Chiropractors are highly qualified health care professionals that are regulated by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). In Australia, Chiropractors are required to study an extensive approved and accredited five-year university degree. This consists of either a five-year bachelor of Chiropractic, or a three-year bachelor followed by a two-year Masters degree. It is also possible to apply for registration in Australia if a chiropractor has completed a program or degree that is approved by the Council of Chiropractic Education Australasia (CCEA) who assesses the quality of knowledge, education and training.

In addition to their education/ degree, chiropractors are required to continue training and learning throughout their career in order to maintain registration. This involves completing continued professional development (CPD) training or seminars on a yearly basis.

This is a common misconception. Low back pain or neck pain may feel as if something is “pinched” however this is rarely the case. The most likely cause of your pain is that your spine is not functioning correctly and has caused problems such as joint strain and swelling in your spine. There are many different causes of spinal pain and this is why an accurate diagnosis is so important before any treatment is commenced.

This is the name that chiropractors use to describe the stiffness, impingement, locking, misalignment that occurs in spinal and other joints.

Different professions sometimes interpret this differently.

Surprisingly over 50% of our patients are Seniors. They find that gentle chiropractic care improves their mobility, reduces pain, and lets them enjoy their grandkids, and being active.

Naturally we take things a bit gentler as our seniors get into their 70’s, 80’s and beyond. It is our job to work out how to help in the gentlest way possible given softer bones and arthritis.

SLIPPED DISC

The disc is a soft pulpy “shock absorber” located between the two vertebrae. 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, tear, herniate, thin, dry out and it can collapse. It definitely can’t “slip out of place”. Find out more detailed information about disc problems.

Some adjusting methods can produce a popping sound when the gas and fluids that exist 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. There is a common misconception that the noise is bones going back in place or rubbing on each other, this is definitely false!

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

You are eligible for up to 5 visits from a chiropractor under Medicare however you do need a referral for this.

At your examination your chiropractor will determine if x-rays are required. If x-rays are necessary, you will be given a referral to have them taken at an x-ray clinic. These costs are fully covered by Medicare. If you have had any spinal x-rays, bring them with you on your first visit as this will help determine the best treatment for you.

Every patient is individually assessed and an individualised management plan is given depending on your diagnosis and your health goals. Some patients require initial 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.

An adjustment is not normally painful however in some cases, mild soreness to the area being adjusted may be experienced. These symptoms are often a normal part of the healing process as your spinal movement improves.

Whilst some patients experience almost instant relief nearly all patients are feeling much better within one to two weeks. There are many factors that affect your rate of healing such as your age, the type of injury, your general health and how long you have had the problem.

How long you see your chiropractor for is entirely up to you. Some patients only see their chiropractor when they are in pain, others choose to have ongoing care as part of the overall health plan. During your visits you’ll be presented with information regarding the aims of each phase of care and how it may help you. We are happy to provide whichever type of care that you choose.

No. Adjustments are so specific even your chiropractor can’t adjust themselves. Some people can make their joints “pop” frequently however this is not specific and is not an adjustment, just the gases and fluid moving in the joint. This can actually make your problems worse in the long term.

Osteoporosis and osteopaenia are bone softening conditions. These conditions typically affect older people, especially females.

Chiropractors understand how to modify the treatment provided for people with these conditions so that they can assist with their aches and pains.

PREGNANT

Yes!!!! Many pregnant mums, new mums and babies receive chiropractic care. Some mothers find that chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy help with their back pain and other related musculoskeletal pain. Our adjusting methods are always adapted to a patient’s size, weight, age, and condition of health to provide the most suitable care. Our chiropractor is specifically trained in treatment techniques for pregnancy and our treatment tables are designed to accommodate the requirements of the pregnant woman.

This is the name that Chiropractors use to describe the specific treatment applied to subluxated joints. This can be in your spine, or shoulders, hips, knees, elbow, ankles, jaw, or any joint in your body. There are many types of adjustment, and your chiropractor will advise which options are best for you. Adjustment styles may include both manual techniques such as Gonsted & Diversified or more gentle non-thrust techniques like SOT & Activator. There are also many techniques which fall between these two options, including Toggle, Drop Table & Neuro-impulse which may be utilised. The chiropractor will discuss these options with you.

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. We will only use these techniques after we have discussed with you and are happy with the treatment.

We don’t include neck adjustments in your treatment if there are any indications that you would be at risk. Talk to us about your concerns.

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

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

Patients with a Work Cover injury first need to see their GP and get a referral to the chiropractor. In addition, your supervisor at work needs to lodge the necessary papers concerning the 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 the cost of your visits directly to Work Cover.

Veterans wishing to see a Chiropractor also need a referral from their GP; this referral is valid for 12 months, after which time a new one is required. At the first appointment we also need to take details from your Veteran’s Card.

Yes, you can bring your children with you to and appointment. Children are always welcome at the clinic. Staff are also able to assist, if required by holding or reassuring an infant or child who may be anxious while their parent is having a treatment. Many parents however are more able to relax and focus on their appointment and treatment if another individual who is well known to the infant/child is also present.

Early in the recovery after an injury treatment is focused on reducing pain, and inflammation. As treatment continues and your pain is resolved, the focus shifts to restoring mobility, recovering the activities that you lost. This is followed by a period where stability is re-developed to create strength around the region to prevent recurrence.

Some patients find that they cannot fully recover, or their age means they seize up. These people find that having regular chiropractic care helps keep them going. This applies to our younger patients who have hard, heavy jobs, or those stuck at a desk all day or when you train hard for a sport.