What do chiropractors do?
Do ALL patients get a massage with every treatment?
Are all patients treated the same way?
What should I expect after your first chiropractic treatment?
What should you bring with you and wear?
Will I need X-Rays?
Do you need a referral from a GP to see a Chiropractor?
Are your services covered by private health fund?
Am I too old for chiropractic care?
Is chiropractic care safe?
What do chiropractors do?
Chiropractors are musculoskeletal therapists who share a market place alongside physiotherapists and osteopaths in dealing with musculoskeletal pain e.g. sporting injuries, sprains, strains, osteoarthritis, jaw pain, headache, back pain, neck pain, etc.
The modern chiropractor practices evidence based therapy. Here at FC Health we use lots of soft tissue therapy such as massage and active release methods, alongside manipulation and joint mobilisation. We often prescribe therapeutic exercise and give advice regarding posture and ergonomic.
Prior to any treatment a full history and examination is made and if further investigation is needed we may order X-Ray or MRI, etc.
Do ALL patients get a massage with every treatment?
Yes. Often the soft tissues are part of the problem such as muscle spasm, trigger points, etc. We also believe that by loosening all the soft tissues first to get better access to the joints involved allowing us to use far less force in correcting the joint mechanics.
Are all patients treated the same way?
No. Each treatment is tailored to the patient’s needs and wants. After a diagnosis is made treatment options are discussed. The patient likes and dislikes are listened to and treatment is not commenced until the patient has given consent.
What should I expect after your first chiropractic treatment?
What you experience after your first treatment will depend on the condition treated. Usually you feel a lot of relief. Occasionally, if your problem has been long standing then we may have needed to break adhesions in order to get you better quickly. This sometimes results in the tenderness or inflammation in the area. In this situation your chiropractor will discuss this and advise you on how to minimise the discomfort. These symptoms are temporary and if you get a rapid recovery are more than worth it.
Sometimes there may be a lot of inflammation in the area being treated and there may be some pain and discomfort reflecting this. Again this will be temporary and we will advise you on how to minimise this. If your experience is something you are concerned with, always call the Chiropractor back.
What should you bring with you and wear?
Just present in your normal clothing. Usually you are asked to change down to your underwaer with the ladies given a gown to wear. We always maintain your modesty with towels.
Will I need X-Rays?
Depending on the history and the examination findings X-Ray may or may not be required. If you do have any pre-existing X-rays or scans, we would like you to bring them with you.
If you do require X-rays we will order them for you and arrange for them to be bulk-billed (subject to you having a medicare card).
Do you need a referral from a GP to see a Chiropractor?
Although we do get referrals from GPs, you can present without one. For those on an Enhanced Primary Care program (EPC) a GP referral is necessary.
Are your services covered by private health fund?
Yes we are recognised by all the private health funds. So if Chiropractic is part of your cover you will receive a rebate.
We have HICAPS at our practice so you just need to present your Healthfund card and just pay the gap.
Am I too old for chiropractic care?
No. The oldest patient we have treated is 96 years of age. Obviously treatment is modified to account for bone density loss, coexisting health issues and joint degeneration.
Is chiropractic care safe?
Yes. This is reflected in our relatively low Professional Indemnity insurance fees. As with all healthcare services there are risks and minimising risks is paramount at our clinic. We loosen the body and only use minimal forces and pressure.