Our Approach to Care
Good chiropractic care is not one-size-fits-all. We take the time to understand what is going on, explain it clearly, and tailor our care to you — your body, your goals, and your stage of life.
Care That Treats the Person, Not Just the Pain
With over 30 years of combined experience, Dr Paul Cater and Dr James Shipway share a simple belief: you should leave every appointment understanding your body a little better than when you walked in.
Pain is usually a signal, not the whole story. A sore lower back might trace back to how you sit, an old injury, or the way your pelvis and hips move. That is why we focus on finding and addressing the underlying cause where we can — not just chasing symptoms. Our care is evidence-informed, hands-on, and always explained in plain language. Results vary between individuals, and we will give you an honest picture of how we may be able to help.
Four Steps, Start to Finish
Understand the cause
We start by listening. Before anything else, we take the time to understand your symptoms, your health history, and what you are hoping to get back to — whether that is sleeping through the night, lifting your kids, or returning to sport.
A thorough assessment
We examine how your spine and joints move, check posture and range of motion, and carry out orthopaedic and neurological tests where relevant. This helps us work out what is actually driving your problem, rather than just where it hurts.
A care plan built around you
We explain what we find in plain English and recommend an honest, realistic plan — no lock-in contracts and no pressure. You will always understand why we are suggesting something before any treatment begins.
Gentle treatment & ongoing support
We provide hands-on care, give you practical exercises and advice to do at home, and review your progress as we go. If your needs change, your plan changes with them.
A Range of Methods, Matched to You
There is no single "best" chiropractic technique — the right approach depends on you, your condition, and your comfort. Between them, our chiropractors are trained in a range of methods, from firmer hands-on adjustments to very gentle, low-force options for those who prefer or need them.
Diversified
The most widely used chiropractic technique — precise, hands-on adjustments to restore movement to specific joints.
Gonstead
A thorough, detailed approach to assessing and adjusting the spine, focused on precision and specificity.
Thompson Drop-Piece
Uses a specially designed table with sections that drop slightly during an adjustment, allowing for a lighter, gentler force.
Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT)
A gentle method that works with the relationship between the pelvis and the base of the skull, often well suited to sensitive cases.
Arthrostim / Activator
Instrument-assisted techniques that deliver a low-force, controlled impulse — a good option when a gentler approach is preferred.
Soft Tissue Therapy
Hands-on work to release tight muscles and address the soft-tissue tension that often accompanies joint problems.
How We Adapt Our Care
Children & babies
For our youngest patients we use very gentle, low-force techniques — nothing like an adult adjustment. The focus is on a careful assessment and a light touch. You can read more on our paediatric chiropractic page.
Pregnancy
As your body changes through pregnancy, we adapt our techniques and use pregnancy-safe positioning and tables to keep you comfortable. Both Dr Paul and Dr James have experience caring for pregnant patients — see pregnancy chiropractic.
Older patients
For older patients, or anyone who prefers a softer approach, we can use low-force, instrument-assisted techniques. The goal is to help you stay mobile, comfortable, and independent for as long as possible.
Active people & athletes
For sports-focused care we look at both the injury and the movement patterns behind it, and give practical advice on load and return-to-activity timelines. See sports chiropractic.
Exercise, Advice & Knowing When to Refer
Hands-on care is only part of the picture. Where it helps, we will give you simple exercises, posture and ergonomic advice, and practical tips you can use between visits — because the changes that last usually happen at home, not just in the clinic.
We also believe in knowing our limits. If your examination suggests imaging is needed, or that your problem would be better managed by your GP, a physiotherapist, or a specialist, we will tell you and help arrange the right referral. We do not take X-rays in-house; when imaging is clinically indicated, we refer you to a trusted local radiology provider and review the results with you.
See How We Can Help
Book an assessment and we will take the time to understand your situation and explain your options — clearly and honestly.
