Chiropractic FAQs
Is chiropractic safe?
Does chiropractic hurt?
Is chiropractic treatment supported by GP’s?
Do I need a medical referral?
What is the difference between chiropractic and physiotherapy?
How long do I need to continue chiropractic treatment?
Is chiropractic safe for pregnancy?
Will they ‘crack my bones’? What’s that loud pop?
Are Chiropractic services health care rebatable?
Is chiropractic safe?
Chiropractic care is a safe treatment option when carried out by qualified, experienced chiropractors. Like every medical treatment, chiropractic care carries risk potential Every chiropractor at our practice is registered with the Chiropractic Board of Australia which requires them to meet stringent standards, codes and guidelines, and has undergone a minimum of 5 years university study to fully understand the workings of the nervous system.
Every medical treatment carries risk potential, but serious complications arising from chiropractic care are rare – about 1-3 in a million. This is a significantly lower risk factor than many conventional treatment options and even many day-to-day activities.
Does chiropractic hurt?
Chiropractic treatment itself should not cause pain –our chiropractors use their skill and understanding of the body to apply adjustments; not force. In fact some patients actually experience a rush of euphoria following treatment due to a release of endorphins.
However, patients already experiencing severe muscle tightness or inflammation may experience discomfort in the process of treating their problem. After a series of chiropractic adjustment have been performed, the underlying problem will often improve and any associated pain should subside.
If you’re experiencing strong pain prior to a chiropractic treatment, always be sure to let your chiropractor know so they can apply the most effective technique to minimise the discomfort you feel.
Is chiropractic treatment supported by GP’s?
In years gone by, GPs tended to trust only traditional health treatments that were familiar to them, however times are changing. GPs and Chiropractors offer different approaches to treatment and are beginning to appreciate the benefit to their patients of working together and keeping each other informed about individual treatment plans. We receive a number of referrals every year from GPs who understand the benefits of chiropractic care in treating musculoskeletal ailments.
Do I need a medical referral?
No. You can arrange to see the chiropractor of your choice at any time without the need for a referral. However, if you qualify for treatment under the enhanced primary care program offered by Medicare, you will need a referral from your GP. It will cover up to a maximum of 5 chiropractic visits. Likewise, chiropractic care under the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) will also need a medical referral from your GP.
What is the difference between chiropractic and physiotherapy?
Chiropractors focus on the nervous system – primarily the spine, neck and skull – to ensure it is functioning at optimal level, as well as their patients’ overall wellbeing. Chiropractic uses a range of manual techniques to gently treat pain and dysfunction to achieve this.
Physiotherapists focus on the muscular system, joints and movement. Physiotherapy is often used to treat specific joint or muscle injuries using exercise, soft tissue therapies such as massage, hot and cold packs, ultrasound and laser therapy to help repair and rehabilitate affected areas.
The treatment option best suited to you will depend on you individual circumstances.
How long do I need to continue chiropractic treatment?
This will depend on what ailment you are seeking to treat and your overall health goals.
Your chiropractor will discuss their recommended treatment plan with you after your initial assessment, and it is always up to you how long you continue your treatment.
Is chiropractic safe for pregnancy?
Absolutely. Pregnancy and childbirth put a lot of physical strain on mums. Many pregnant women experience back pain as the weight of carrying their child puts extra stress on their body. A chiropractic adjustment to realign the spine, pelvis and nervous system can help relieve pain, making life far more comfortable for mum to be.
Will they ‘crack my bones’? What’s that loud pop?
If you’ve never had a chiropractic adjustment before, the popping or cracking sound that you hear can probably be a bit alarming. Rest assured – your chiropractor is not literally “cracking” your bones. Your joints are each surrounded by fluid which contains small amounts of gasses, and when a misaligned joint is adjusted to its correct position, this can sometimes cause the gasses to escape which causes the sound you hear.
This is the same noise you’ll hear when people crack their knuckles.
While some people find temporary relief cracking their knuckles, neck or back, this can lead to the joints and ligaments prematurely deteriorating over time. This is because their “adjustment” may not be adjusting the correct joint, or be moving the joint incorrectly and inadvertently exacerbating the problem. Even qualified chiropractors have an experience colleague treat them to ensure the correct movement is applied to realign their joints.
If you suffer from a stiff neck or back that you need to “crack”, we recommend you book a chiropractic review to ensure your spine and nervous system is correctly assessed and you receive the right treatment for your optimal health.
Are Chiropractic services health care rebatable?
Our Chiropractic services are health care rebatable, so if you have private health extras you can claim on the spot.
Not sure if your private health fund covers our services?
1. Check the links below to see if your health fund covers the service you’re looking for.
2. Check with your health fund (online, in-store or over the phone) whether your personal cover has the service you’re after
Alternatively, check the link below to see if your health fund participates in HiCaps (on the spot claims)
http://www.hicaps.com.au/providers/participating-partners