The duration of your first visit depends entirely on the complexity of your situation. We generally allow up to an hour to ensure we have sufficient time to collect an extensive history, complete a thorough physical exam, explain to you what we have found and what the treatment will entail. In most cases you will have your first treatment on the same day. This will not happen if we determine that we need extra information such as x-rays.
Whether or not you will need x-rays depends on the reason you have presented to our centre. As we have no x-ray facilities on-site, we only refer people for x-ray if there is an indication, rather than a routine test. We believe this to be important as too much exposure to radiation, such as that from x-rays can be detrimental to your health. However, there are some instances where an x-ray is necessary before a chiropractic adjustment to rule out any potential risks. We make decisions on a case by case basis.
This is usually quite subjective depending on the patient and their pain threshold. Our chiropractors are skilled in using low force as well as high force adjustments. We are also skilled in different techniques to ensure we accommodate for a larger range of patients. Our aim is to not cause harm but to improve body movement and function. As pracititioners the more the patient is able to communicate their symptoms to us the better we can treat them!
Any pain or musculskeletal symptoms within the body is a sign that it may not be working correctly. An adjustment can improve the body’s motion which in turn can help with symptoms you may be experiencing.
All chiropractors in Australia are required to complete a five year university degree in chiropractic. Within these studies, chiropractors are educated to the adverse effects, risks and contraindications for adjustments to the spine.
Practitioners are trained to recognise any potential risks or contraindications prior to adjusting and such try to minimise the risks that may sometimes be associated with chiropractic care.
Chiropractic treatment is generally considered to be safe but occasionally may be associated with possible adverse reactions in individual cases.
If you have any further questions, please consult one of our chiropractors.
Contrary to popular belief, the cracking noise that you hear is not your bones cracking or moving against one another. Around each joint in the body there is a capsule of fluid which helps each joint to move smoothly. When the joints are moved (as in a chiropractic adjustment) pressure is lowered and gas is released from the fluid, making a popping sound. It is a lot like when a bottle of soft drink is opened and all the bubbles appear, it’s just a different sound. The noise is not essential to the adjustment. Joints may move without this sounds and the quality of the ‘pop’ is in no way related to the quality of the adjustment.
The time it takes to gain relief from your chiropractic adjustment depends completely on your prior health. Many people experience relief from their very first adjustment, however it generally takes a little longer for the problem to be resolved completely. With each patient we often find layers of damage; falls as children, car accidents, poor diet, stress, the wrong pillow, ill-fitting shoes. It may take a few appointments to uncover and start to correct these layers of damage. It is essential that we do, to find the actual cause of your symptoms, which will not only improve that condition; it may also resolve other symptoms that once seemed unrelated.
As part of general healthy living, diet and exercise are extremely important. A well-balanced healthy diet involving as many fresh fruits and vegetables and very little processed foods is the best kind of diet to be on. This ensures that your body has all the vitamins and minerals it needs for you to live a long and healthy life. Exercise is also very important as it keeps your circulation, respiratory system (lungs) and cardiovascular system (heart and blood vessels) working to its full potential.
We recommend at least 20 minutes of exercise at least three times a week to stay healthy. After your adjustment, some of your joints may be a little unstable and more prone to injury in the 24 hours after your adjustment. We ask that you refrain from strenuous exercise in this time while your body adapts to the changes. Walking after your adjustment is encouraged.