10 Reasons to See a Chiropractor

When people think of chiropractic care, the first thought is usually for back pain relief. And while that is one of the most common reasons to see a chiropractor, patients come to Trinity Clinic in Oswestry, Shropshire, with a wide range of concerns.

Chiropractic treatment can support many conditions, from joint and nerve pain to work-related discomfort, migraines and even stress-related fatigue. For those who are sensitive to traditional, high-velocity adjustments or who may have found them uncomfortable in the past, the McTimoney method provides a gentler alternative. Its low-force technique is well-suited to individuals with conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, or those seeking a low-force approach.

At Trinity Clinic, we take a whole-body view of health. We look beyond the painful area and consider lifestyle, work, and wellbeing as a whole. This allows us to provide care that is safe, effective, and tailored just for you.

Here are 10 reasons people book an appointment with our chiropractors:

1. Spinal Pain Relief

Back pain is one of the main reasons people come to see us at our Gobowen clinic. It’s often about more than being in pain or having something that aches. Pain seeps into every part of your life, from how well you sleep, how productive you feel at work, even how patient you are with friends, family, and colleagues. When pain is constant, it’s hard not to get snappy. You might just want to move through your day without that prickly edge, and yet, even simple tasks feel harder when you’re in pain.
Sometimes the cause is obvious, stemming from things like sitting for long hours at a desk or an awkward lifting injury. Other times it’s just the wear and tear of daily life. Whatever the reason, back pain can make even simple movements a struggle. Chiropractic adjustments help by easing pressure, improving mobility, and reducing the discomfort that gets in the way of living your life.
For patients with conditions such as fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, the gentle McTimoney method is especially appealing. Because it’s low force and non-invasive, it supports the body without triggering flare-ups, making it a safer option for those who need a lighter touch.

2. Joint Pain and Restricted Movement

Falls, sports injuries, or repetitive strain can all leave joints stiff, sore, or swollen. Restricted movement in the shoulders, hips, and knees can limit everyday activity. People are stopped from enjoying leisure activities because they’re either injured or too worried about making an injury worse, so they don’t move, which can cause issues in other joints that are compensating for restricted joint movement or simply from a lack of activity. Chiropractic care can restore mobility in joints, reduce pain levels, thus improving sleep, and help you get back to the activities you enjoy.

3. Hip and Pelvic Pain

The hips and pelvis form the foundation of your body’s movement. Sitting, standing, or walking, your hips are involved in almost every movement you make, so when you’re experiencing hip pain, it can be very disruptive to your life.

There are many possible causes for hip pain. Sometimes it’s linked to inflammation inside the hip joint or the tissues around it, such as bursitis, which is often the result of overuse. In other cases, it may be caused by osteoarthritis, where the gradual loss of cartilage leads to stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility. Chiropractic care can’t cure arthritis, but it can help slow progression, ease pressure on the joints, and reduce pain so you can stay active for longer.
Other conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rheumatoid arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis, can also contribute to hip pain. For some people, discomfort develops gradually due to overuse, while for others it’s the result of sudden trauma, like a fall or fracture. And in many cases, hip pain is actually referred from elsewhere in the body.
Left untreated, hip and pelvic pain can also lead to knock-on issues in the knees, lower back, or even how you walk. Chiropractic care can help restore balance within the hips and pelvic area, relieving pressure on the joints, reducing inflammation, and restoring movement. Patients often tell us they feel freer in their stride, more stable on their feet, and better able to keep active once the discomfort eases.

4. Whiplash

Whiplash is most commonly caused by road traffic accidents, though it can result from falls and sports injuries, too. It happens when the neck is suddenly forced forward, backwards, or sideways, leaving muscles, ligaments, and joints strained. Our experienced team can provide professional treatment to ease pain, restore range of movement, and support your recovery journey.

5. Migraines and Headaches

Lack of sleep, pain, and stress can all be triggers for headaches, which is why we look at things holistically rather than in isolation. Many people come to us for help with migraines or persistent headaches that don’t seem to go away.

Headaches are often linked to muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back, as well as stress, posture, or even how your workstation is set up. Migraines, on the other hand, are a more complex neurological condition, and while they can be harder to manage, lifestyle factors often play a big part in making them worse.

Chiropractic treatment may help reduce both the frequency and intensity of headaches by easing the underlying musculoskeletal stress. That means fewer interruptions to daily life and a little more breathing space to get on with the things you enjoy.

For some patients, we also offer daith piercings as a complementary approach to managing migraines.

6. Sciatica

Sciatica is one of those pains you don’t forget. It happens when the sciatic nerve gets irritated or compressed, and the discomfort can shoot from your lower back right down your leg. People often describe it as burning, stabbing, or like heat spreading through the muscles, and it can make even simple movements feel unbearable.
For some, the symptoms come and go. For others, sciatica lingers for years, stopping them from enjoying everyday activities and wearing down their quality of life. You might also notice tingling, numbness, or that ‘pins and needles’ feeling, often linked to posture or how the spine is aligned.
Chiropractic treatment, particularly the gentle McTimoney method, can help ease the pressure on the nerve and reduce those symptoms. Treatment can bring you pain relief and help you move more freely, helping you reclaim some of the activities that sciatica has put on hold.

7. Improved Mobility and Flexibility

As we get older, staying active and maintaining independence becomes more important. The McTimoney method is often chosen by people with conditions such as osteoporosis or osteoarthritis, as the gentle adjustments reduce risk to fragile bones and joints. Chiropractic care can also support athletes seeking biomechanical balance, even when not recovering from injury. By improving mobility, posture, and body awareness, chiropractic treatment helps people of all ages move with greater ease.

8. Shoulder Pain & Postural Strain

It’s no surprise that modern life takes a toll on our posture. Hours spent sitting at a desk, driving, or scrolling on phones can leave the shoulders rounded, the ’tech’ neck, the head jutting forward, and the mid-back stiff. Add in stress, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for tight shoulders and aching upper back muscles.

This kind of strain doesn’t just cause discomfort within the body; it can also affect how well you sleep, how energetic you feel, and even how freely you can move your arms and neck. Conditions like frozen shoulder or ongoing tension across the upper back are increasingly common, especially in people who spend most of their day seated.

Chiropractic care helps by easing tension, improving alignment, and restoring movement. With regular care, patients often notice they can sit, stand, and move more comfortably, and that nagging tightness across the shoulders starts to lift.

9. Digestive Issues and TMJ

Although it’s less widely known, some patients do report improvements in digestion after chiropractic care. Issues such as reflux, indigestion, constipation, or bloating may be linked to how the spine and nervous system interact with the digestive tract. Gentle McTimoney adjustments focus on the thoracic and lumbar spine, areas that influence stomach and intestinal function, and can sometimes help ease these symptoms.
Jaw pain, often linked to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, is another area where chiropractic care may provide relief. By reducing tension and improving alignment, gentle techniques can ease discomfort and improve jaw function.
More research is still being carried out in these areas, but interest is growing in how spinal health and nervous system function affect wider aspects of wellbeing. For patients who haven’t found relief through other approaches, chiropractic can offer a safe and gentle alternative worth exploring.

10. Mental Wellbeing, Fatigue, and Sleep Issues

Not everyone comes to us because they’re in pain or recovering from an injury. Many people choose McTimoney chiropractic care simply for general wellness, subtle postural correction, or to maintain alignment and function, even when they don’t have obvious symptoms.
Some patients seek help with more vague issues like fatigue, low energy, or those persistent, nagging aches that never seem to go away. Others come because they want to look after themselves in a preventative way. Unlike traditional chiropractic, McTimoney doesn’t involve forceful ‘cracking’. The technique is gentle, often relaxing, and for many patients it feels like an important part of their self-care routine.
That’s especially relevant in today’s sedentary world, where long hours sitting at desks, scrolling on phones, and static posture can take a toll on both body and mind. We’ve even written a whole blog on how sleep impacts every part of our lives, because it’s such a crucial piece of wellbeing.
Physical discomfort doesn’t just affect your body; it impacts mood, focus, and energy levels, too. By easing tension and supporting better sleep, chiropractic care can play a role in improving your overall well-being and resilience. Many of our patients report feeling more relaxed and rested after treatment, which can make a real difference to daily life.

Moving forward with your health.

McTimoney chiropractic is often chosen for its gentle, whole-body approach. Patients who are sensitive to stronger techniques, or who prefer a more holistic style of care, find it a good option for a wide range of concerns, not just back or joint pain. It can be helpful for people with non-traditional musculoskeletal issues, unexplained discomfort, or those looking for preventive care. Because the method avoids forceful manipulation, it’s also well-suited to vulnerable patients who might otherwise avoid chiropractic treatments altogether.

Some individuals specifically seek out chiropractic care without the ‘cracking’ sounds or neck twisting that can feel intimidating or be uncomfortable. With McTimoney techniques, our focus is on subtle adjustments that are both effective and comfortable for you.

From sciatica and whiplash to posture-related pain, migraines, and TMJ, chiropractic care offers so much more than back pain relief. At Trinity Clinic, we provide professional, whole-body chiropractic in Oswestry, Shropshire, to help you move more freely, feel stronger, and live with greater ease.
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all programmes or unnecessary treatment schedules, just the right care for your needs. If you’d like to explore how chiropractic could support your health and wellbeing, we’d be delighted to welcome you.

Book your appointment HERE

Sources:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34063944/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29276467/

https://webhealth.co.uk/case-studies/mctimoney-chiropractic/

https://www.mctimoneytrust.org/25/McTimoney-Method-Chiropractic/

Autumn Glow or Shorter Days?

Embrace the Autumn Glow – Tips for Staying Healthy and Fit

As crisp autumn air starts to fill our lungs and the leaves turn to vibrant colours, it’s
the perfect time to shift our wellness routines to embrace the season’s changes. Here
are some helpful tips to keep your health in check and your body fit during the
autumn months.

  1. Prioritize Immune-Boosting Foods:
    Autumn brings an array of rich, nourishing foods that can support your immune system.
    Incorporate seasonal produce like pumpkins, sweet potatoes, apples, and blackberries into
    your meals. These foods are packed with vitamins and antioxidants that help fight off
    seasonal colds and flu. A hearty vegetable soup can be both comforting and nutrient-rich.
  2. Stay Active with Seasonal Activities:
    Even with the weather cooling down, it’s great to keep exercising, even outdoors. Enjoy brisk
    walks, hikes in the falling leaves, or even a fun day of blackberry picking! These activities not
    only keep you moving but also allow you to soak up some of nature’s beauty and recharge
    mentally.
  3. Maintain a Consistent Routine:
    As kids go back to school and work schedules become more structured, it can be easy to
    lose track of your fitness goals. Dedicate time each day for physical activity, whether it’s a
    morning yoga session or an evening jog. Consistency is key to maintaining your health and
    well-being.
  4. Hydration is Still Important:
    Even though the temperature is cooler, staying hydrated is crucial. Your body needs ample
    water to function properly, especially as we transition into colder months. Keep a water bottle
    handy throughout the day and consider herbal teas as a delicious way to stay hydrated.
  5. Mind Your Posture:
    With more time spent indoors, often seated working or relaxing, maintaining good posture is
    essential to prevent strain and pain. Remember to take breaks, stretch regularly, and be
    mindful of your sitting posture to support your spine health.

In other news, we look forward to offering more out-of-hours appointments when our new part-time Chiropractor joins us in January. Lesley will be working on Tuesday evenings, Ann already works later Thursday, and Ann starts at 9 am for a before-work session. Sara works most Saturday mornings, and some evenings as required, and Ian currently works later Wednesdays and Fridays. Catherine, our massage therapist, also offers 2 evening slots in Oswestry. We are trying to provide something to suit all needs.

We also have a NEW relaxation area ready for those who need a moment before driving off. Sara is just applying her feminine touch at present!

We are always swamped in the run-up to Christmas; we have online booking and Tracey, our VA, to help if you don’t see what you need,

So don’t let business put you off. I am looking forward to seeing you soon for your Autumn MOT.

Your team are here to support you in navigating these seasonal transitions
and optimizing your health. Wishing you an active, vibrant, and healthy autumn!

Walking

 

Walking

I often give this advice: – bodies love to move, and walking is free, easy and requires no more than a pair or comfortable shoes (okay, a waterproof too, this is Britain, after all).  It’s a great feeling when science backs up your advice so beautifully.

I read an article last week in the Guardian by Andrew Gregory, Health Editor, he came up with some good data just how beneficial walking is for back pain.  Here is the essence of it…

Walking three times a week ‘nearly halves’ recurrence of low back pain…Australian research finds people who walked three to five times weekly stayed pain-free almost twice as long

Walking three times a week to ease back pain almost halves the risk of its recurrence, according to the first study of its kind.

About 800 million people worldwide have low back pain, and seven in 10 who recover experience flare-ups within a year.

Researchers said the findings, published in the Lancet, show walking could have a “profound impact” on the leading cause of disability worldwide.

“You don’t need to be walking 5 or 10km every day to get these benefits,” said Mark Hancock, the study’s senior author and a professor of physiotherapy at Macquarie University in Australia.

“The important thing to remember is to start with short walks then gradually increase the distance and intensity as your fitness increases. Walking is a low-cost, widely accessible and simple exercise that almost anyone can engage in, regardless of geographic location, age or socioeconomic status.”

Hancock said people who walked three to five times a week, for an average of 130 minutes a week, remained pain-free for nearly twice as long compared with those who did not receive any treatment.

Taking regular steps also improved their quality of life, and the time they had to take off work almost halved, he added.

He added: “We don’t know exactly why walking is so good for preventing back pain, but it is likely to include the combination of the gentle oscillatory movements, loading and strengthening the spinal structures and muscles, relaxation and stress relief, and release of ‘feel-good’ endorphins

“And of course we also know that walking comes with many other health benefits, including cardiovascular health, bone density, healthy weight, and improved mental health.”

“The thing with back pain is most people’s instinct is to not do anything, because even taking a step can send a jolt or spasm up your back,” he said. “Exercise is a path to reducing pain in the long term, so if you have a flare-up, you should keep doing what you can.”

So, in summary, walk when you can, add a little walk in wherever it’s possible.  Stroll down to the corner shop, step out in your lunch break, go on longer country walks when you are away, leave the car at home if you can now and then, walk with your friends and family while you catch up.

It doesn’t really matter how you do it, but the benefits are obvious.

STOP & SMELL THE ROSES !

STOP & SMELL THE ROSES !

We have finally had a glimpse of sunshine and hopefully, most of you will have had time to enjoy some time outdoors.  If nothing else, the lighter and longer days are feeling lovely – it’s hard to believe it is almost the end of May, last winter seemed never ending.

In ‘clinic land’ we are happy to say we are busy and seeing lots of new patients as well as many familiar faces.  During spring, we always see a lot of sore joints as people start to tackle the rapidly growing lawns and burgeoning plant life in the gardens.

It’s great that you are getting outside, staying active and getting the sunshine on your head and hopefully topping up Vitamin D levels.

However, some basic advice as the seasons progress may not go amiss; so for all you gardening enthusiasts, we offer you 5 TOP TIPS to keep you moving safely

WEAR PROTECTION

Toiling in the garden can be relaxing, but it should be remembered that you are at the mercy of the elements and your gardening tools. A deep cut from a pair of pruners or a chemical burn on your hands from fertilizer exposure can quickly put you out of commission. To stay safe, you must use the right protective equipment:-

  • GLOVES –  For when using pesticides or fertilizers
  • SUN HAT  –  A wide-brimmed sun hat will protect you
  • SUNSCREEN –  Wear a minimum of 30 SPF to avoid burning
  • SAFETY GLASSES –  For pruning or working with chemicals
  • MASKS –   Avoid chemicals in the air getting into your lungs.
 MIX IT UP

Gardening is hard work that requires a lot of repetitive movements like pruning, digging, and twisting. Small repetitive movements of the hands and arms can quickly cause strain or injury to your ligaments and tendons. If you notice your arms, wrists, and hands getting tired, take a quick break or switch to another activity to avoid unnecessary strain.  Basically pace yourselves.

LIFT SMART

Moving planters, transferring bags of soil, and lifting pails of soil is heavy gardening that can take a toll on your back if you aren’t using the right lifting methods. It’s essential to know your limitations and use appropriate tools like a plant trolley or wheelbarrow as you work. If you must lift something, make sure to always leave your load’s brunt to your leg muscles and rise with a straight back. For hefty lifting, it’s always best to get the help of a second set of hands.

AVOID CLUTTER

It only takes a second to have a fall in the garden. If you have pathways or aisles in your garden, they need to remain clear and in good repair at all times. Garden stones or tiles can shift with age and time and become unstable. If your pathway has uneven surfaces, it can quickly result in a dangerous trip hazard.

STAY HYDRATED

Your plants aren’t the only things in the garden that need to be properly hydrated. When you are spending several hours outdoors in the heat, you must get enough water to drink. Keep a water bottle close at hand to sip at while you work. Watch for signs of dehydration, including dizziness, nausea, or headache while you work.

Stop and ‘Smell The Roses’ whilst you drink.

When you are done, have a good old stretch to avoid stiffness, there are a few basic stretches in our resources section on the website.  Often a bath with some Epsom salts helps with any aches and stiffness.

Happy and safe gardening.

If your best efforts fail and you have overdone things, call and book a massage or a chiropractic treatment and get back to feeling your best without delay.

MRI scans and X-rays

We are often asked by patients about medical imaging for ongoing problems.

Although we are unable to refer patients for scans, the following private local facilities offer self-referral options. You will probably have an initial consultation with a physiotherapist or consultant before being seen for the scan itself.

The Grosvenor Hospital Chester (Nuffield)

Spire Yale Hospital Wrexham

Scan.com is an online portal which provides access to nation-wide facilities. The two centres closest to us on their system are the Nuffield Hospitals in Chester and Shrewsbury, but if you are prepared to travel, you may get a lower price.

Another online service is Vista Health. Their centres tend to be close to the larger cities and may offer better pricing.

* Note that the list above is for information only and does not constitute a recommendation for any particular service