Northside Chiropractic Frequently Asked Questions
Common Answers to Questions We Hear
Like other chiropractors, at Northside Chiropractic we hear many questions from new and current patients. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we are asked.
Do you have any questions that aren’t answered here? Contact us today and let us answer all of your questions.
What does a chiropractor do?
When helping patients, chiropractors are no different to any other health professional (including GPs). They make an assessment and develop a care plan in accordance with the needs of the patient and provide advice on future management strategies.
What is a chiropractic adjustment?
Chiropractors focus on increasing joint mobility, reducing pain and tension and improving body function by gently restoring proper joint alignment and motion.
How are chiropractors educated?
Australian chiropractors are five-year university trained; they are government registered and regulated healthcare professionals. All chiropractors must continue their professional development to upgrade and improve their skills and stay up-to-date on the latest scientific research.
Is chiropractic safe?
When working with patients, chiropractors choose the appropriate approach in relation to the presenting complaint, the tests and assessments completed and any current or previous health conditions, whether musculoskeletal or systemic.
How long will it take to get better?
There are many variables that will contribute to this. Age, existing health conditions, severity and duration of presenting complaint, and commitment to recommendations from the chiropractor related to stretches, exercise and regularity of care all contribute to the speed with which a patient may recover.
Does an adjustment hurt?
Not in most cases. Most people will find a real sense of relief and flexibility after an adjustment, although this can depend on the severity of the presenting condition and complaint. Chiropractors are trained to deliver a gentle and easy adjustment to your spine and other articulating joints.
How many times will I have to come in?
This depends on a few things, such as age, pre-existing health conditions, severity and duration of presenting condition, and compliance with the advice, exercises and stretches given from the chiropractor.
Recommendations of appointments and schedule are based on the above; it is important to stick to recommendations given to you by the chiropractor, as it will help you reach your outcomes more efficiently and effectively. Each session always builds on the last.
What is the difference between a Chiropractor, an Osteopath and a Physiotherapist?
Chiropractic care is focused on the relationship between structure (joints, muscles and nerves) and function (movement co-ordinated by the nervous system) and how the relationship between the two affects preservation and restoration.
Osteopathy is a practice that focuses on allowing blood and lymphatics to flow freely through our tissues and restore freedom to tissues, normalising fluid flow and function.
Physiotherapy is described as a therapy that uses techniques to help muscles and joints work to their full potential.
Each of us must make our own decisions about what might be the most appropriate method of care.
If I have no pain should I still see a chiropractor?
Does a bodybuilder stop going to the gym once they’ve achieved their weight goal? Of course not! Pain is often the last presentation to appear when something is wrong, therefore it’s not a good indicator on whether you may need chiropractic care or not.
As long as you have a spine, a chiropractor should be checking it. Chiropractors are trained to evaluate and assess your spine. In many instances, they can pick up a problem before any major issues start to become a problem in your day-to-day.
Is it true that once you go to a chiropractor you have to always keep going?
Yes and no—ultimately, you as an individual will choose how to utilise the service to attain what you want to get out of it.
Managing pain and seeking relief through chiropractic care will see most people commit to an ‘initial phase’ of care. For people who wish to maintain and stabilise their overall standard, function and wellbeing over a longer period, this will take on a more ‘maintenance/stabilisation’ approach, which may look like long term care. Most people will choose this approach in order to avoid a build-up of pain and dysfunction over a period of time.
Do you accept TAC, Work Cover, NDIS and Medicare (CDSM & TCA) patients?
Yes.
Do I need a referral from a GP?
It is not necessary to get a referral from a GP to see a chiropractor.
Can I Talk To The Chiropractor?
If you’re unsure if chiropractic is right for you, please call (03) 9086 8970 and talk to one of our chiropractors to discuss your condition and any questions you may have.
Northside Chiropractic Frequently Asked Questions | (03) 9086 8970
