INFORMATION FOR NEW PATIENTS
The purpose of your first visit is to determine whether you are in the right place, and whether we can help you. We will talk to you, examine you thoroughly, review any imaging studies, and then give you our honest impression.
ACCESSING THE NORTH WALES SPINE CLINIC
Our clinical focus is not only spinal issues but also other complaints such as shoulder, knee and hip pain. The majority of our patients come from word of mouth, and we are proud to have built a distinguished reputation within our local community. While many patients are referred by their GP or specialist, a referral is not required. At The North Wales Spine Clinic, we place a strong emphasis on liaising with your healthcare team, where appropriate, to ensure the highest standard of care.
INITIAL CONSULTATION
The aim of your initial appointment is to determine whether our clinic is the right fit for you and whether we can provide the assistance you need. We will take a thorough medical history, conduct a comprehensive physical examination, review any imaging studies, and then share our honest assessment with you. The physical examination will focus on your neurological, muscular, and skeletal systems. Other areas, such as the heart, lungs, and abdomen, might be examined to confirm an accurate diagnosis.
Rest assured, your modesty will be respected at all times, and gowns are provided. Throughout this process, we aim to help you begin your journey toward understanding your problem and becoming an active participant in your recovery.
The initial consultation typically lasts 40-60 minutes, depending on the complexity of your case. At the end of this, unless further investigation is needed, we aim to ascertain an accurate diagnosis. If we determine that we cannot assist you, or if the examination reveals additional concerns, we will refer you appropriately and communicate with your GP on your behalf.
Your second visit will consist of the Report of Findings and typically commence with your first treatment.
WHAT HAPPENS ON MY SECOND VISIT?
Patient education is the keystone of progress in the majority of cases, and most patients really want to know what their problem is. Many patients are understandably highly concerned about their problem, and our role is to reassure, help manage and gain context. Therefore, before treatment begins, we will clearly and simply explain your condition and the recommended course of action – a Diagnosis and Prognosis. We’ll discuss any need for physical therapy, exercise-based rehabilitation, and potential lifestyle, occupational, or dietary changes. We encourage active participation in your healing process to facilitate quicker progress. You’ll be informed of all costs related to your future care, possible recurrence of your issue, and any need for ongoing treatment.
Treatment usually begins following the Report of Findings. However, it might be delayed if X-rays, urine tests, or additional information from your GP or other professional is required, or if an MRI/CT scan is necessary.
TREATMENT
Treatment is very individual, as every patient is vastly different. We have learned this through a combined 50 years of experience. There is a wide array of techniques available to us, including gentle joint manipulation, ice, heat, acupuncture, physiotherapy, osteopathic and chiropractic techniques, rehabilitation exercises, and vestibular training.
Over the past 10 years, advancing research has increasingly suggested that pain is a mixture of mechanical injury combined with our brain's assessment of how threatening the ongoing problem is to our survival. Pain is now considered a ‘protection device’ that modifies behaviour rather than a reliable indicator of the amount of tissue injury. Based on this, modern evidence-based approaches also feature what we term ‘cognitive coaching’ as we see an increasing number of patients with chronic pain that’s progressed beyond the mechanical.
CANCELLATION & RESCHEDULING POLICY
Your appointment time is valuable. Should you need to cancel or reschedule, please provide at least 24 hours' notice to avoid charges.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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WILL CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT HELP?
Conservative treatment can play a major role in managing and resolving musculoskeletal injuries. Our approach focuses on non-surgical, evidence-based methods that support the body’s natural healing processes. We expect to see the following outcome in patients we treat:
A Reduction in Pain and Inflammation
The techniques we use, such as manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and modalities like ice, heat, or acupuncture, reduce pain, swelling, and muscle tension, improving comfort and mobility.
Faster Tissue Healing
Carefully taught, well-considered, controlled loading through structured rehabilitation exercises helps tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments) heal in a stronger and more organised way. This reduces the risk of re-injury and supports long-term recovery.
Restoration of Mobility and Function
Our approach focuses on restoring joint mobility, muscle strength, flexibility, and neuromuscular control—all essential for returning to normal daily or sporting activities.
The Prevention of Chronic Problems
Early conservative management is very likely to prevent an acute injury from developing into a long-term issue by addressing movement dysfunctions, muscle imbalances, and poor biomechanics.
Avoiding/Delaying Surgery
Most musculoskeletal injuries respond well to non-surgical treatment. In some cases, our approach can eliminate the need for surgery entirely or optimise a patient’s condition beforehand if surgery becomes necessary.
The Encouragement of Active Recovery
Our conservative treatment approach empowers patients with education, self-management strategies, and personalised exercise plans—leading to better engagement and more dependable long-term outcomes.
Whole-Person Health
By addressing lifestyle factors such as ergonomics, activity levels, sleep, and stress, we have helped 1000’s of patients reduce reinjury risk and promote overall musculoskeletal health.
WHEN IS A COURSE OF TREATMENT NECESSARY?
A structured treatment plan is usually recommended when:
1. Pain or dysfunction lasts more than 7–14 days
If symptoms aren’t improving with rest and simple measures, targeted treatment can help prevent the issue from becoming chronic.
2. You have recurring or repeated episodes
Recurrent back pain, shoulder impingement, knee swelling, etc., usually signal underlying weakness, stiffness, or movement problems that require supportive rehabilitation.
3. The injury affects daily activities or work
If you can’t walk normally, lift, sit, or sleep without pain, guided treatment is important.
4. The injury involves significant tissue damage
Examples:
· Ligament sprains (e.g., ankle, knee)
· Tendinopathies
· Muscle tears
· Disc irritation
These heal better with progressive loading and proper rehab.
5. You are an athlete or very active
A defined rehab programme helps restore strength and flexibility and can prevent reinjury.
IS TREATMENT SAFE?
You are in the hands of highly trained state-registered professionals with decades of successful experience. We treat those who are in front of us, not by following flow charts or other restrictive approaches. Our non-invasive approaches are recommended by international evidence-based guidelines and carry very low risk. To ensure you are in the right place, the initial consultation and ongoing clinical vigilance at our clinic will screen for issues that can be treated, including, with caution, osteoporosis, recent fractures, nerve compression (weakness, numbness), and inflammatory arthritis flare-ups. What will not be treated BUT will be referred to an appropriate professional are issues such as blood clots, vascular/heart conditions, infections and sinister pathology such as cancer.