Is chiropractic right for me?
Chiropractic care is suited to most people and can be highly adaptable to cater to your specific needs. The initial consultation includes a detailed case history and a thorough physical examination. This will help the chiropractor determine a working diagnosis for your condition and assess whether they can provide a suitable course of treatment. If you're unsure whether chiropractic treatment can help with your condition, you may wish to contact us to speak with a chiropractor and find out more.
Do chiropractors just treat the spine?
Often, chiropractic treatments focus on the spine, as it is central to your body and the most common source of pain. However, we are concerned with the entire musculoskeletal system—the framework of bones and soft tissues in the body—treating a variety of conditions. Some conditions we may treat include tennis elbow, shoulder rotator cuff injuries, plantar fasciitis, headaches, and joint pain from osteoarthritis, such as in the hip or knee, and much more.
How long until I'm better?
Each patient and condition responds differently to treatment, and the timeline can vary. Chiropractic care is not a "quick click and everything is fixed"; while you should feel some relief after each session, it’s a gradual process like building blocks. Over time, relief builds and lasts longer, at which point appointments will become less frequent. If you're following the recommended care plan and have seen no progress after the first few sessions, your chiropractor will reassess and adapt the treatment as needed.
What if treatment doesn't work?
At the start of care, the chiropractor will discuss the improvements they aim to achieve and provide an estimated timeline. Your progress will be evaluated at every appointment. If the expected improvements do not occur, the chiropractor will reassess your condition to determine whether to adjust the treatment plan or refer you to another healthcare professional for further evaluation or care that may be better suited to your needs.
What does treatment look like?
Chiropractic treatment can vary with each patient and each chiropractor's specific style. Most commonly, treatment will involve manipulations or "adjustments," which involve precise handling and movement of joints or parts of the spine. This is when you may hear clicking or popping noises. This occurs as two surfaces of a joint move quickly, causing a change in pressure within the joint space that sometimes creates a bubble of gas to ‘pop.’ However, this sound is not significant and does not cause pain.
The chiropractor may also use a tool called an activator, which makes a loud clicking noise. The activator is a handheld, spring-loaded device that delivers a fast, precise impulse to the joint, producing a similar effect to manual manipulations. These manipulations are often combined with other manual therapies, such as joint mobilisation and soft tissue therapy. Soft tissue work may vary but can include massage guns, traditional massage, and sometimes dry needling using acupuncture needles. The chiropractor may also offer advice on exercise or rehabilitation, diet, lifestyle, and mental attitudes.
Is treatment painful?
Generally, chiropractic care is painless unless an area is swollen or sensitive due to your condition. Your chiropractor will tailor the treatment to your needs, using only techniques and pressure that are comfortable for you. They will regularly check in throughout the session to ensure you remain at ease. After treatment, some patients may experience mild post-treatment soreness, which is normal and similar to the muscle ache you may feel after a workout. This temporary soreness is usually a result of the body adjusting to unfamiliar movements from the session.
Do I need an x-ray or other imaging?
We do not routinely x-ray every patient. Your chiropractor will determine whether imaging is necessary for your treatment and will discuss this with you, referring you to the appropriate specialist if needed. Unfortunately, some patients believe they are receiving better care if they have x-rays. However, practitioners who routinely x-ray every patient are not working within current evidence and national guidelines.