Chiropractor and Clinical Tutor, Joy Harrison is a former student of the AECC University College Chiropractic and currently works in the Chiropractic Clinic, having joined us in September.
To commemorate Chiropractic Awareness Week, an annual event organized by the British Chiropractic Association, we talked to Joy about her reasons for choosing to become a Chiropractor , and what she enjoys most about her work. She also offers helpful tips and tips on how individuals can remain mobile and pain-free for longer by staying active.
What inspired you to join AECC University College?
I attended AECC University College, starting in 2014. I was licensed in the year 2019. I practiced for three years, and worked in private practice at various clinics. I was back at AECC University College to do some work. I thoroughly enjoyed the educational side of the job as well as helping the students. Therefore, I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to be a full-time member of the team at the beginning of the year.
Was it something about Chiropractic work that attracted you to this profession?
I’ve always had an interest in healthcare, and when I was older, I was introduced to Chiropractic job opportunities as a career. It was something that appealed to me as I could have some sort of life balance, and I loved the practical aspect and practice-based aspect. However, the primary reason for me was because I wanted to assist people. It’s always been my dream job. It’s really rewarding helping those who are suffering or suffering, and bring them back to their health.
Do you like the most about being a Chiropractor?
One of the most important aspects has been to help people. Then there’s the wonderful patient-facing aspect of my job as well as the relationships you establish with others and that I think is the most enjoyable part of what I do.
One that we often hear from our patients is that they are happy with the time they get to spend with our personnel and pupils here, truly receiving help and being heard. Are you in agreement?
Yes, absolutely. It’s what we do. We often see individuals for multiple visits dependent on the specifics of the problem. This is a good way to establish the relationship when you’re visiting people for months or weeks at an time. It’s really wonderful.
Do you have any memorable moments that were particularly satisfying for you?
HTML0I believe the most satisfying aspect for me is when patients come to my office, and, for instance they’re unable to engage in an activity that they’ve always enjoyed such as sports or hobbies that I can assist them in returning to the thing they love. I believe that’s the most satisfying aspect of watching them go often from a point of no return to the exact way they used to live their lives before. This is, in fact, one of the greatest advantages.
Are there any frequent complaints you receive?
The most frequent complaint I encounter is lower back problems. Sciatic-related pain is very frequent, as is shoulder injuries and neck pain.
In most cases, the injury is likely to develop over time. We also handle sports injuries, or injuries that occur when somebody has been injured in an accident or fallen also.
Do you have any advice you would offer to someone who is worried about an injury or pain?
My suggestion is to don’t let it go. Do not let it get worse or get any worse. If you’re aware there’s an issue, make sure you get it addressed as quickly as you can.
What can people do to look after themselves at home and in their daily lives to be fit and healthy?
Stay active and try to maintain your movement as long as you are able to.
Do you have any myths that you’d like to eliminate or something you’d like to clarify to anyone reading this?
I think I’d like to talk about the work chiropractors do, as I think many people don’t know the things we do and what we can do to help. We are able to help with all kinds of musculoskeletal problems such as a back issue, wrist pain or the knee, or an other extremity issue, we are able to help. We’ll be able to assess the issue to diagnose it, and treat it in addition.
Do you typically discover that people be referred to you for one issue however, there could be additional issues that you could assist the person with?
Absolutely. In the majority of cases there is more than one thing happening that causes a problem. All of it is connected in the body. That’s why the 90-minute appointment is so vital, because we’re able to conduct a thorough assessment and develop an appropriate treatment program for the patient as an entire. Some people may come in with knee pain after running, but the problem lies with the hips or ankles while the knee may be where pain manifests. It’s therefore important not to think of these issues in isolation.
Could you describe to the reader what they receive from a consultation and how you will collaborate with them to determine and determine the cause?
The answer is yes, and it will depend entirely on the region of the body that we’re taking a look at or the reason for the complaint. The first step is to begin the process by conducting some background research, determining about the patient and what their issue is. We’ll then look deep into their past and previous medical history, and then take part in conversation. We’ll then move on to look at the issues – through an examination. We’ll look at the way joints move and determining whether it’s functioning in the way it should or if there’s discomfort.
As a way to assess, I’d conduct some neuro- and orthopaedic testing as well as some movement control and strength tests, and so on trying to determine the root of the problem. After the session, I’ll communicate my observations to the person. I’ll share what I’ve learned during that session, and what I believe is happening as well as whether they may be a suitable candidate for treatment. I’ll then outline what the treatment will be and the length of time they’d require it for. If I’m unable to assist the person with their medical health condition, I’ll recommend them to a different medical professional.
How long does treatment differ from person to patient? What is the average length you require to visit them?
It is completely dependent. It’s dependent on how long it is as well as the intensity or frequency of the problem. For instance when someone comes to me for a consultation with an ache from musculoskeletal cause that began just a day ago, they might only require a couple of sessions, while someone who has 20 years of back pain might require additional sessions over the course of time.
Of course, you’re obviously a Chiropractor however, there are many additional services offered in AECC University College aren’t there?
Yes, there’s a range of services available here which include an up-right MRI scanner, Xray and ultrasound at the campus, too. I am also certified in dry needling and employ exercise rehabilitation services at my workplace as well.
What do you like about working with students at Clinic?
HTML0I am really enjoying it. It is very satisfying to observe their progress as they first start the clinic, and then as they progress towards their tests. It’s great to help the process and watch the confidence in their abilities improve. They find lots of benefit from having us clinicians around so that they are able to inquire and we can discuss our experience and methods. It’s a enjoyable aspect of the job to watch their progress from being trainees to clinical professionals.
Learn more about the chiropractic courses AECC University College has to provide here.
Or, if you’d like to schedule an appointment with our Chiropractic Clinic or to make an appointment, our telephone is open between 9.30am until 6pm on Mondays and 8.30am until 6pm on Tuesdays and Friday. Contact us with our helpful receptionists by calling 01202 436222.
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We understand how important it is to choose a chiropractor that is right for you. It is our belief that educating our patients is a very important part of the success we see in our offices.