Chiropractic

Our Poole and Bournemouth chiropractic clinics commonly treat:

• Lower back pain and upper back pain
• Neck pain and whiplash injuries
• Headaches and migraines
• Sciatica and nerve pain
• Shoulder, hip, and knee pain
• Sports injuries and work related injuries
• Posture related pain and stiffness

If you’re experiencing pain or limited movement, chiropractic care may help.

Yes. You can receive chiropractic care without any joint cracking or popping. At our chiropractic clinic, we offer a variety of gentle, non cracking techniques tailored to your comfort level and health needs.

• Our chiropractors may use:
• Gentle spinal mobilisations
• Assisted stretching techniques
• Soft tissue therapy
• Drop-table (drop plate) adjustments
• Activator instrument assisted adjustments

These methods are effective for relieving pain, improving mobility, and reducing muscle tension without traditional manual “cracking” adjustments.

If you prefer a gentle approach, simply let us know. Your comfort and confidence in care
always come first.

A drop plate (drop table) is used in chiropractic care to deliver gentle, low-force adjustments. The table section lifts slightly and drops during the adjustment, allowing the joint to move naturally without forceful twisting or cracking.

Drop plate techniques help:

• Improve spinal and joint alignment
• Reduce muscle tension
• Relieve back, neck, and joint pain

This method is ideal for patients who prefer a gentler chiropractic approach, including first time patients, older adults, and those uncomfortable with traditional manual adjustments.

Drop plate adjustments are safe, effective, and commonly used in modern chiropractic care.

An Activator (often called an Activator gun) is a handheld chiropractic instrument used to deliver gentle, precise adjustments without manual cracking or twisting.

The Activator applies a quick, controlled impulse to specific areas of the spine or joints to help:

• Improve joint alignment and mobility
• Reduce pain and inflammation
• Decrease muscle tension
• Support nervous system function

Because it uses very low force, Activator adjustments are ideal for patients who prefer a gentle approach, including children, older adults, pregnant patients, and those sensitive to manual adjustments.

Activator chiropractic care is safe, effective, and widely used in modern chiropractic clinics.

Your first visit at Total Therapy typically includes:

• A detailed health history
• A physical and orthopaedic exam
• Posture and spinal assessments
• A personalised treatment plan

For your chiropractic visit, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy movement. This helps your chiropractor assess your posture and range of motion, and makes adjustments easier.

Good options include:

• Athletic wear (leggings, shorts, joggers)
• Loose t-shirts or tank tops
• Comfortable trainers or bare feet
• Clothing without heavy zippers or thick layers

Avoid:

• Tight jeans or restrictive clothing
• Bulky coats or heavy accessories
• Dresses or skirts (unless you’re comfortable)

If you’re unsure, feel free to bring a change of clothes. Your comfort and ease of movement
are the priority.

• Chiropractors focus on spinal health, joint function, and nervous system support
• Physical therapists focus on rehabilitation exercises
• Medical doctors often focus on medication or surgery

Many patients benefit from chiropractic care as a natural, drug free option.

After your adjustment, we recommend:

• Drinking plenty of water
• Staying lightly active
• Following any home care or exercise advice
• Avoiding strenuous activity if advised