Chiropractic FAQ

Is chiropractic care safe?

Chiropractic has an excellent safety record. It is the result of a conservative approach to health that avoids invasive procedures or addictive drugs.

What is a chiropractic adjustment?

A chiropractic adjustment is the skill of using a specific force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that is fixated, “locked up”, or not moving properly. This adds motion to the joint, helping the joints to gradually regain more normal motion and function. The purpose of this safe and natural procedure is to permit improved spinal function, improved nervous system function, and improved health.

There are many ways to adjust the spine. Usually the chiropractor's hands or a specially designed instrument delivers a brief and highly-accurate thrust. Some adjusting methods are quick, whereas others require a slow, constant or indirect pressure. After years of university training and clinical experience, each chiropractor becomes highly skilled in the delivery of a variety of adjusting approaches.

Is chiropractic care appropriate for children?

Given that significant trauma can occur at birth, many parents choose to have their new-borns checked for any spinal health related problems. Later, learning to walk, riding a bicycle and other childhood activities can cause spinal health related problems. While a bandage and some comforting words can help a skinned knee, the potential underlying structural damage to the child’s spine, skull, pelvis and extremities is the unique domain of a chiropractor.

Many childhood health complaints that are brushed off as “growing pains” may be able to be traced to the spine. Regular chiropractic check-ups may be able to identify these problems and help avoid some of the health complaints seen later in adults. Naturally, Chiropractic adjusting procedures are modified to a child’s spine, particularly babies.

Am I too old for chiropractic care?

More and more people are consulting chiropractic doctors, especially in their later years. With growing concerns about over-medication and the side effects of combining various prescription drugs, safe, natural chiropractic care is growing in popularity.
Restoring better spinal function can help improve mobility, vitality, endurance, and appetite. Many patients report improvements with arthritic symptoms and other chronic ailments often associated with the aging process.
The adjusting technique used by your chiropractor will be modified for maximum comfort and results. As we get older and wiser, the simplicity and effectiveness of chiropractic care becomes more and more obvious.

For how long will I need chiropractic care?

Spinal problems which have been neglected since early childhood may require ongoing supportive care for optimum spinal function. These long-standing problems are often associated with muscle weakness, soft tissue damage, and degenerative changes to the spine.

Most patients find that periodic chiropractic check-ups help keep them in tip-top shape. Those who are active, have stressful jobs, or want to be their very best, find that a schedule of preventative visits are helpful in the maintenance of good health.

Some patients seek chiropractic care only when their ache or pain becomes unbearable. While this style of “crisis management” is usually more costly and time consuming, chiropractors are ready to help all patients, regardless of their health goals. How long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you.

How long will it take?

The duration of the visit depends entirely on the complexity of the situation and presenting complaint. We generally allow up to thirty minute for your first visit to make sure we have enough time to collect an extensive history, complete a thorough physical exam, and explain our findings and recommended treatment. In some cases you will have first treatment on the same day. This treatment is only to provide symptomatic relief. Before your next visit we will collate all the information collected and determine an appropriate course of care. Return visits are generally 15 minutes.

Will the adjustment hurt?

Chiropractic adjustments are known to be very gentle and safe form of health care. Chiropractic incorporates many different techniques to accommodate for a wide range of patients. Each technique, treatment and schedule of care is tailored to each patient. Our aim is to improve body function and reduce pain so we would never knowingly or willingly use a technique that we know may be harmful.

Many people find having an adjustment very relaxing. With some adjustments you may sometimes feel or hear a popping sound from the spinal joints. This is simply caused by a gas release from the joint as spinal movement is restored.

What results can I expect?

Individual experience varies from person to person, but most people can expect benefits soon after beginning care. Long term benefits are consolidated as therapy continues. Research demonstrates that Chiropractic care is an effective and economical form of health care for delivering longer lasting results for disorders of the spine.

What is the difference between physiotherapy and chiropractic treatment?

In understanding the difference between Chiropractic and Physiotherapy, we recommend referring to the definition of each practice.

Chiropractic is a health care discipline based on the scientific premise that the body is a self-regulating, self-healing organism. The practice of Chiropractic focuses on the relationship between structure (primarily the spine, and pelvis) and function (as coordinated by the nervous system) and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health. Physiotherapy, as described by the Australian Physiotherapy Association, “uses a variety of techniques to help your muscles and joints work to their full potential. It can help repair damage by speeding up the healing process and reducing pain and stiffness."

Each individual is different and must make their own choice about the most appropriate method of care for them. We believe Chiropractic, with its central focus on the spine, nervous system and their impact on entire body provides a health care option that can help manage pain as well as assist in achieving optimal well-being.

Do you need a referral from a GP?

Chiropractors are primary healthcare practitioners therefore a referral is not necessary. However more and more GP's are referring to Chiropractors via the Enhanced Primary Care Program (EPC).

Questions to ask your chiropractor

Don’t be afraid to ask your chiropractor as many questions as you can think of. Your Chiropractor is your partner on the road to recovery and is here to aid you as much as possible.

• How long have you been a chiropractor?
• What are your qualifications?
• Do you commonly treat my condition?
• What type of diagnostic testing is needed?
• Will I need care from other health care professionals?
• What are the side effects and possible complications of the process, if any?
• What type of patient education do you provide?
• How long will it take to get well?