Informed Consent for Chiropractic Treatment at Freedom Clinics Canary Wharf
At Freedom Clinics, located in the heart of Canary Wharf, we are committed to providing ethical, transparent, and evidence-based chiropractic care. One of our fundamental responsibilities as GCC-registered chiropractors is to obtain informed consent before beginning any treatment.
Informed consent is more than a formality — it is an ongoing, open dialogue that ensures you fully understand your chiropractic treatment plan, including the nature of the procedure, the expected benefits, potential risks, and available alternatives. This empowers you to make confident, well-informed decisions about your spinal health, posture, and overall wellbeing.
Book your appointmentMedically reviewed by Tanesa Mohan (MChiro LRCC). Last update: 06 February 2026.
What is Informed Consent in Chiropractic?
Informed consent is a structured process where your chiropractor explains everything you need to know before starting care. This includes what treatment involves, how it may help, and any relevant risks or side effects. It ensures that every chiropractic procedure, from spinal adjustments to rehabilitative techniques, is carried out with your voluntary and informed agreement.
You have the right to receive, understand, and question the following information before giving consent:
What You Will Be Informed About:
- The nature of the chiropractic treatment proposed
e.g., high-velocity low amplitude (HVLA) adjustments, manual mobilisation, or flexion-distraction therapy - The reasons for recommending the treatment
For example: reducing back pain, relieving sciatica, improving postural alignment, or restoring joint function - The potential risks or side effects
These may include mild soreness, stiffness, fatigue, or in very rare cases, more serious complications - Alternative options to chiropractic care
Such as physiotherapy, osteopathy, self-management strategies, or referral to a GP - Your rights as a patient
You can ask questions, decline specific techniques, pause, or withdraw consent at any time — before, during, or after treatment
Why Consent Matters at Freedom Clinics
Your autonomy, safety, and trust are essential. At Freedom Clinics, we believe that consent is not a one-time signature but a shared decision-making process. Whether you are seeking care for chronic lower back pain, recovering from a disc injury, or exploring postural therapy, your chiropractor will always ensure:
- You understand the proposed treatment and its goals
- You are aware of the risks and realistic expectations
- You feel supported in making decisions about your health
All treatments are delivered by fully qualified and GCC-registered chiropractors, trained to adhere to national standards for clinical safety, communication, and ethical practice.
Common Patient Questions About Consent
To support informed decision-making, here are answers to frequent questions we receive:
| Patient Question | Response |
|---|---|
| Do I have to sign anything before treatment? | Yes. You will be asked to read and sign a consent form that outlines your chiropractic plan. |
| Can I say no to a specific technique (e.g., HVLA)? | Absolutely. Your chiropractor will respect your preferences and explain alternative approaches. |
| Are there any risks with chiropractic adjustments? | Most patients experience only mild side effects. Serious complications are extremely rare and will be discussed before care begins. |
| What if I change my mind later? | You can pause or stop treatment at any time. Consent is ongoing and can be withdrawn without penalty. |
What Information Will You Receive Before Chiropractic Treatment?
At Freedom Clinics in Canary Wharf, our priority is to ensure that every patient begins their chiropractic treatment journey with a clear understanding of what to expect. In line with our informed consent policy and GCC professional standards, your registered chiropractor will take time to walk you through the proposed care plan. This includes the nature of the treatment, expected benefits, associated risks, and any suitable alternatives.
Whether you’re seeking care for sciatica, back pain, neck discomfort, or postural correction, informed consent ensures your chiropractic care is collaborative, transparent, and guided by your needs.
What Your Chiropractor Will Discuss with You
Your consultation will involve a structured conversation covering five key areas of informed consent:
1. Your Personalised Chiropractic Treatment Plan
Your chiropractor will clearly explain:
- What type of treatment is being proposed (e.g., spinal adjustments, manual mobilisation, flexion-distraction, decompression therapy)
- Which conditions the treatment addresses (e.g., herniated discs, poor posture, joint dysfunction)
- What outcomes are expected (e.g., reduced pain, improved mobility, better posture)
- How often you’ll need care, and over what period
Reinforced Entities: Chiropractic Treatment Plan, Spinal Adjustment, Joint Dysfunction, Decompression Therapy
2. Benefits and Risks of Chiropractic Techniques
We will review:
- The therapeutic goals (e.g., relief from nerve compression, enhanced spinal alignment)
- Common post-treatment responses (e.g., soreness, fatigue, light-headedness)
- Rare but known risks (e.g., vertebral artery strain, soft tissue injury)
- How these risks are identified, minimised, and monitored in our clinic
3. Alternative Care Options
In the spirit of shared decision-making, your chiropractor will also explain:
- Alternative treatment paths (e.g., physiotherapy, osteopathy, GP consultation)
- Non-treatment options and lifestyle-based management (e.g., exercise, ergonomic adaptation)
- Potential outcomes if no chiropractic care is pursued
4. Your Rights and Consent Flexibility
Your chiropractor will remind you that:
- You can decline any part of the treatment plan
- Consent is not fixed — it can be withdrawn at any time
- You’re encouraged to ask questions, seek clarification, or take time before deciding
- Our team will support your decisions and provide care aligned with your values and comfort
What Does This Look Like in Practice?
Here’s how the consent process works at Freedom Clinics:
If you’re recommended spinal mobilisation for lumbar stiffness, your chiropractor will explain what the technique involves, how it may help, the possible side effects, and whether techniques like decompression or postural retraining might be more appropriate. You will always have the opportunity to ask questions and approve your care before it begins.
Understanding the Risks and Side Effects of Chiropractic Treatment
Are There Risks or Side Effects from Chiropractic Care?
At Freedom Clinics Canary Wharf, we are committed to transparency and patient safety in all aspects of our chiropractic treatment. While chiropractic care is considered safe, non-invasive, and effective for conditions like back pain, neck stiffness, and postural imbalances, it can, like all medical treatments, carry risks and side effects.
As part of our informed consent process, your GCC-registered chiropractor will clearly explain these potential outcomes, how they relate to your specific condition, and how we mitigate them through professional standards and personalised care.
Common Side Effects – What to Expect After Chiropractic Adjustments
Most patients experience mild, short-term reactions after their first few sessions. These typically resolve within 24–48 hours and may include:
- Muscular soreness in the treated area
- Joint stiffness or mild discomfort
- Fatigue or temporary light-headedness
- Headaches, especially after cervical spinal adjustments
A 2023 clinical overview from the University of Johannesburg Faculty of Health Sciences confirmed that common benign side effects, such as local soreness and stiffness, are typically transient and resolve without medical intervention within 48 hours.
These effects are normal and self-limiting, reflecting your body’s natural response to improved alignment, neuromuscular stimulation, or postural correction.
If post-treatment headaches or neck discomfort persist beyond the expected recovery window, our approach to assessing and managing neck pain focuses on identifying whether cervical joint mechanics or soft-tissue sensitivity may be contributing.
Less Common but Known Chiropractic Risks
Though rare, your chiropractor will inform you of possible risks associated with specific techniques:
- Flare-up of existing symptoms, especially in chronic pain conditions
- Nerve sensitivity or irritation post-treatment
- Rib or soft tissue strain, especially with thoracic adjustments
- Vertebral artery complications — an extremely rare outcome linked to some high-velocity cervical manipulation
All patients undergo thorough clinical screening prior to care to determine if adjustments are suitable and safe.
Our Approach to Risk Reduction at Freedom Clinics
We take your safety seriously. Our chiropractors follow strict evidence-based safety protocols, including:
- Comprehensive medical history intake and neurological assessment
- Use of low-force alternatives when appropriate, such as the Activator Method or drop-table techniques
- Real-time consent monitoring throughout treatment
- Customised care for patients with higher-risk profiles (e.g., those with osteoporosis, spinal instability, or vascular concerns)
All care is administered by regulated GCC-certified chiropractors trained in contraindication management, clinical governance, and shared decision-making.
These safety protocols sit within our wider chiropractic clinical standards, which prioritise screening, consent, and technique selection across all presentations.
Your Role in Ensuring Safe Chiropractic Treatment
Your participation is vital in managing treatment safety. You can:
- Share complete medical history, including surgeries, medication, and pre-existing conditions
- Communicate concerns during or after any session
- Ask for gentler alternatives if you’re unsure about a specific adjustment technique
- Pause or withdraw consent at any point — no explanation needed
FAQs – Chiropractic Safety and Side Effects
| Common Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is chiropractic care safe for seniors or those with fragile bones? | Yes, we adapt our methods using low-force techniques and avoid high-risk movements for individuals with conditions like osteoporosis. |
| Can spinal manipulation cause nerve damage? | Nerve complications are extremely rare. We always screen for risk factors and choose the safest method accordingly. |
| What if I feel worse after my session? | Mild discomfort is common early on. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your chiropractor for reassessment and care adjustments. |
Your Right to Refuse or Withdraw Consent
At Freedom Clinics – Canary Wharf, we recognise that consent is an ongoing dialogue, not a one-time agreement. You have the legal and ethical right to refuse, pause, or withdraw consent for any part of your chiropractic care — at any time, for any reason, without fear of judgment or pressure.
Our GCC-registered chiropractors are trained to prioritise your autonomy, comfort, and clinical rights, in alignment with UK healthcare ethics and informed consent law.
When Can You Withdraw or Refuse Consent?
You may choose to withdraw consent:
- Before your first adjustment is performed
- During a treatment session, even while a technique is being prepared or applied
- After several visits, if you feel the treatment plan no longer suits your needs
- At any stage, without needing to give a reason
Your chiropractor will respond by immediately pausing or adapting care, offering alternatives if appropriate, or discussing next steps based on your preferences.
This flexibility is particularly important in longer care pathways, such as ongoing care decisions for back pain, where treatment plans may evolve over time.
What Happens If You Decline Treatment?
If you decide not to proceed with a recommended chiropractic technique:
- We will ask whether you’d like to explore a modified care plan
- We may recommend low-force alternatives, such as the Activator Method, mobilisation, or rehabilitation therapy
- If needed, we can provide a referral to a physiotherapist, osteopath, or your GP for collaborative care
- Your decision will be documented confidentially and fully respected
Respecting Your Autonomy – A Core Ethical Principle
All care at Freedom Clinics is grounded in the ethical standards set by the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) and guided by the principle of patient-led healthcare. We believe:
- You should never feel pressured to continue care
- Saying “no” is your right, and will never affect your relationship with your clinician
- Your voice matters — and we are here to support you, whatever you decide
Each chiropractor is trained in shared decision-making, clinical governance, and ethical patient communication.
Frequently Asked Questions – Refusing or Changing Consent
| Patient Question | Freedom Clinics’ Policy |
|---|---|
| I’m nervous about spinal adjustments. Can I skip them? | Yes. We offer gentle alternatives, like mobilisation and drop-table techniques. |
| Can I stop my care plan if I change my mind? | Absolutely. You may withdraw consent at any time. |
| Will I be asked why I’m stopping treatment? | Only if you wish to share. We respect all decisions without pressure. |
Summary and Legal Disclaimers
At Freedom Clinics Canary Wharf, we believe that informed consent is more than a formality — it’s a core principle of ethical, patient-focused healthcare. Before beginning any chiropractic treatment, our clinicians ensure that you:
- Understand what your personalised treatment plan involves
- Are informed about the potential benefits, risks, and side effects
- Are presented with appropriate alternatives to chiropractic care, such as physiotherapy or a GP referral
- Know your right to pause, decline, or withdraw consent at any stage
These principles apply across the entire chiropractic care pathway, regardless of the condition being assessed or treated.
Regulatory Standards We Adhere To
Every chiropractor at Freedom Clinics is registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) and provides care in accordance with:
- The GCC Code of Practice and Standards of Proficiency
- UK principles of clinical governance and patient protection
- Guidelines issued by NHS England and the Professional Standards Authority
- Healthcare law requirements for consent transparency, data security, and communication ethics
Our clinic is audited and maintained to exceed compliance in all these areas.
Your Legal Rights as a Patient
As a patient receiving chiropractic care in the UK, you have the right to:
- Be informed in clear language before any intervention
- Refuse, pause, or change your treatment at any time
- Be offered suitable alternatives if chiropractic care isn’t appropriate
- Have your personal data protected in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
- Receive care that respects your decisions, values, and comfort
These rights are upheld at all times and supported by our clinical policies.
Our Ethical Commitment to You
Your safety and autonomy are at the heart of every interaction at Freedom Clinics. Our chiropractors will:
- Provide honest, jargon-free explanations about your care
- Never pressure you into treatment you are unsure about
- Adjust or stop treatment if you express discomfort or change your mind
- Support you in making healthcare choices that reflect your goals and wellbeing
We see consent as an ongoing agreement, not a one-off signature.
Contact Us for Consent or Legal Inquiries
If you have questions regarding informed consent, chiropractic safety, or your rights as a patient, our team is here to help:
Freedom Clinics – Canary Wharf
34 North Colonnade, Canada Place Shopping Mall, London E14 5HX
0203 197 9100
canarywharf@freedomclinics.com
Opening Hours: Mon–Fri: 7 AM – 8 PM | Sat–Sun: 10 AM – 4 PM
Our Chiropractors
References
- Leboeuf-Yde, C., Hennius, B., Rudberg, E., Leufvenmark, P., & Thunman, M. (1997). Side effects of chiropractic treatment: a prospective study. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics, 20(8), 511–515.
