Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a Chiropractic adjustment?
A Chiropractic adjustment is the use of a specific force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that has “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 allow improvement in the spinal and nervous system functions, and overall health.
There are many ways to adjust the spine. Usually the Chiropractor's hands or a specially designed instrument delivers a brief and highly-accurate thrust. Some adjusting methods are quick, whereas others require a slow, constant or indirect pressure.
There are many ways to adjust the spine. Usually the Chiropractor's hands or a specially designed instrument delivers a brief and highly-accurate thrust. Some adjusting methods are quick, whereas others require a slow, constant or indirect pressure.
Q: Does Chiropractic hurt?
In most cases, not at all. In fact, most people find having an adjustment very relaxing.
With some adjustments, you may sometimes feel or hear popping sound from the joints. This is caused by a gas release from the joint as movement is restored, such as when a wet glass is removed from a table. Some Chiropractors use a hand held instrument to adjust the spine, while others use pelvic blocks to re-align the body. Special techniques are used for adjusting infants and children. Whatever the technique, Chiropractors use skill, not force or strength, to conduct a safe and effective treatment.
Q: Is Chiropractic care appropriate for children, including babies?
Yes. Since significant trauma can occur at birth, many parents choose to have their newborns checked for any spinal health related problems. Later, learning to walk, riding a bicycle and other childhood activities can cause spinal health related problems.
Regular chiropractic checkups can identify these problems and help avoid some of the health complications seen in adulthood.
Q: Am I too old for chiropractic care?
More people are consulting chiropractic doctors, especially in their later years. With growing concerns about over-medication and the side effects of combining various prescription drugs, safe and natural chiropractic care is growing in popularity.
Restoring better spinal function can help improve mobility, vitality, endurance, and appetite. Many patients report improvements with arthritic symptoms and other chronic ailments often associated with the aging process. The adjusting technique used by your doctor will be modified for maximum comfort and results.
Q: For how long will I need chiropractic care? Are there any contracts?
At Salus Chiropractic Clinic we do not have any contracts or pre-paid plans.
Spinal problems, neglected since early childhood, may require ongoing supportive care for optimum spinal function. These long-standing problems are often associated with muscle weakness, soft tissue damage, and degenerative changes to the spine.
Most patients find that periodic chiropractic checkups help keep them in tip-top shape. Those who are active or have stressful jobs, find that a regular visits are helpful in the maintenance of good health. Just like you would for your car, a regular service and tune-up is better than taking your car to the crash-repairers.
Some patients seek chiropractic care only when their ache or pain becomes unbearable. While this style of “crisis management” is usually more costly and time consuming, chiropractors stand ready to help all patients, regardless of their health goals.
Q: How long are Chiropractic and Acupuncture appointments?
Initial Chiropractic consults are generally 20-35 minutes. Treatment is included in the first consult. Standard Chiropractic appointments generally last 10-20 minutes, however, please allow waiting time as the clinic may run late with appointments.
Initial Acupunture appointments last for 1 hour and includes treament. Standard Acupuncture appointments generally last 30 mintues to 1 hour, depending on treatment plans devised by the Acupuncturist.
Initial Acupunture appointments last for 1 hour and includes treament. Standard Acupuncture appointments generally last 30 mintues to 1 hour, depending on treatment plans devised by the Acupuncturist.
Q: What is the difference between Acupuncture and Dry Needling?
Legally, dry needling cannot be considered Acupuncture.
The differences are almost like comparing the similarities between the two methods. And therein lays the difference, which is the method of how these two needling techniques work. In today’s regulatory standards, both fields use sterile needles (mostly single use, blister packs which are disposed of after one use) and sterilisation techniques on points that share approximately 80% similar location. The difference, however, is that Acupuncture is derived from TCM and works among theories and methods that include your meridians, Qi, blood and organ relations, emotional responses, physiological disorders including nerve and muscular related disorders and many other systems of treatment unique to TCM. Dry needling is based primarily on the physiology of muscles and anatomy, and can only be used to treat muscular dysfunctions and injuries.
Acupuncture is considered as an adjunctive therapy that is classified under Medicare as Allied Health, and is a regulated and registered profession where practitioners undergo undergraduate and/or postgraduate study for recognition with the government and health funds.
Dry needling technique varies and is dependent on the practitioner and where they have received their training. There is no government regulation or registration for dry needling.
Acupuncture is considered as an adjunctive therapy that is classified under Medicare as Allied Health, and is a regulated and registered profession where practitioners undergo undergraduate and/or postgraduate study for recognition with the government and health funds.
Dry needling technique varies and is dependent on the practitioner and where they have received their training. There is no government regulation or registration for dry needling.
Q: Do we bulk bill for Medicare?
We do not.
We do accept referrals through the Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) Program, but there is a additonal fee that needs to be paid during the visit. This amount is an out of pocket expense and is not claimable via Medicare.
Q: Do you need to have a referral for an apointment?
No. You do not need to have a referral to have Chirodrpctic / Acupuncture / Massage Therapy. You can simply contact us via phone or online booking and arrange an apointment time and day that is available.
We may require a referral from a General Pracititioner (GP) if you have access to Medicare's Enhance Patient Care (EPC) Program, where a portion of payment is covered by Medicare for a limited number of services. For WorkCover and Motor Vechile claims, we do require a specific referral from your GP and Case Manager. Please speak to your GP/Case manager about these options first.
We may require a referral from a General Pracititioner (GP) if you have access to Medicare's Enhance Patient Care (EPC) Program, where a portion of payment is covered by Medicare for a limited number of services. For WorkCover and Motor Vechile claims, we do require a specific referral from your GP and Case Manager. Please speak to your GP/Case manager about these options first.
Q: I'm a first time paitent. What do I do?
Contact us for a appointment time. Inform reception that it is your first time at the clinic, as initial consultations are longer then standard appointments. Prepare for the appointment by bringing any relevant information and items. Arrive 5 to 10 minutes early to fill out forms. These are also avaliable to download here if you wish to fill them prior to the appointment.
Q: What to bring to an appointment?
If you have any relevant images (X-Rays, CT Scans, MRI, Ultrasounds etc), please bring them to your appointment. They may assist us in providing the best possible treatment and management plan.
Any relavent letters, reports, etc are useful in directing us to the best treatment approach.
Any goverment approved concession, student, and private health cards.
Any relavent letters, reports, etc are useful in directing us to the best treatment approach.
Any goverment approved concession, student, and private health cards.
Q: Do you have a EFTPOS and/or HICAPS machine?
We do have EFTPOS and accept American Express cards. Our machine is linked with HICAPS and we can swipe private health fund cards, allowing instant claim with only the gap payment to be paid on the day of appointment.
Q: Are you Medibank Members' Choice or Bupa Members First providers?
We were previously, but have ceased being preferred providers from the 1st of March 2022.
Although we are no longer preferred providers, members of Medibank/Bupa can still make claims at our clinic.
Q: What to wear to appointments?
Generally loose and comfortable clothing is the best approach, such as activewear. Although casual clothing and work wear are acceptable, it may be diffcult during assessment or when providing treatment.
We may ask you to disrobe ie. for acupuncture and remedial massage therapy. We offer full privacy and coverage, using large and clean towels to provide comfort and modesty in private rooms.
To assure that our high standards of practices are met, all staff are registered with governing bodies and undergone police checks.
We may ask you to disrobe ie. for acupuncture and remedial massage therapy. We offer full privacy and coverage, using large and clean towels to provide comfort and modesty in private rooms.
To assure that our high standards of practices are met, all staff are registered with governing bodies and undergone police checks.