Meet Melanie Bower

MChiro | BSc Sports Therapy | Chiropractor

Registered with the General Chiropractic Council: GCC-06506
Member of the McTimoney Chiropractic Association
Qualified since 2025

My journey into chiropractic

I have always been fascinated by the human body and how it works.

Before becoming a chiropractor, I worked in several different roles, including sports coaching, swimming teaching and bartending. I later joined Derby Family Chiropractic as a Sports Therapist and Chiropractic Assistant.

Working within the clinic allowed me to see first-hand the difference chiropractic care could make to people’s lives. I also experienced its benefits personally after receiving care for a longstanding knee problem and chronic headaches. These experiences inspired me to pursue chiropractic as a career so that I could help others work towards their own health and wellbeing goals.

I studied at the McTimoney College of Chiropractic and completed my Master of Chiropractic degree in 2025.

Studying to become a chiropractor was challenging, but it also introduced me to a wonderful group of like-minded people who were passionate about healthcare.

My first day of training took place during the pandemic, which made it particularly memorable. We had to wear masks and visors and remain two metres apart—which, as you can imagine, made learning practical chiropractic techniques rather difficult! Thankfully, once the restrictions eased, we were able to gain plenty of hands-on experience.

My experience and interests

Alongside my chiropractic qualification, I hold a BSc in Sports Therapy and have completed additional training in several massage techniques. I am also trained in shockwave therapy.

My Sports Therapy background helps me take a well-rounded approach to patient care, combining chiropractic with my understanding of muscles, movement and rehabilitation.

I have a particular interest in chronic pain and enjoy helping make chiropractic care understandable and accessible to the general public.

I am especially interested in cervicogenic headaches—headaches that originate from structures within the neck. I explored this subject in greater detail when completing my clinical audit on headache management during my chiropractic training.

My main chiropractic approach is the McTimoney Technique. This is a gentle, low-force method that does not rely on producing the popping or “cracking” sound commonly associated with chiropractic treatment.

My approach to patient care

My approach is friendly, patient-centred and built around listening.

When you first meet me, you can expect a friendly face and a listening ear. I will take the time to understand what has brought you to the clinic, how it is affecting your life and what you would like to achieve.

Everyone has different needs and goals, so I believe it is important to look at the whole person rather than focusing solely on an individual symptom.

My Sports Therapy background enables me to consider movement, muscles and rehabilitation alongside chiropractic care. I will work with you to create an appropriate care plan based on your individual circumstances and goals.

What I enjoy most about being a chiropractor is seeing people make progress and return to the things they enjoy. Whether that means walking more comfortably, getting back to a favourite hobby or simply feeling more confident in everyday life, helping someone move towards their goals is incredibly rewarding.

It is also rewarding when patients tell me that improvements in their symptoms have allowed them to discuss reducing their reliance on pain medication with the healthcare professional who prescribed it.

One of the most common misconceptions about chiropractic is that every appointment involves “cracking.” Although some chiropractic techniques can produce an audible popping sound, McTimoney chiropractic uses gentle, precise and low-force adjustments that do not rely on this happening.

Outside the clinic

Outside the clinic, I love getting out into nature. I enjoy walking, reading, spending time with my family and occasionally going hiking.

I’m also interested in birdwatching. My sister works for the RSPB, so we enjoy going birding together whenever we have the opportunity.

I love most sports and try to make the most of my Sky Sports subscription, which means I usually end up watching a little bit of everything!

Something patients may be surprised to discover is that I also enjoy crocheting.

I’m definitely an early bird, coffee is always my drink of choice, and walking is my favourite way to stay active.

One of my favourite places I have visited is Budapest. I also highly recommend Ultra-Processed People by Chris van Tulleken to anyone looking for an interesting non-fiction read.

Finally, I once queued for 90 minutes to buy a sandwich in Brussels. Thankfully, it was worth the wait!