It is important to note that a diagnosis can never be made until a preliminary examination is performed by a chiropractor. However, if you are unsure about whether Chiropractic can help you, this section contains the most frequently asked questions about Chiropractic care at our practices.
How much does it cost?
Without the information provided by a preliminary examination, this is very difficult to answer. Generally, you'll find chiropractic care is far less costly than continuing with poor spinal function and its associated health problems. Please directly contact either Coorparoo or Victoria Point if you have queries relating to fees.
What payment options do you have?
We accept a variety of payment options including: cash, cheque, credit and debit cards through our EFTPOS facility. In order to maintain our fees at or below those recommended by the Chiropractors' Association of Australia, payment is expected at time of service. As a matter of policy we choose not to direct bill Workers' Compensation, Medicare or private health funds.
- Private health funds: Rebates from health funds vary so please check with your fund for details pertaining to cover and rebates. We provide a HICAPS facility that allows members of most private funds to claim their rebate at time of service. If there is a gap between the rebate and fee charged, you are required to pay the gap at time of service.
- Enhanced Primary Care Program: A medical referral is essential and other conditions apply. Medicare will refund a large percentage of the chiropractic fee charged, for a specific number of visits. We ask for payment at time of service and present you with a receipt that can be processed for a rebate at any Medicare office.
- Workers' compensation: Workers' Compensation only covers chiropractic care when under medical referral.
- Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA): DVA has approved the chiropractors at Coorparoo and Victoria Point as providers of services to DVA clients. A medical referral is required. Fees are billed directly to DVA.
What qualifications are required by chiropractors?
Becoming a chiropractor requires a five year full-time university education with an emphasis on the biological sciences. Their education emphasizes neurology, diagnostic imaging, physiology, spinal adjusting techniques and clinical subjects. Chiropractors are comprehensively educated in Australia at universities in Melbourne (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology), Sydney (Macquarie) and most recently, Perth (Murdoch).
Who can see a chiropractor?
Chiropractors are trained to treat all manner of people, including pregnant women, new-born babies, children, athletes, the elderly and frail. A thorough history is taken and physical examination performed before any treatment is recommended or given to any new patient. Everyone is treated according to diagnosis and their own specific needs; therefore, a baby would not be treated in the same manner as a healthy adult.
In some cases health issues may be uncovered that need to be addressed by you, or by another health professional. We regularly work with health professionals from a range of disciplines as we do not believe that we have all the answers to all problems. We will assist you in prioritizing your health care, and in seeking the best help at that time.
Victoria Point has very experienced massage therapists working within the practice. Massage therapy can be recommended in conjunction with chiropractic care to improve the outcomes of some patients
Why see a chiropractor?
Headaches, back pain and stiff necks are common reasons for seeing a chiropractor; however, more and more people are requiring preventative care as they find they maintain better health and have less down time from work and play.
Interestingly, pain is not always associated with early spinal dysfunction and degeneration can be advanced before pain becomes a symptom. On the other hand, patients can present in a great deal of pain but have less complex problems to resolve.
Some patients report weakness in their arms, hands, legs, or a pain in their elbow, ankle or knee as reasons for making an initial appointment to see a chiropractor. All of these symptoms can result from spinal dysfunction and associated nerve interference. We recommend that everyone should have their spine checked.
How long will it take for me to get better?
Chiropractic results vary. Some patients get results soon after commencing treatment. Others find recovery takes several months or longer. Children often respond quickly, whilst adults with long-standing spinal problems heal more slowly.
Once you are experiencing better health, you may choose ongoing chiropractic care. Like brushing your teeth, eating wholesome foods and other healthy habits, a regular chiropractic checkup makes sense. How long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you.
What can I do to help?
- Strengthen your spine: Specific exercises may be recommended by your chiropractor as muscles that support your spine often need to be retrained to assist recovery.
- Lift with your legs: Keep your back straight and the load close to the body, as you lift with your legs. Improper lifting can invite a relapse.
- Avoid extreme bending: Use caution when bending or working overhead. Avoid sudden twists and turns.
- Get adequate rest: Proper rest is an important element of the healing process. Use a mattress that offers firm support and avoid sleeping on your stomach.
- Watch your diet: During the healing process, good nutrition is more important than ever.
- Ask questions: Spinal care is new for most people. Understanding your condition and the treatment process is important to assist recovery. We welcome your questions.
- Keep appointments: Those that take responsibility for their health generally get faster relief and better results. Your chiropractor has scheduled your care according to your individual needs. Try to avoid changes to a schedule of care without first discussing them with your chiropractor.
- Refer others: Share your chiropractic experience with others. Explain that proper spinal and nervous system function are interrelated and influence our overall feeling of well-being.