Frequently Asked Questions

Chiropractic is a hands-on treatment, mainly focussed on the spine. Joints are freed using spinal manipulation or adjustments, which cause the popping or cracking noises which people often associate with chiropractic treatment.

Osteopathy is a whole body treatment which identifies weak spots in the body and uses techniques such as stretching and massage to unify the body and promote self-healing, based on the belief that all the muscles, bones and connective tissues in our bodies must work harmoniously to achieve general wellbeing.

At Core Strength Studios, our focus is on exercise and rehabilitation. When you work with us, you’ll be working to strengthen the muscles in your low back and core through isolated exercise using the MedX rehabilitation machine, as well as whole body exercise to restore function and optimise support for your back when carrying out daily activities. We don’t perform adjustments or manual manipulations.

You won’t just be working on your back, we’ll identify any muscle weaknesses, tension or imbalances which may be contributing to your back pain and use exercise, stretching and massage to alleviate any issues elsewhere in your body.

Yes – exercise rehabilitation and specialist strengthening is one of the most successful treatments for sciatica.

A key aim is to reduce the pressure on the sciatic nerve. This can be achieved by strengthening the back muscles and core strength work. This increased strength will help support the spine.

Your programme will also include exercises to support correct posture.

Sports massage and stretching/flexibility work are also incorporated to help reduce inflammation and ease any tight muscles which may be constricting the nerve.

Yes. We have a number of clients who have come to us following back surgery, for a rehabilitation programme to strengthen the core and back, many on a recommendation from their surgeon.

Treatment is suitable 6 weeks after your surgery, and your therapist can collaborate with your surgeon to ensure you receive the most effective treatment.

Yes. Exercise to strengthen your back and core are important to stabilise the muscles around your spine if you have a slipped, herniated or bulging disc.

This not only helps strengthen the muscles which support the spine and alleviate pain, but more importantly helps protect you against future back problems.

For most people, a minimum of 12 weekly sessions are advised. This is based on protocol set out following extensive research into the effectiveness of treatment using the MedX lumbar extension machine in alleviating back pain long-term.

Following the initial 12 sessions, it’s important to maintain the strength you’ve gained and we recommend monthly sessions for optimal back health and prevention of future back pain.

A number of insurance providers will cover sports therapy or sports massage treatment.

Our team all hold sports therapy qualifications, and are registered with either the FHT, STO or BASRaT. We advise checking with your provider whether they recognise these affiliations as many providers, including employee benefit schemes do.

BUPA, AXA PPP and Vitality Health all require providers to hold an HCPC registration which unfortunately does not currently recognise sports therapy so will not cover treatment with us.

We are open Monday-Friday and have appointments available from 7am-8pm every day.

Our therapists all hold sports therapy and sports massage qualifications and have a minimum 10 years experience working in exercise rehabilitation.

Harry and Ashley also hold qualifications in medical acupuncture and taping. Andy is certified in Spinal Rehabilitation from the University of Florida and Andy, Marc and Sally are also qualified personal trainers.

See here for more information on the individual qualifications of the team

Yes, we offer complimentary 1-hour consultations for you to come in and discuss your back pain with a therapist.

During the session, you’ll also receive a full assessment on your back, whether there are any contributing factors elsewhere in your body and be given advice on long-term management of your pain.

Click here for more information, or to register for your consultation.

If you have had a scan or have any kind of clinical report, please bring that along, otherwise just yourself!

Gym/sports clothes are best if you have them. Or something you are comfortable exercising in.

Yes, we have a changing room and shower which you can use.

On-street metered parking is available on the roads surrounding the studio, or there is a pay-and-display car park at the end of St Thomas Street.

Yes, we can give you a programme to follow at home or in the gym which will complement your treatment at the studio, as well as advice on technique and any activities you should avoid.