Our Treatment
Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractic originated in the 1800s and has since evolved through scientific research and evidence-based practice. Respine Hong Kong is a Gonstead-exclusive clinic. The Gonstead Methodology is a structural-based specific technique founded by Dr. Clarence Gonstead (1898-1978) in Wisconsin, United States. It consists of thorough examination and full spine X-ray analysis to diagnose and treat the root cause of a patient’s condition. All patients under Gonstead care must be gowned during examination and treatment, undergo spinal thermography (Nervoscope) and receive a complete set of full spine X-rays (when necessary).
Is chiropractic adjustment the same as just cracking joints?
Doctors of chiropractic (registered chiropractors) are qualified medical professionals whom have undergone extensive studies and training before providing care to our patients. Adjustments or other treatments and advices given by a chiropractor are based on a comprehensive examination and diagnosis of the patient. A chiropractic adjustment is specific and purposeful as we aim to correct spinal subluxations found in assessment. This is different from “cracking joints” techniques performed by unqualified and non-registered/ licensed individuals. When choosing a service provider, patients MUST consider the credibility of such personnel due to potential safety and risk concerns of receiving such treatment and advice.
Are chiropractic adjustments painful?
Generally speaking, the chance of experiencing pain or soreness after a chiropractic adjustment is very low. Before treatment, the chiropractor will conduct a thorough examination of the patient’s condition, and then adjust the patient’s spine based on the results as well as data from imaging diagnostics.
The Gonstead technique used by the chiropractor is a high velocity low amplitude (HVLA) adjustment which can be modified according to the patient’s weight, age, gender, and spinal health condition. Patients can also ask any questions about the treatment process while the chiropractor explains the report of findings.
Is chiropractic safe?
All Doctors of Chiropractic (registered chiropractors) in Hong Kong are regulated by Chiropractors Council under the Department of Health. The Council has established strict professional codes and ethics to ensure that registered chiropractors provide high quality services of recognized professional standards, with a certain guarantee of safety.
Subluxation
Subluxation is a condition where the position of the vertebrae and vertebral joints changes due to acute accidents or long-term strain. The vertebrae and vertebral joints are necessary to support the weight of the body and withstand dynamic pressure. Once their position changes, their supporting ability also changes.
In addition to supporting the body, the function of the vertebrae also includes protecting the spinal cord and the vertebral nervous system. Subluxation can not only cause inflammation and pain in the vertebral joints but also affect the surrounding nerve pathways, leading to symptoms such as tingling and numbness. Nerve pathways not only govern the body’s sensations but also transmit messages to various organs and parts of the body. Therefore, in addition to pain, common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, difficulty breathing, indigestion, gastrointestinal discomfort, and menstrual pain.
Long-term subluxation can lead to more serious spinal issues, such as intervertebral disc degeneration and bone spur formation. Therefore, if there is discomfort in the spine or any of the above symptoms, it is advisable to seek professional advice and undergo a comprehensive spinal assessment as soon as possible.
Supportive Care
Supportive care is provided at Respine Hong Kong in addition to the Gonstead adjustment depending on patient condition, to allow a more complete and long term recovery. Supportive care consists of rehabilitation exercises, cervical corrective orthotic Denneroll® and custom insole orthotics Zehnkampf®.
Rehabilitation exercises are prescribed to the patient when the condition is stable, they allow surrounding musculature to strengthen and support the subluxated area. Exercises also provide postural and habitual changes for chronic recurring conditions.
Denneroll® is a cervical corrective orthotic for the neck developed by Dr. Adrian Dennewald for chiropractors to prescribe patients with loss of cervical curvature. The cervical Denneroll® creates a proprioceptive stretch which can improve range of motion, relieve muscle tension, and assist in the correction of poor lordotic curves.
Zehnkampf® is a set of custom insole orthotics prescribed to patients with an unstable pelvis and/or leg length difference. Measurements and data analysis are taken from the patient’s full spine X-ray, combined with a comprehensive digital foot scan and gait evaluation, to create a set of custom insole orthotics for our patients. For greater pelvis and/or leg length differences, custom footwear can be tailor-made as well.
Progress Assessment
Progress assessments are important throughout chiropractic care. Depending on the patient’s condition, progress assessments are performed every 3-5 visits to ensure maximum recovery. Targets and goals are set at different checkpoints to allow modifications to the care plan if necessary. Supportive care can also be added when patients reach such checkpoints to further strengthen and stabilize their spine.
Gonstead chiropractic aims to provide a long term structural correction rather than a temporary relief of symptoms.
How to choose the right chiropractor
Choosing the right chiropractor in Hong Kong is an important decision. You can find a suitable chiropractor for yourself and your family by evaluating the chiropractor’s qualifications and educational background, treatment methods and his reviews. An initial consultation with the chiropractor can also give you a better insight to his professionalism.
Considering the geographic location and accessibility of the clinic in Hong Kong is also crucial for treatment visits. If regular treatment is needed, choosing a nearby chiropractor can save travel time and related inconveniences. Additionally, the clinic building’s accessibility features are factors also worth considering.
Unregistered Therapists
Source：
Hong Kong Chiropractic Council
CC Code of Practice_Jan_2017 (Chin).pdf (chiro-council.org.hk)
Department of Health
衞生署-新聞公報-脊醫註冊- 01_08_31 (dh.gov.hk)