Is chiropractic care safe?

Yes! Chiropractors care for their clients using safe, gentle, scientific techniques. Our Chiropractors aim to educate all their clients and inform them how and why Chiropractic is safe and appropriate for all ages

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?

Since significant trauma can occur at birth, many parents choose to have their newborns 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 checkups 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.

At Balanced Life Health Care, we treat children from the about the age they start school. For children, younger than this, such as Newborns and toddlers, a visit to a ‘pediatric’ chiropractor is recommended for more specialised care. Feel free to call us for a pediatric referral.

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 doctor 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.

How long will I need chiropractic care?

Every patient is individually assessed and a customised 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.

During your visits you’ll be presented with information regarding the objectives of each phase of care and the optimum type and duration of care needed to achieve these results. Once you have this information it is your decision to choose the type of care you require. How long you go to a chiropractor is always your choice and depends entirely on your personal goals for your health.

Do chiropractic adjustments hurt?

An adjustment is not normally painful. In some cases, mild soreness to the area adjusted may follow. This is typically a normal part of the healing process where an area of the spine has been restricted for a long period is now moving better.

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

Some Chiropractors use a hand-held instrument to adjust the spine. Others use pelvic blocks to re-align the body. Special techniques are used for adjusting infants and children. Whatever the technique, Chiropractors use skill, not force or strength, to conduct a safe, effective adjustment.

Can I adjust myself?

No. Some people can make their joints “pop,” but that’s not an adjustment! Cracking your spine is not the same as having your chiropractor assess your spine and specifically adjust selected joints. Worse, damage can occur by mobilising a joint with weakened muscles and ligaments. Adjustments are so specific even your chiropractor can’t adjust themselves.

What results can I expect?

If you’re new to Chiropractic care, you’ll want to know what type of result you can expect. Individual experience varies from person to person, but most people can expect some benefits soon after beginning care and for these to consolidate further as therapy continues. Whilst some patients experience almost instant relief nearly all patients are feeling better in 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. Every person is different and so rates of healing will differ. Statistically too, research shows that Chiropractic care is more effective and economical and also gives longer lasting results for disorders of the spine than other forms of health care.

Is it ok to see a chiropractor if I’m pregnant?

Many pregnant mums, recently birthed mums and babies receive chiropractic care. Mothers often find that chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy improve their back pain, help prepare them for childbirth and make delivery easier for themselves and their baby. Our adjusting methods are always adapted to a patient’s size, weight, age, and condition of health to provide the most suitable care.

The difference between Chiropractic and Physiotherapy?

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.

Approximately how much does a Chiropractic session cost?

See our fees page

What should you bring with you and wear?

Most Chiropractors will take care of people in the clothes they come in with. However, any bulky clothing, such as a heavy winter jacket or thick jumper would need to be removed.

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). Ask us how could be eligible.

Is chiropractic care covered by Medicare?

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

Is Chiropractic Care covered by Workers Compensation and Veterans Affairs?

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 Vet Card. After each visit you are required to sign the treatment form and the account is sent directly to Veterans Affairs for payment.

To see how Chiropractic Care can help you, visit: Ferntree Gully Chiropractic