Frequently Asked Questions

How much treatment will I need?

Many patients experience considerable relief in just one session, however, more complex longer-standing conditions naturally require more care. The actual recommended course of treatment depends on the nature of the injury, the extent of damage, the number of areas affected, and the individual's response to treatment. However, in most cases, we expect to see significant progress within one to two weeks of treatment (3-4 visits).

(Treatment needs for each case is decided individually based on the history, examination and diagnosis. Your chiropractor will discuss the proposed treatment plan and expected timeframe before any treatment begins.)

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What can I expect on my first consultation?

The first consultation with the chiropractor is a thorough 45-minute assessment to determine the nature and cause of your condition, and to ascertain whether chiropractic care is suitable for you. This involves taking details on your health and medical history, followed by a comprehensive physical examination to evaluate the area(s) of pain or dysfunction. Conventional orthopaedic, neurological and functional tests are used to localize the source of the pain and determine the underlying cause of the injury.

Once the diagnosis is made, the most suitable therapies will be chosen for your personalized treatment plan, and you will be given a reasonable estimate of the amount of treatment you will likely need. Unless more extensive medical testing is required, treatment can begin that day.

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Are x-rays necessary before beginning chiropractic treatment?

For the majority of cases of neck and low back pain, x-rays are not necessary before beginning treatment. Unless your detailed case history points to a serious underlying complication, the exposure to x-ray radiation is not clinically warranted. Of course, in the event that further imaging is required, x-rays (or any other diagnostic testing) will be obtained.

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If I start attending a chiropractor, will I always have to keep going?

No, in fact a few sessions may be all that you require. Several factors, such as the severity of the injury and how long it has been developing, need to be taken into consideration when determining each individual treatment plan. Furthermore, different people have different goals with regards to treatment. Some simply want relief from their pain and are satisfied with treatment once their symptoms have decreased. Others, perhaps having suffered relapses in the past, want a more thorough correction of the underlying problem and realize the importance of rehabilitation, making changes to work routines, incorporating better health habits, and regular check-ups to prevent the initial problem from recurring. So whether you're simply looking for pain relief when a problem arises, or to more thoroughly address the underlying cause, we can help.

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Do I need to wear special clothing?

There is no requirement for special clothing for the first consultation, and if required, gowns are provided for the physical examination. For subsequent visits, treatments can also usually be performed through normal clothing. Otherwise, patients will be advised of suitable clothing to wear or bring to the next visit, or they may avail of gowns provided.

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Is it expensive?

Several government studies have shown that chiropractic is not only very effective for the treatment of back and neck pain, but is also very cost-effective compared to other treatment approaches. And, our approach of combining chiropractic with other natural, effective therapies means that fewer treatments are usually needed, which keeps treatment costs lower for our patients. We are covered by all major health insurers.

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Can anyone receive treatment?

Chiropractic care is safe and gentle enough to suit people of all ages; we simply adapt our treatment methods to suit each individual. Children tend to respond especially quickly to care, and pregnant women, who often suffer back pain during pregnancy, can also benefit. Please feel free to contact the surgery if you have any more specific concerns.

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What types of conditions do we treat?

Treatment at our surgery focuses primarily on neuromusculoskeletal complaints (problems arising from the discs, joints, ligaments, muscles and nerves).

In general, we treat:

  • Neck and back pain
  • Sports injuries
  • Poor posture
  • Sprains and Strains
  • Joint and muscle conditions

Conditions most commonly seen in our practice:
Low Back Pain

  • Disc injuries/Sciatica ("Slipped Disc")
  • Muscle strain
  • Sacroiliac Joint Pain
  • Mechanical Low Back Pain

Neck and Upper Back Pain

  • Headaches
  • General tension
  • Nerve compression ("Pinched Nerve")
  • Joint inflammation ("Crick in the neck")
  • Whiplash
  • Postural Syndrome
  • Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Shoulder

  • Rotator cuff strain
  • Tendonitis
  • Frozen Shoulder

Elbow, Wrist and Hand

  • Tennis elbow
  • Golfer's elbow
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Texting Thumb

Hip and Knee

  • Patello-femoral syndrome
  • Patellar Tendonitis

Lower Leg Pain

  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Shin Splints

Foot Pain

  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Bunions
  • Metatarsalgia
  • Heel pain
  • Heel Spurs
  • Fallen Arches
  • Achilles Tendonitis

Other

  • Back pain during pregnancy
  • Chronic pain

*Occasionally, patients undergoing chiropractic care report secondary improvements in organic conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome or ulcers; however, while an association may exist, we do not claim to treat such conditions due to a lack of reproducible scientific evidence.

**If you are experiencing symptoms that have not been mentioned above, but would like to know if we can help, please contact the surgery and one of the doctors will be happy to speak with you and discuss your complaint.