Chiropractic is a health care discipline based on the scientific premise that the body is a self-regulating, self-healing organism.

These important functions are controlled by the brain, spinal cord, and all the nerves of the body.

The practise 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.

Chiropractors use a combination of hands-on physical therapy (called adjusting) and exercises, to mobilise joints and improve your posture. This may help reduce pain, fatigue and injuries.

Recently, new techniques have been developed to restore the natural alignment of your spine, allowing years of poor posture and chronic problems to be treated.

Chiropractors are required to adhere to strict and extensive educational requirements and standards to become registered health professionals in Australia.

Australian chiropractors are five year university trained, and are government registered and government regulated health professionals.

To become a registered chiropractor in Australia you must have studied an accredited 5-year chiropractic program conducted at a University within Australia, or have completed an accredited program overseas that satisfies the requirements set by the Australian Chiropractic Regulating authority.

Successful completion of the whole program of study is required for professional registration as a chiropractor. The Australia Chiropractors’ Association maintains an open line of communication with the three educational institutions running chiropractic degree programs.

A chiropractor’s education never ends. After entering practice, all ACA chiropractors must complete continuing professional development courses and seminars to upgrade and improve their skills and to stay current on the latest scientific research.

Chiropractors regularly adjust women in all stages of pregnancy and babies of all ages.

Chiropractic aims to help a pregnant woman’s pelvic girdle, the supportive muscles, and the suspended uterus sit correctly. This allows optimum room for the baby to move and grow and may reduce the load on the woman’s changing body.

Studies have shown that chiropractic may assist in an easier, less traumatic delivery for both mother and child.

Children have many physical stresses to deal with during their growing years, and problems in children’s spines can occur at almost any point in their development and growth. A difficult birth, caesarean section, falls, bumps and even heavy school bags may all have long-lasting effects on a child’s spinal health.

Some signs that your child might benefit from chiropractic include:

• Disturbed sleeping patterns
• Restricted head or neck movement to one side
• One shoulder higher than the other
• Headaches

If your child has been diagnosed with growing pains, a visit to the chiropractor may be beneficial. A Chiropractic physical assessment may ensure that any leg and back pains are not the result of underlying spinal problems such as scoliosis.

Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine away from the normal accepted curves of the spine. This causes strain on joints and if left untreated may lead to premature degeneration, bad posture and gait (walking), painful movement and permanent spinal dysfunction may occur. Children tend to experience more incidents of back pain than older generations although not as many children undergo treatment for these complaints. Around 84% of back complaints in children extend into adulthood and become a chronic problem.

Yes. They will carefully assess each patient to ensure that they can be safely treated.

As we age our bodies are not as well equipped to react to the stressors and strains of life. Chiropractic care may help maintain joints for as long as possible and help avoid needless wear and tear.

A minor common reaction to spinal manipulation (the Chiropractic adjustment) is aching or soreness in the spinal joints or muscles after a treatment. If this aching or soreness occurs, it is usually within the first few hours post-treatment and generally does not last longer than 24 hours after the chiropractic adjustment.

As part of your Medicare coverage you may be entitled to up to five chiropractic visits a year largely supplemented by Medicare. This is organised by your GP through an Enhanced Primary Care plan (EPC) or Team Care Arrangement (TCA).

You may be eligible if you have a chronic condition and you have a Medicare card. Your GP will create a specific chronic disease management plan for you and they can then refer you to a chiropractor for up to 5 visits.

First you will need to consult your GP about your specific conditions and discuss with them your eligibility for chiropractic care under an EPC plan.

If you are eligible your GP will send us your referral and we can then make a time for you to come in for your first visit.

Under these subsidized visits Medicare pays for a large portion of the appointment leaving only a small gap fee for the patient. This provision can greatly reduce patient costs during initial or acute phases of treatment.

Chiropractors do everything in their power to help their patients feel better as fast as possible, ultimately reducing care to a maintenance follow-up plan that suits their individual situation and needs.

They also give advice on how to avoid future problems by evaluating lifestyle activities, ergonomics, posture, orthotics, and/or diet. Proactive recommendations include exercises and stretches; ergonomic tools like back supports, belts, or pillows; home rehabilitation tools like foam roller, elastic bands; orthotics; and/or dietary support.