Chiropractic and Chiropractors

The McTimoney method takes a holistic view

Chiropractic is a manual health profession that assesses, diagnoses, and treats conditions of the musculoskeletal (MSK) system. The word Chiropractic originates from the Greek words "cheir" and "pracktos", meaning "done by hand". Although the profession started in the late 1890s, manipulative and manual therapy methods have ancient origins. Ancient writings from China, Egypt and Greece cover such manual methods.

The McTimoney method is one distinct form of Chiropractic and very different to others. McTimoney Chiropractors take a holistic view of health as many aspects of health are closely linked, and so any assessment and treatment should consider such factors. In ancient Greece, Hippocrates, "the father of medicine", also took a holistic view of assessing and treating the human body, even if medicine later took a much more reductionist view. However, research has shown complex links between many aspects of health, affecting recovery in many areas of health. The following diagram highlights some of the factors that can play a part in health and wellbeing in general:-

Chiropractic Techniques

Diversified Chiropractic

The diversified method involves creating joint cavitation, which creates "popping" or "cracking" sounds. This way of adjusting joints is the common form of Chiropractic and what most of the general public think of as Chiropractic. The Diversified method uses High-Velocity Low Amplitude (HVLA) adjustments. Many Osteopaths and Physiotherapists tend to learn and use HVLA (for details about the differences between a Chiropractor, Osteopath and Physiotherapist, please follow the link). HVLA neck and back adjustments require twisting the neck or spine and then applying a sharp (HVLA) thrust force through the area, making the "crack" sound. The McTimoney method is just one method not to create loud "crack" sounds. Other methods might include Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT), Activator and Integrator. Many people think that all Chiropractors are the same and use the same method, which is not the case, and there are many forms.

McTimoney Chiropractic

The late John McTimoney developed the McTimoney Chiropractic method, and it has existed for over 50 years. McTimoney treatment takes a holistic view from assessment through to recovery. Treatments tend to cover the whole body and not just the area of pain or symptoms. Such an approach is hugely related to Biotensegrity and how everything is connected (see article). McTimoney Chiropractors' use a fast, gentle, precise, and dextrous adjustive technique. McTimoney is popular in the UK due to the method being gentle and the fact it rarely creates "cracking" noises. The method does not require twisting necks and backs or applying HVLA forces through these areas. Some people specifically seek out McTimoney trained Chiropractors' as they do not like the HVLA neck adjustments or cracking sounds. McTimoney's are best known for their unique Toggle Torque Recoil (TTR) adjustment. Unlike other Chiropractors, McTimoney's tend not to x-ray, though they can refer for imaging if there is a good reason. McTimoney treatments times also tend to be longer than those of many other Chiropractors and typically 20-30 mins follow-up, rather than 10-15 minutes or less. The very positive differences that make the McTimoney method popular in the UK have effectively prevented it from being more widespread. Historically and to this day, some within the profession view the method as a threat to be removed.

McTimoney Therapists

In the UK, one will find both McTimoney Therapists and McTimoney Chiropractors'. This situation came about after Chiropractic became a regulated profession in 1994. Some therapists did not wish to become registered Chiropractors'. Chiropractic politics played a part in the case above and sadly still does, to the determinant of the profession. Sadly, one rarely sees the McTimoney method outside of the UK due to Chiropractic politics or, as per a USA education department hearing, the "virtual cartel".

Education and Training

Training to be a Chiropractor has changed a lot over the years, as with other health sectors. Today, Chiropractic education is at the University Undergraduate Masters level and results in MChiro qualification. Qualified and registered Chiropractors' are also granted the honorary title of Dr and are a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC). McTimoney education takes between 4 to 6 years, depending on the training modality and the need for a foundation year. There are also distinct Chiropractic specialisms covering Sports, Paediatrics, Pain, Animals and more, which require further training. Chiropractors can also prescribe exercise and have varying levels of soft tissue training. Personal areas of interest can play a huge part in what extra training one takes, as CPE/CPD. Today education covers many areas of medicine and health sciences, such as;

Anatomy, Behavioural Science, Biochemistry, Biomechanics, Chiropractic Studies (theory and practical), Clinical Neurology, Clinic Studies, Differential Diagnosis, General Medicine, Imaging and Referral, Research Studies, Musculoskeletal Medicine, Neurology, Neuroscience, Patient Assessment, Pathology, Pharmacology and Physiology.

Students also complete training in medical wet-labs as part of their education and a full year treating members of the general public in a college run Chiropractic Clinic. About a third of all UK Chiropractors trained at the McTimoney College of Chiropractic in Abingdon, Oxfordshire (UK). The General Chiropractic Council (GCC), regulates the UK Chiropractic profession. One can only work as a Chiropractor if registered with the GCC in the UK. McTimoney Chiropractors’ are also eligible to join the Royal College of Chiropractors (RCC).