What is a Chiropractic adjustment?
A Chiropractic adjustment, also known as spinal manipulation, is a procedure performed by licensed chiropractors to address issues within the musculoskeletal system, particularly involving the spine. This technique is intended to enhance spinal motion, improve physical function, and alleviate pain by applying controlled pressure to specific joints. It is often used as a treatment option for back pain, neck pain, and other related conditions.
Chiropractic care is generally considered safe when performed by licensed professionals. It focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal issues, particularly those related to the spine, using specific adjustments and techniques to improve function and alleviate pain. As with any medical treatment, there are potential risks, but these are typically minimal and uncommon.
Most common is post treatment muscle soreness which usually subsides within 24-48 hours. Patients usually describe "having done a heavy workout at the gym" without actually going to the gym. To ensure the best outcomes, it's recommended that individuals discuss their medical history open and honestly and discuss any concerns with their chiropractor prior to treatment.
A thorough physical, orthopaedic and neurological exam is always undertaken to determine suitability for treatment.
Are Chiropractors educated?
In Australia, chiropractors share a common tertiary education pathway with osteopaths and physiotherapists. Chiropractic education involves undergraduate and/or masters-level university training over five years. They are primary healthcare practitioners.
All accredited chiropractic programs in Australia include units in basic and clinical sciences. Also included are units in physical therapy, physical rehabilitation, radiology, nutrition, pediatrics, geriatrics, public health and evidence-based practice.
They undergo mandatory continuing education each year in order to maintain registration and practice as non-pharmacological, non-surgical spine care and musculoskeletal-allied healthcare professionals.
All chiropractors must be registered with the Chiropractic Board of Australia and meet the Board’s registration standards, in order to practice in Australia.
A person cannot call themselves a Chiropractor (or hold themselves to be a chiropractor) or undertake manipulation of the cervical spine if they are not registered with the Chiropractic Board of Australia.
What is that "crack" noise during treatment?
The "crack" is air escaping from the joint. It's not your bones grinding but rather like a pressure valve releasing. Some people "crack" very loudly, others hardly have any noise. This is not an indicator of how well or whether or not the adjustment worked. The goal is to release tension within the joint and surrounding musculature.
How often will I need treatment?
How long is a piece of string? The simple answer is that everyone is different. The frequency of treatment differs depending on if this is a condition that you've been dealing with for years or days. For most patients there is an initial period of several treatments closer together, then as pain relief and stability of the spine is achieved, the treatments are spaced out. As the muscles and joints of the spine have a strong memory it takes several treatments to "re-train" them. The treatment is reinforced with rehabilitation exercises as manipulation alone will not hold the joint in place. Recovery is a team effort between the patient and practitioner.
What payment options do you accept?
For patient convenience there is a HICAPS terminal onsite. This ensures that patients, who have private health insurance extras, are able to claim on the spot and receive a rebate.
Cash and credit/debit cards are accepted. No accounts.
Patients with a valid Allied Health Plan from their GP, TAC and WorkCover patients are also welcome.
Do I need a referral to see a Chiropractor?
No, in many cases, you do not need a referral to see a Chiropractor. Chiropractors are primary healthcare practitioners, so you can contact them directly or schedule an appointment without a referral. However, if you are attending on a Medicare Allied Health Plan from the GP then a referral is required.
What documentation do I bring for a Medicare consultation?
Please bring in the Allied Health Plan forms and your Medicare Card with you on the Initial Consultation.
Under the scheme you can receive 5 subsidized treatments within a rolling year.
You will be billed the full amount for the consultation and then just like at the GP's, we will submit a patient claim directly to Medicare.
Medicare will reimburse you as per the current Chiropractic rates directly into your account that you have listed with them.
