WHAT IS CHIROPRACTIC?
Chiropractic is a drug free and surgery free modality of treatment concerned with the diagnosis, management and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system; this includes the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and on general health and wellbeing. It 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 nervous system). The central nervous system is protected by the skull and the many vertebrae that make up the spine. Chiropractors focus on the detection and correction of abnormal spinal function in order to improve how the nervous system controls and coordinates the whole body in response to its environment. Whilst Chiropractic can be extremely effective at treating both acute and chronic symptomatic conditions, it places strong emphasis on preservation of health and prevention of illness and injury, through nutrition and exercise, and healthy lifestyle modifications.
WHAT ARE YOUR QUALIFICATIONS?
Chiropractors in Australia are required to have a minimum of 5 years University training at an under-graduate and post-graduate level. All of our Chiropractors at Chiropractic on Collins have been trained in Australia. As with Medical Doctors and other health professionals, Chiropractors in Australia must be accredited and registered with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Chiropractors are trained to identify when it is appropriate to refer a patient to another modality of health care.
Ongoing education and professional development is a requirement of registration as a Chiropractor. This ensures Chiropractors stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and scientific research. All of our Chiropractors exceed the minimum requirements for continuing education to allow them to provide the very best care available in Hobart.
WHAT IS AN ADJUSTMENT?
A chiropractic adjustment is the skill of using a specific force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that is restricted, “locked up”, or not moving properly. This helps the joints to gradually regain more normal motion and function. The purpose of this safe and natural procedure is to permit improved spinal function, improved nervous system function, and improved health.
There are many ways to adjust the spine. Usually the Chiropractor's hands or a specially designed instrument delivers a brief, gentle and highly accurate thrust. Some adjusting methods are quick, whereas others require a slow, constant or indirect pressure.
All of our Chiropractors at Chiropractic on Collins are skilled in a variety of adjusting techniques, and their knowledge and experience enables them to use the most appropriate method for each individual's circumstances and personal preference. We will only use adjusting techniques that you feel comfortable with..
IS CHIROPRACTIC SAFE?
Chiropractic has an excellent safety record. It is the result of a conservative approach to health that avoids invasive procedures or addictive drugs. All treatment options, including Chiropractic, can involve some risk and your Chiropractor will discuss this with you as part of our consent process. The risks of any treatment should be considered in comparison to the benefits and the alternatives available for the same condition. For example the risk associated with over-the-counter or prescription pain killers or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are significantly greater than those of chiropractic manipulation. A study into neck pain concluded that:
"The best evidence indicates that cervical manipulation for neck pain is much safer than the use of NSAIDs, by as much as a factor of several hundred times. There is no evidence that indicates NSAID use is any more effective than cervical manipulation for neck pain." (Source below)
Dabbs,V., & Lauretti,W.J. (1995). A Risk Assessment of Cervical Manipulation vs NSAIDs for the Treatment of Neck Pain. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 18(8), 530-536
DO YOU TREAT BABIES? IS THAT SAFE?
Chiropractors are educated to modify spinal therapy to suit the age and presenting condition of a patient. The typical Chiropractic care of infants and young children involves the use of gentle, low-force, low-amplitude techniques which are modified techniques from those used on adults. In most cases babies respond very well to gentle constant pressure applied in a precise location and direction, which is no stronger than the pressure you would use to check if a tomato was ripe.
DOES IT HURT?
In most cases, not at all. In fact most people find having an adjustment very relaxing. A safe and effective adjustment is delivered using skill, not force or strength. With some adjustments you may sometimes feel or hear a popping sound from the spinal joints. This is simply a release of gas from the joint as spinal movement is restored, and is not bones "crunching" or "cracking". Techniques are modified to be as gentle as possible when you come to see us in pain.
SHOULD I SEE A CHIROPRACTOR IF I'M NOT IN PAIN?
It is important to know that pain is often the last sign the body gives that something has gone wrong. Initially when a problem arises, your body's inbuilt ability to compensate, changes and adapts to the stresses which are placed on it. When it can compensate no longer, it sends a pain signal to your brain to tell you about it! It is usually this pain symptom that brings you to be reading this page!
Spinal problems may be likened to tooth decay. In the early stages you are unaware that anything is happening, and it's not until you have a tooth ache that you realise you have a problem.
Remember, pain can be an unreliable indicator of how well or unwell you may be.
Our Chiropractors will only provide treatment if, after physical assessment, it is clinically required.
DO I NEED A REFERRAL FROM MY GP?
We often have patients referred to us by their General Practitioner or other health care provider, but this is not required. Chiropractors are primary healthcare practitioners and therefore a referral is not necessary.