Introducing Manchester Chiropractor Dr. Iain Lea

Your body is truly amazing. It can heal wounds and fight cancer. It can pump litres and litres of blood around your system every day, every minute of your life, whilst also cleaning the blood of any impurities. There is however, a master computer within us that controls every function that occurs inside your body, it’s the very first cell that developed when we were in our mother’s womb.

The nervous system………..Look after it and it will look after you.

My introduction to Chiropractic came when I was 23 years old. I was a Royal Marine Commando at the time working in Norway during a winter deployment. We were scaling a large ice wall as we had done many times before. Obviously, with this type of activity there is a serious risk of falling onto thick, hard ice. Unfortunately this is what happened to me, from 20 feet.

I was given a course of Physiotherapy for 3 months but nothing seemed to help and the medication just kept getting stronger! One of the Physiotherapists was a friend of mine who suggested I go privately and see a Chiropractor as everyone was slowly giving up on me with my job in jeopardy.

The Chiropractor explained how my body could, if helped, heal itself. He told me that rehabilitation exercises alone couldn’t correct the pressure on my nerve that was causing both muscle and joint pain.

I then underwent my first adjustment. My initial response was - ‘wow that MUST have done something!’ I felt like someone had actively treated me for a change, not just given me a set of exercises or plugged me into some machine or other!

After the first few treatments the pain began to reside - it was 5 months since my accident. I couldn’t believe the effects of this treatment. By this stage I had decided that after 5 years of service it might be time for a career change. I was so impressed by what Chiropractic did for me I chose Chiropractic as my future lifelong career.

Before training as a Chiropractor I completed a degree course in Psychology and Neurology choosing to focus upon the dramatic effects of the occupational environment on the average employee.

My dissertation analysed both the psychological and physiological effects of the occupational world.

On completion of this I undertook 4 years further training as a Chiropractor where again my interest focused on how I could make the life of the average working person more positive. Although trained to deal with the physical effects of sitting at a desk for long hours for example, I was lucky enough to be able to utilise my previous education to understand the psychological complications.

As such, I believe that by drawing upon the combination of my Psychology background and Chiropractic education I have a crucial insight into occupational therapy complimenting my work today as a Chiropractor. This in turn is an extremely advantageous and integral component for me when formulating a treatment plan that fits a patient in both mind and body.

When it comes to muscular and skeletal medicine Chiropractors are amongst the best in the world. Educated for 5 full years on the subject we undergo one of the most advanced and in depth training for physical complaints of any course in the UK.

Although most patients present with complaints ranging from headaches, sciatica, knee pain, back pain and arm pain we help get them out of the symptoms without the use of drugs or surgery with a safe and specific treatment plan that works.

Following this comes the real ‘gift’ that is Chiropractic. Our ability to detect and treat any problems before they become symptomatic. As Chiropractors we pride ourselves on prevention, and patients are encouraged to save themselves both pain and money by maintaining regular checks on their bodies and subsequent general health. This gives Chiropractors the chance to enhance the function of the nervous system, which leads many patients to state that they have never felt so good! Remember - prevention is better than cure.

I was very lucky to be brought up amongst the amazing surroundings of Snowdonia and have always enjoyed an active outdoor life. I enjoyed playing sport from an early age competing as a swimmer at a National Level and playing for the North Wales Rugby Youth Squad.

After my ‘A’ levels I decided I wanted a new challenge and joined the Royal Marine Commandos attaining the honorary ‘Kings Badge’ for best Marine in commando selection. I then represented the Royal Marines at boxing as the welterweight champion in 1996.

After 5 years in the Royal Marines I undertook a degree in Psychology and Neurology for 3 years and then went onto study for a further 4 years to become a Doctor of Chiropractic.

I still enjoy an active life, making the most of any ‘free time’ I have to participate regularly in my favourite hobbies including; rock climbing, running, mountain and road biking …. amongst others!

There are so many facets to maintaining good health – diet, reduce stress levels, manage occupational demands and sensible exercise habits to name a few. We can control all aspects of our environment and thus its effects on us by making important lifestyle choices.

Good health isn’t just going to your local health club and turning on the running machine for 30 mins 3 times per week. In order to attain good health one must consider the holistic approach. Ask yourself, is your job ruling your life and ruining your health? Is your excess alcohol consumption finally catching up with you? These are just a few of the questions that we need to consider to achieve our best level of health for the long-term.

I personally try to utilize my time so despite a demanding career I can partake in fun and active pastimes with friends and family. I find that if its fun it’s done, so when I rock climb, mountain bike or run I try to make it as social and enjoyable as I can. That way I keep doing it, see friends at the same time and keep healthy!

Thanks for visiting the Deansgate Chiropractors website. We're committed to helping your improve your health and achieving your goals in life. Health is empowering so simply give us a call today on 0161 839 19 15 and we'll guarantee you a friendly voice and helpful advice. Alternatively you can email us and we'll do our best to help you today.