Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is chiropractic?

    What is Chiropractic?

    Chiropractic is a natural method of health care that primarily focuses on restoring the normal biomechanical integrity of the spine and associated structures. By correcting spinal function chiropractic care inputs the neurological control of the body which can lead to improved health and wellbeing.

  • What happens when I go to the chiropractor?

    What happens when I go to the chiropractor?

    First we establish what your problems are, how they got there and how to correct them. Once we have that information will sit down with you, discuss our findings and what treatment options you have available to you before any treatment is commenced. See Your first visit for details

  • How long does it take for a visit?

    How long does it take for a visit?

    Allow about 30 to 45 minutes for your first visit with us. This visit will be planned at a time that is interruption free, giving the doctor the opportunity to listen to you and complete a thorough examination to find the cause of your problems. On your next visit we will discuss with you what we have found and if we can help you. This will normally take about 15-20 minutes. Standard treatment times usually vary from 5 to 15 minutes.

  • Do I need x-rays?

    Do I need x-rays?

    At your examination we will determine if x-rays are required. If x-rays are necessary you will be referred out to have them taken at a nearby location. These costs are covered by Medicare. If you have any spinal x-rays bring them you with to your first visit and more x-rays may not be required.

  • Do I need a medical referral?

    Do I need a medical referral?

    No. Chiropractors are primary health care practitioners. You can contact us directly for an appointment.

  • Is chiropractic care covered by Medicare?

    Is chiropractic care covered by Medicare?

    Under Medicare’s Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) program patients are able to be covered for up to 5 chiropractic visits per year. Patients must be referred by their GP. Feel free to speak to us further about this option.

  • What about workers comp and veterans affairs?

    What about workers comp and veterans affairs?

    A patient wishing to see a Chiropractor with a Work Cover injury first needs to see their GP and get a referral to the chiropractor. Also your supervisor at work needs to lodge the necessary papers concerning your injury, along with the referral to Work Cover. Work Cover will assess the claim and if accepted will allot a Claim Number. When the claim number is available your chiropractor can forward you visit costs to Work Cover directly.
    Veterans wanting to see a Chiropractor also need a referral from their GP, this referral is valid for 12 months when a new one is required. At the first appointment we also need to take details from your Vet Card. After each visit you are required to sign the treatment form and the account will be sent to Veterans Affairs for payment.

  • Is chiropractic care safe?

    Is chiropractic care safe?

    Chiropractors are highly specialised professionals who have undergone an extensive 5 year training program on how to deliver safe and effective care. In terms of statistics, there is approximately a one in five million chance that spinal manipulation of the neck may be associated with damage (major or minor) to the blood supply of the brain. The purpose of our physical examination is to assess your condition with these things in mind so that we may choose the most appropriate technique for you. We believe that our expertise and experience enable us to provide the safest possible care.

  • Is it OK to see a chiropractor if I am pregnant?

    Is it OK to see a chiropractor if I am pregnant?

    Many pregnant mums, recently birthed mums and babies receive chiropractic care. Mothers often find that chiropractic adjustments improve their pregnancy, relieve pain in their backs, help prepare them for childbirth and make delivery easier for themselves and their baby. Our adjusting methods are always adapted to a patient’s size, weight, age, and condition of health to provide the most suitable care.

  • Are chiropractic adjustments safe for children?

    Are chiropractic adjustments safe for children?

    Learning to walk, riding a bicycle, and other childhood activities can potentially cause spinal health related problems. While a bandage, some comforting words and hugs can help the bruises often damage to spine function is not detected. Sometimes childhood health complaints that are brushed off as “growing pains” may also be able to be traced to the spine. Regular chiropractic checkups may be able to identify these problems and help avoid some of the health complaints seen later in adults. Chiropractic adjusting procedures are always modified to a child’s spine.

  • What is a subluxation?

    What is a subluxation?

    Subluxation is a generic term that chiropractors use to describe the area of the spine that needs correction. This term was invented by chiropractors over 100 years ago to describe areas of abnormal function in the spine that cause physiological changes involving the many complex systems of the body. It is virtually not used outside of the chiropractic profession. Many chiropractors are using terms such as vertebral joint dysfunction instead of subluxation to describe the areas of abnormal function in an attempt to use language that is universal to the health care system.

  • What is a chiropractic adjustment?

    What is a chiropractic adjustment?

    An adjustment is a specific technique designed to correct spinal problems. It is a specific force applied to a joint in a precise direction to a vertebra that is fixated, “locked up”, or not moving properly. It is designed to restore normal motion and balance to the spine by improving motion of the joint.
    There are many ways to adjust the spine. It can be done by hand, using a specially designed instrument or tables to deliver carefully directed energy. Some adjusting methods are quick, whereas others require a slow, constant or indirect pressure. Sometimes a popping sound is heard.

  • What is the popping sound?

    What is the popping sound?

    Some adjusting methods can produce a popping sound when the gas and fluids in the joint shift. It’s much like opening a bottle of champagne or removing a suction cup. The sound isn’t a guide to the quality or need of the adjustment It is a common misconception that the noise is bones going back in place or rubbing on each other, this is definitely false!

  • How Many Adjustments Will I Need?

    How Many Adjustments Will I Need?

    Every patient is individually assessed and a customised management plan is given depending on your diagnosis and your health goals. Some patients require intensive treatment over many weeks, followed by rehabilitation and then maintenance adjustments, whereas others may only require a short course of adjustments to resolve their problems.

  • How long until I’ll feel better?

    How long until I’ll feel better?

    Whilst some patients experience almost instant relief nearly all patients are feeling better in 1 to 2 weeks. There are many factors that affect the rate of healing such as your age, the type of injury, your general health or how long have you had your problems? Every person is different and so are their healing rates.

  • Will I have to go to a chiropractor forever?

    Will I have to go to a chiropractor forever?

    During your visits you’ll be presented with information regarding the objectives of each phase of care and the optimum type and duration of care needed to achieve these results. Once you have this information it is your decision to choose the type of care you require. How long you go to a chiropractor is always your choice and depends entirely on your personal goals health care.

  • Can I tell if my spine is working properly?

    Can I tell if my spine is working properly?

    Unfortunately you can’t. Whilst spinal problems will eventually cause many symptoms, they can often be present and undetected for a long time. This is why we recommend periodic chiropractic check-ups to detect and correct spinal changes for patients that are not experiencing any symptoms.

  • Can I Adjust Myself?

    Can I Adjust Myself?

    No. Some people can make their joints “pop,” but that’s not an adjustment! Cracking your spine is not the same as having your chiropractor assess your spine and specifically adjust selected joints.Worse, damage can occur by mobilizing a joint with weakened muscles and ligaments. Adjustments are so specific even your chiropractor can’t adjust himself.

  • Does it hurt to get adjusted?

    Does it hurt to get adjusted?

    An adjustment is not normally painful. In some cases mild soreness to the area adjusted may follow, this is typically a normal process that indicates the area which was previously restricted is now moving better.

  • Getting My Neck Treated Makes Me Nervous.

    Getting My Neck Treated Makes Me Nervous.

    There are many techniques that do not involve “manipulation” that we can use to correct neck problems. We will only include neck adjustments in your treatment if there is an objective clinical reason for doing so and we would not include neck adjustments in your treatment if there are any indications that you would be at risk. Talk to us about your concerns.

  • Do I have a pinched nerve?

    Do I have a pinched nerve?

    This is a common misconception. Back and neck pain may feel as if something is “pinched”, however this is rarely the case. The likely scenario is that there is a mechanical cause of the pain such as a joint strain or swelling in region of the joint which can be helped with chiropractic care This is why accurate diagnosis is so important before any treatment is started.

  • Do I have a slipped disc?

    Do I have a slipped disc?

    The disc is a soft pulpy “shock absorber.” It has a fibrous outer ring which holds in a jelly-like material. A “slipped disc” is a common way to refer to a wide variety of disc problems. However, a disc can’t slip because of the way it attaches to the spinal bones above and below it. A disc can bulge. It can tear. It can herniate. It can thin. It can dry out. And it can collapse. But it can’t slip.

  • Can I have chiropractic care after spinal surgery?

    Can I have chiropractic care after spinal surgery?

    Yes. We treat many patients who have had spinal surgery. Specific treatment programs are designed that avoid the surgically modified areas of your spine and correct and maintain the rest of your spinal function.

  • Will osteoporosis prevent me from getting chiropractic care?

    Will osteoporosis prevent me from getting chiropractic care?

    No. We treat many patients who suffer from osteoporosis. Indeed regular chiropractic care may help to protect patients from falls (and osteoporotic fractures) by optimizing joint mobility, range of motion, balance and muscle tone.To correct spinal problems with patients suffering from osteoporosis we use specific low force techniques that allow for the brittleness and fragility of the bones.

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