Voices of the BCA is a member spotlight series sharing the perspectives, experiences, and insights of chiropractors across the UK.
In this edition, we hear from Lorraine Calland, a long-standing BCA Member since 1995 who graduated from the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic (now the Health Sciences University) that same year. Since then she has enjoyed working as a chiropractor in various locations before opening her clinic, Vale Royal Chiropractic in Northwich.
What inspired you to start a career in chiropractic?
When I was 23, I injured my back during karate training. My coach wanted me back on the squad as quickly as possible and suggested I see a chiropractor. At the time - back in 1985 - I had never even heard of chiropractic, but I followed the advice.
I was immediately impressed by both the examination process and the treatment itself. I had presented with an issue in my lumbar spine, yet it was my cervical spine that requiredan X-Ray. Evidentially blocking a blow with your teeth was not conducive to a healthy cervical spine! I was diagnosed with a lumbosacral sprain/strain injury alongside C4/5 osteoarthritis.
"I remember sitting in the waiting room thinking, ‘I like this set up - I could do this.’"
On my second visit, I noticed a card advertising the Anglo European College of Chiropractic (not the Health Sciences University). That moment stayed with me. Three years later, after completing a science-based Access Course, I applied - the rest followed from there. My lumbar pain cleared up quickly and regular treatment over the years has kept my neck mobile, albeit a little crunchy at times.
What advice would you give your final-year student self, knowing what you do now?
Graduation is really just the beginning. You leave with the foundations, but it’s what you build on top of that which defines your career.
Work with confidence and respect, and listen carefully - your patients will teach you a great deal.
Continue to learn to expand your diagnostic and treatment skills and use what works best both for you and the patient.
“You know the basics - now it’s time to expand your knowledge and let experience shape your practice.”
It’s also important to empower patients. When required, teach them how to breathe, how to move, and how to increase their mobility in order to improve their posture and strength. Helping patients understand their own bodies plays a key role in long-term outcomes.
What is one thing you regularly find yourself explaining to patients about musculoskeletal health?
A common theme I see is posture - forward head carriage, hunched shoulders and decreased rib motion. This is often coupled with neck pain or headaches.
In these cases, I spend time explaining the importance of consistent, long-term exercises. Strengthening the rhomboids through exercise three times a day, practising chin tucks, and incorporating diaphragmatic breathing all assist in improving upper body, posture and rib movement.
“When patients understand the wider benefits, they’re far more likely to stay consistent - and that’s when real change happens.”
I’ve found that explaining the broader impact of breathing exercises really helps with engagement. Beyond posture, they can support stress and anxiety management, strengthen the muscles in the nasal cavity, which can decrease snoring and help with sleep apnea, and simulate nitrous oxide which acts as a vasodilator that enhances blood circulation.
Voices of the BCA is a fortnightly series where BCA members speak in their own words about practice, patients, and the profession they've chosen. If you are a BCA member and you’d like to participate, contact katrin.mahfuz@chiropractic-uk.co.uk.