Patient Agreement
We are pleased that you have chosen to have your care here. Please read this page. It has important information about your treatment.
Your Treatment
After listening to your concerns we examine you thoroughly and discuss whether you might need imaging or other tests. During your examination you may be asked to undress to your underwear. A gown is provided. If you are uncomfortable about this please let us know. You may bring someone with you or we can provide a chaperone.
Once we’ve diagnosed the problem we will discuss the treatment choices you have, which may include referring you to another practitioner. If we can help, we’ll explain your treatment options simply and clearly and give you all the information you need to decide what’s best.
We use a variety of different treatments to help you such as manipulation to free stiff or restricted joints. This involves the practitioner using their hands to apply quick, precise thrusts to the restricted joints. Normally, there may be popping sounds (similar to the ‘clicking’ heard when people flex their knuckles). This is quite harmless and is the sound of gas bubbles popping in the fluid of the joints as pressure is released.
Mobilisation involves gently moving the joints or muscles manually, sometimes using a moving treatment bench, and rarely causes a popping sound. We may use a loud hand-held instrument which gives a firm tapping. Treatment may also include massage, stretching, laser or acupuncture; self-help advice and rehabilitative exercises form an important part of treatment. You will be given advice on how to manage your condition and prevent it from recurring. This may involve ways to reduce pain and inflammation and advice on activity, posture and exercises you can do at home.
We will give you a diagnosis, discuss treatment and the likely costs. We will tell you the likely outcome of your care and when we will review your progress. We will discuss other options for care too so that you can decide if care at Sundial is right for you.
Appointments
We will outline a specific plan of care for you, which requires a certain number of treatments over a certain time. This is determined by your examination findings and is tailored to your problem to ensure the highest probability of full recovery in the shortest time possible. If you maintain it, it should give you the results we both want, so if you need to change an appointment, it is best to reschedule for the same day or the next one. We’ll explain the costs fully, and we’re happy to spend time answering any questions. The important thing to us is that you’re involved at every stage and that you get better fast.
We charge for appointments missed, cancelled or rescheduled without 24 hours notice.
We take payment by card or cash. We welcome payment by insurance but many impose an excess which you must pay.
Risks
Chiropractic, physiotherapy and massage are extremely safe. It is however not uncommon to have a little soreness and stiffness in the days after treatment. Serious complications associated with back treatment, such as disc rupture, can cause trapping of the nerves in the spinal cord, but fortunately are incredibly rare. Serious complications associated with neck treatment, such as a stroke, are also very rare. Feel free to ask us for further details if you are concerned.
Complaints
If there is anything that bothers you during the course of your treatment please tell us immediately so we can do our best to sort it out. You can also contact Matthew Bennett, the principal at Queens Road (matthew@sundialclinics.co.uk) or Ben Clark, the principal at St James’s Street (ben@sundialclinics.co.uk). We appreciate your feedback as it helps us provide you with the highest level of care. If we cannot resolve a complaint you can complain to:
For chiropractors: General Chiropractic Council, Park House, 186 Kennington Park Road, London, SE11 4BT.
For physiotherapists: HCPC, 184 Kennington Park Road, London, SE11 4BU