Frequently asked questions about chiropractic in Estepona

Chiropractic is a discipline focused on the spine, its mobility and its relationship with the nervous system. The WHO recognises it as a healthcare profession in over 90 countries, though in Spain it is practised lawfully but is not regulated as a healthcare profession. The chiropractor assesses how your spine moves and functions and applies specific vertebral adjustments, adapted to each person.

Dr. José María Puig Sobrino is a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) from Cleveland University Kansas City and a member of the Spanish Chiropractic Association (AEQ member no. 1036). He has more than a decade of experience and works with 6 different chiropractic techniques.

A first visit to the chiropractor lasts 45 to 60 minutes and follows five steps: (1) detailed case history, (2) physical examination and functional mobility tests, (3) a clear explanation of what we have found, (4) first chiropractic adjustment if appropriate, and (5) a personalised care plan organised by phases. At Centro Quiropráctico Puig in Estepona, Dr. Puig (Doctor of Chiropractic, AEQ member no. 1036) chooses the most suitable technique (SOT, Gonstead, Cox Flexion-Distraction, Diversified, Thompson or Activator Method) after the functional assessment. No technique is applied without your informed consent, and we explain what is happening at every stage of the visit. If anything needs a medical assessment, we refer you on before we start.

It usually does not. It is a precise manual movement, of high velocity and low amplitude, applied to a specific spinal joint. The "click" sound you may hear is cavitation: small gas bubbles (CO₂) released inside the joint capsule, a harmless phenomenon unrelated to bone. Some people notice a slight ache afterwards, similar to after exercise, which passes within a few hours. For older adults, expectant mothers, children or sensitive patients, Dr. Puig uses low-force techniques such as Activator Method (a handheld instrument) or SOT (positional blocks), which adjust without any audible click or manual thrust.

We see people of all ages: babies, children, teenagers, adults, expectant mothers, athletes and older adults. First of all we assess whether chiropractic care is appropriate in your case, and the techniques are always adapted to each person's age and circumstances.

No, you do not need a medical referral to see a chiropractor. You can book directly with Centro Quiropráctico Puig in Estepona by calling 952 791 996. If you have recent medical reports or scans, bring them to your first visit: Dr. Puig will take them into account in his assessment.

The main difference is the approach: the chiropractor focuses on the mobility and function of the spinal joints and their relationship with the nervous system, and uses specific high-velocity, low-amplitude vertebral adjustments. The physiotherapist works on the muscles, movement and functional rehabilitation through therapeutic exercise, manual therapy and electrotherapy. Training also differs: chiropractors complete a specific 5-6 year university degree accredited by the European Council on Chiropractic Education (ECCE); physiotherapists complete a 4-year Physiotherapy degree, and physiotherapy is a regulated healthcare profession in Spain. Physiotherapy is the reference for rehabilitation after an injury or operation and for return to sport. They are different disciplines that can complement each other.

Although both use manual techniques, the chiropractor focuses specifically on the spine and its relationship with the nervous system, using high-velocity, low-amplitude vertebral adjustments. The osteopath takes a broader view of the musculoskeletal system. The university training of a chiropractor is 5 to 6 specific years.

Chiropractic is legal in Spain, though it is not regulated as a healthcare profession. Outside Spain, the WHO recognises it as a healthcare profession in over 90 countries. The Spanish Chiropractic Association (AEQ), founded in 1986, brings together only professionals with university qualifications recognised by the European Council on Chiropractic Education. Dr. Puig is AEQ member no. 1036.

It is the term chiropractic uses to describe a spinal joint that has lost some of its normal mobility or position. It is a concept specific to chiropractic, not a medical diagnosis. The chiropractor assesses it during the examination and works on it with specific adjustments.

Cracking your own back is not the same as a chiropractic adjustment. When you do it yourself, you tend to move the areas that already move well, not necessarily the ones that have lost mobility. The chiropractic adjustment is a specific movement, aimed at a particular joint in a precise direction, after an assessment.

When it is carried out by a professional with full university training and after a prior assessment, serious adverse effects are uncommon; the most usual reaction is a slight, short-lived ache after the adjustment. Before adjusting, Dr. Puig reviews your history to rule out contraindications and, if anything needs a medical assessment, refers you on. He is a Doctor of Chiropractic and an AEQ member (no. 1036); checking that your chiropractor is an AEQ member is the simplest way to verify their training.

We give our fees over the phone on +34 952 791 996, as they depend on the type of session and the care plan. The first visit at Centro Quiropráctico Puig lasts 45 to 60 minutes and includes a case history, a functional assessment and, if appropriate, the first adjustment. Follow-up visits (15 to 30 minutes) are priced differently from the initial consultation. Dr. José María Puig, Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) and AEQ member no. 1036, proposes every plan in phases (initial, stabilisation and maintenance), so the overall cost depends on the number and frequency of sessions you agree on after the initial assessment.

Some insurers in Spain partially cover chiropractic sessions, although this is not the norm. We recommend checking the terms of your policy with your insurer. At Centro Quiropráctico Puig in Estepona we can provide the paperwork you need to submit.

There is no fixed number. A chiropractic care plan is usually organised in three phases: (1) initial phase, with sessions closer together over the first few weeks; (2) stabilisation phase, with visits every 2 to 3 weeks; and (3) an optional maintenance phase, with visits every 4 to 6 weeks. The duration depends on each person and how they respond. At Centro Quiropráctico Puig in Estepona, Dr. Puig (Doctor of Chiropractic, AEQ member no. 1036) proposes the plan after the initial functional assessment and reviews it with you every few sessions. If we do not see reasonable progress, we will tell you and look at other options or a referral to another professional.

The "crack" or "click" sound during the adjustment is normal. It is produced by gas (carbon dioxide) being released in the joint capsule, a phenomenon called cavitation. It is not bone rubbing on bone and it does not indicate any damage. Many adjustments, in fact, produce no sound at all.

It depends on the stage of the care plan. In the initial phase visits are closer together (1 to 3 per week). In stabilisation they gradually become more spaced out. In maintenance, if you decide to continue, a visit every 3 to 6 weeks is usual. Dr. Puig adjusts the frequency to each person and reviews it with you.

The first visit lasts 45 to 60 minutes, since it includes a case history, a functional assessment and, if appropriate, the first adjustment. Follow-up sessions last between 15 and 30 minutes. The duration varies depending on each person and the techniques used.

Yes, after a prior assessment and with techniques adapted to their age. Dr. Puig is trained in paediatric techniques that use very gentle pressure and always works with the parents present. For any health problem, the child's paediatrician is the point of reference, and we coordinate with them when needed.

Yes, in any trimester, always after a prior assessment. Dr. Puig uses the SOT Technique and other gentle techniques, with tables, cushions and positions designed to keep the mother comfortable and safe in every trimester. If your pregnancy is high-risk or you have any doubts, we check with your obstetrician or midwife first.

Many athletes include chiropractic check-ups in their routine to look after the mobility of their spine and the posture their sport demands. On the Costa del Sol we see golfers, padel players, runners and cyclists, and where there is an injury we work in coordination with their doctor or physiotherapist.

The Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT) is a chiropractic system focused on the relationship between the sacrum and the occiput. It uses positional blocks under the pelvis and gentle adjustments. It is widely used with expectant mothers, children and people who prefer low-force techniques. Dr. Puig is a certified SOT specialist.

The Gonstead Technique is one of the most complete systems of analysis in chiropractic. It combines several assessment criteria (observation, static and motion palpation, instrumentation and imaging where it already exists) to locate precisely the segment to be adjusted. The result is a very specific adjustment using the minimum force needed.

The Cox Flexion-Distraction technique uses an articulated table that makes gentle, rhythmic flexion and traction movements of the lower back, with no thrust. It is a low-force technique that Dr. Puig often uses for the lumbar area, with older adults or with anyone who prefers to avoid the manual adjustment, always after a prior assessment.

Our centre is at C/ Carmen Laforet 4, Local 2, in Estepona (Málaga), postcode 29680. We look after patients from Estepona, Marbella, San Pedro de Alcántara, Manilva, Casares and Benahavís.

You can book online, by calling 952 791 996, on WhatsApp at 629 637 367 or by emailing info@quiropracticacostadelsol.com. We will get back to you as soon as possible at Centro Quiropráctico Puig in Estepona.