
Muscle weakness
Accident or injury
Fever
you are over 65 ......

6,Payment.

Treatment costs can be evaluated in two ways:

cost per session  £35.(initial session £40)

total cost of a programme of treatment (The number of sessions multiplied by the cost per session)

If diagnosis is accurate and the condition is seen as appropriate for treatment, the treatment will be efficient and the overall cost can be kept to a minimum. when you first consult us ,we will give you an estimate of how many sessions of treatment you will require, the timescale, as well as the progress you can expect.

Each session lasts 45 minutes, during which time you will receive intensive hands-on treatment and advice. This approach will allow you to remain fully informed of your treatment expenditure and, more importantly, the progress of your condition. You also can pay online.

7 Complaints
Complaints about your Privacy rights, or how Chinese backcare therapist has handled your health information should be directed to .Zak by calling this office at 0117 9741199 If Zak is not available, you may make an appointment for a personal conference in person or by telephone within 2 working days.

If you are not satisfied with the manner in which this office handles your complaint, you may submit a formal complaint to:ATCM(www.atcm.co.uk)

 F A Q       

 How acupuncture work?

TCM is based on an energetic model rather than the bio-chemical model of western medicine. The ancient Chinese recognized a vital energy behind all life forms and life processes. They called this energy Qi (pronounced “Chee”). In developing an understanding of the prevention and cure of disease, these healing practitioners discovered that this energy flows along specific pathways called ‘meridians’. Each pathway is associated with a particular physiological system and internal organ.

Acupuncture points are specific locations along the meridians. Each point has a predictable effect upon the energy passing through and acts as a switch. By using combinations of acu-points energy can be moved and balanced in the system. Modern science has been able to measure the electrical charge at these points proving the existence of the locations of the meridians described by the ancient Chinese.

TCM uses an intricate system of pulse and tongue diagnosis, palpation of the abdomen, points and meridians, medical history and other signs and symptoms to create a composite TCM diagnosis. A treatment plan is then formulated to return the body to optimal health.

How does acupressure work?

Acupressure works in 5 ways to stimulate your body’s natural self-curative abilities.

1. Releases endorphins in your nervous system.

2. Controls the transmission of pain in thin nerves.

3. Improves the circulation

4. Directly elongates the abnormally contracted muscle fibers.

5. Triggers the self-curative neuro-humoral system.

This is how acupressure works with your body, not against it.

How can acupressure be so effective?

When acupressure points are pressed your own nervous system releases specific molecules in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain.These molecules, like endorphins, remove pain, or they trigger the release of additional molecules and hormones which in turn eliminate pain and naturally boost your body's own healing systems. Acupressure also controls the pain message transmission in your nerves, blocking the nerves that carry pain messages.

How fast does acupressure work?

Acupressure is as fast as your nervous system. When you press the right combination of acupressure points, it activates your neural system to heal your back pain. You can experience back pain relief in few seconds. As you can imagine, your nervous system is incredibly speedy, and that is the speed acupressure uses to help relieve your back pain. If more neuronal “messengers” are triggered, it might take from 60 seconds to few minutes to see results.

How does electroacupuncture work?

As is crucial for all treatments for pain.communication between patient and practitioner is important in determining the nature and source of the pain. Is the pain from an old trauma, is it from wear and tear, or is it structural? After palpating the patient for tender points and placing the needles, leads from an electrostimulator machine are clipped to the needles. Beginning with a very low setting, the patient is asked if he feels a “tap tap” sensation. The setting may be raised slightly, checking at each step if the patient can tolerate the sensation and backing off if it becomes uncomfortable. At a comfortable point, 5-10 minutes of treatment will take place, and then the patient will be asked if the sensation has diminished, in which case, the setting may be raised slightly for another 10 minutes or so.

Please try to wear or bring comfortable clothing to your treatment.  This will allow our practitioners to be able to access the acupuncture points with ease, and it will help you to feel relaxed.  Please try to avoid eating a heavy meal or skipping a meal before coming to your appointment.

What are lamps and electronic gadgets I see during acupuncture treatment?
An infrared lamp as well as low-voltage direct current stimulation via the acupuncture needle is used to maintain stimulation of on the acupoints. These are now well-accepted techniques in bolstering the effectiveness of traditional acupuncture.

What is Moxa?

Moxabustion, or moxa for short, is an ancient form of heat therapy that is believed to predate acupuncture. Moxa uses the ground-up leaves of the mugwort plant. In the most common form of moxa, the leaves are rolled into cigar-like sticks, which are then burned and held over the body to stimulate certain acupuncture points. The heat never gets close enough to burn the skin, and most patients find the warmth very relaxing. Sometimes patients are taught how to do moxa on themselves at home as part of their treatment.

Chinese studies show that moxa therapy increases digestive function, increases white blood count and platelets when burned over certain acupuncture points, and may have a positive effect on T-cells. In addition, moxa therapy is frequently used to turn breech babies, with a 75% success rate.

What is Cupping?

Cupping is an ancient technique used both in China and the West. The traditional process uses glass jars, heated to create a vacuum, and placed on the body to relieve acute conditions such as colds and respiratory illnesses. Cupping is also used to relieve tension and pain. It is often used for upper or lower back ache, neck pain, and shoulder pain.

What is a typical session like?

The first visit will include a consultation involving questions about the main complaints of the patient, medical history, and also about other systems in the body (ie. digestion, sleep, urination etc.). and  check patient.To conclude the consultation, After the consultation, I will talk to the patient about the best treatments appropriate for them which may be acupressure massage, aucpuncture or some combination of the two.

On additional visits, the first five minutes will be a consultation where questions are asked about the progress of the patient and if any symptoms have changed. If the patient is receiving Acupuncture, every treatment lasts about an hour.

Do I have to keep going?

Dependent on the case, you may only require one treatment every half year.Keeping your back joints and muscles in good shape will mean less treatment overall, and help you avoid acute attacks of disabling pain whilst at the same time allowing you to budget for your back care.

How many treatment I need?

Does Acupressure massage or acupuncture hurt?

Acupressre massage uses the professional's hands to alter the function, flexibility and tension in the muscles and joints of the body. It is possible that after your first appointment you may feel a little sore. This is a totally normal reaction to treatment. It may be that you feel sore in various areas of the body as your body readjusts to a change in the mobility that the treatment affords. This feeling of discomfort will gradually ease.

Will Acupressure massage  or acupuncture make me worse?

With careful diagnosis and treatment we hope to be able to ease your condition, reduce your pain and increase your mobility. It is possible that you may feel some reaction to your first couple of treatment sessions..

 Is your treatment cover by insurnce?

.Will I have to stop  working whilst having treatment?

Many joint and muscular problems can be caused by working practices.  we understand that many people want to continue their lives as normal, When you first see me. we will take account of your feelings in connection with your individual demands on your body.

The idea that acupuncture only works as a placebo is one of the biggest misconceptions about acupuncture.  You are not required to believe in acupuncture for it to work.  Studies have shown acupuncture to be very effective in treating a number of conditions in humans, as well as animals such as horses, dogs, and cats.  Animals are incapable of actually “believing” in acupuncture, yet it still works very well for them.  Testing for an acupuncture placebo in humans is much more challenging.  However, there have been studies conducted at major universities that have concluded that acupuncture acts as more than just a placebo.

Do I have to believe in it for it to work?

No. Acupuncture works whether or not you think it will. Acupuncture is even used successfully on animals and children. They do not understand or believe in the process yet they get better anyway. A positive attitude helps with any type of therapy but it is not necessary to believe in acupuncture (or to feel it working) for it to work.

Since positive expectations and belief in a particular therapy help to increase therapeutic results, I encourage you to raise any concerns or doubts you may have about acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.I'd like to help you to better understand acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine so that you may have the most positive healing experience possible.

How quickly can I expect to feel better?

In general, I tell my patients they should start to feel the benefits from acupuncture in 2-3 treatments. If the problem is acute, sometimes improvement is felt after 1 treatment, and may only need 3-5 treatments to resolve. If the problem is chronic and long term, it may take many treatments to help resolve

How big are those needles, anyway?

They're not very big. The typical Chinese fine needle measures .25 to .30 millimeters in diameter, and 30-50 millimeters in length. Acupuncture needles, unlike hypodermic needles, are neither hollow nor rigid, and the tip is shaped to increase the patient's comfort during insertion. It has often been stated that anywhere from half a dozen to a dozen acupuncture needles will fit inside the bore of a hypodermic needle; this depends, of course, on the diameter of all needles under consideration. Some Japanese-made needles are quite a bit finer than their Chinese counterparts. Interestingly enough, needle diameter has very little to do with insertion comfort; needling technique and needle tip shape are much bigger factors.

My doctor has recently suggested acupuncture. Is acupuncture safe and will it really help?

 Acupuncture is one of the most time-tested treatments known to mankind. If the value of a treatment were based solely on how long it has been around, and how long people have thought that it was helpful, then acupuncture would probably be the most effective treatment known to humankind. Nonetheless, we still do not know why acupuncture works, how it works best, and for whom it is best used.

Many patients advocate acupuncture as a very effective treatment for many different symptoms. These symptoms include pain from a variety of causes, as well as many other conditions including nausea, smoking cessation, problems with addiction, inflammatory conditions, possibly even anxiety and depression, to name just a few.

There are many different forms of acupuncture. One form of acupuncture completed by one acupuncturist may be quite different than another, and any given practitioner may perform the acupuncture differently than another.

Why should acupuncture work?

Acupuncture may stimulate the release of natural chemicals that block pain within the brain and spinal cord. These chemicals are known as endorphins and enkephalins. According to practitioners of traditional acupuncture, the treatment removes the blockages along energy channels in the body to reduce pain.

Have acupuncture any side effects?

Usually none. As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing begins to take place. Occasionally the original symptoms may worsen for a few days. You may also experience general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns, or emotional states. These symptoms should not cause concern, as they are indications that the acupuncture is starting to work

It is also quite common with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation, or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment. These sensations pass within a short time, and don’t require anything more than a bit of rest to overcome

Is there any proof that Acupuncture relieves pain?

Controlled studies have had varied responses (possibly because they have been too small), but most studies have produced positive results - the majority of people obtaining pain relief. Research has shown acupuncture to be especially useful in relieving nausea from chemotherapy and surgery. Acupuncture may relieve many types of pain and conditions, including low back pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, and more.

How deep do the needles go?

The anatomy of selected points, patient size age and constitution all play a role in determining depth of needle insertion. In general, needles may be inserted from 1/4" to 1" in depth.

Should anyone avoid acupuncture?

Some physicians and practitioners may avoid treatment during pregnancy. If you have been seen by a particular practitioner prior to your pregnancy, however, it is generally safe to continue receiving treatment from that practitioner during your pregnancy.

Does acupuncture conflict with conventional Western medicine?

Acupuncture can be used alongside conventional medicine in the treatment of both acute and chronic disease. As with any treatment, it may be important to mention certain details about your current state of health, as this will assist the practitioner in his full diagnosis of your condition.

Once you see a acupuncturist, do you have to go for the rest of your life?
No. The extent to which you choose to benefit from your acupuncturist care is ultimately up to you. Each & everyone of us is solely responsible for the quality of our health & well-being. However, we do strongly urge all practice members to consider lifetime, wellness acupuncture care. This is where the long-term, lasting benefits of care are enjoyed. Regular exercise & healthy eating habits are a lifestyle decision and so is lifetime, wellness acupuncture care.

References

1. Carlsson CP, Sjolund BH. Acupuncture for chronic low back pain: a randomized placebo-controlled study with long-term follow-up. Clin J Pain Dec 2001;17(4):296-305.
2. Casimiro L, Brosseau L, Milne S, Robinson V, Wells G, Tugwell P. Acupuncture and electroacupuncture for the treatment of RA (Cochrane Review). Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2002;(3):CD003788.
3. Ewies AA, OlahKSThe sharp end of medical practice: the use of acupuncture in obstetrics and gynaecology. BJOG Jan 2002;109(1):1-4.
4. Irnich D, Winklmeier S, Beyer A, Peter K. Electric stimulation acupuncture in peripheral neuropathic pain syndromes. Clinical pilot study on analgesic effectiveness. Schmerz Apr 2002;16(2):114-20.
5. Kim MH. A brief commentary: electroacupuncture may relax the contraction of sphincter of Oddi. J Altern Complement Med 2001;7 Suppl 1:S119-20.

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