frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Below you will find some frequently asked questions (FAQ). If your question has not been answered below, please email us at dandenong@simsfinnchiropractic.com.au and we will endeavour to answer your questions.

How many adjustments will I need?

This varies from person to person. Each patient is individually assessed and a tailored management plan is presented depending on your diagnosis and health goals. Some patients require an initial phase of care over a prescribed amount of weeks, followed by our rehabilitation care and exercise program and then maintenance care, whereas others may only require a short course of chiropractic adjustments.

How long before I feel better?

There are many factors that affect your rate of healing such as your age, severity of your condition, duration of your condition, type of injury and general health status. Each individual is different, therefore rates of healing also differ. During your report of findings appointment, your Chiropractor will give you a more specific time frame depending on your needs and condition.

Do I have to go forever?

How long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you. During your visits your chiropractor will provide information regarding the objectives of each phase of care and the duration of care needed to achieve your desired results. When you are equipped with this information, it is then your decision to choose the type of care you require.

Can I adjust myself?

The short answer is no. Your chiropractor cannot adjust themselves either! It is possible for you to pop your spinal joint, but it is not the same as having your chiropractor locate and assess the specific spinal bone that needs to be restored to normal function. Popping your own spine can do more harm than good. You can read our blog about the popping’ noise here!

Is it ok to see a chiropractor when pregnant?

Yes! We see pregnant women through all stages of pregnancy, post-birth and we also see babies for chiropractic care. Our adjusting methods are always modified for our babies and pregnant mothers. There are many documented benefits to receiving chiropractic care through these stages.

Osteoporosis – Do I have to stop chiropractic care?

Absolutely not! We see many patients with Osteoporosis or Osteopenia. We work with these patients using specific low force techniques that allow us to work with the fragility of the spinal bones.

Is Chiropractic safe for children?

Chiropractic care of infants and young children involves low force techniques in contrast to those used with the adult population. There are over 1 million paediatric visits to chiropractors across Australia annually.

What if neck adjustments make me nervous?

We will do our best to ease your concerns about neck adjustments. We use many other techniques that do not involve the “cracking” noise. We do not include neck adjustments if there are any indications that you would be at risk. Please talk with us about your concerns.

Is Chiropractic safe after spinal surgery?

We see many patients who have had spinal surgery. We are able to provide chiropractic adjustments to other areas of the spine where needed and avoid the surgical site.

Is Chiropractic covered by Medicare?

You will have to speak with your medical doctor about Medicare’s Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) program to see if you are eligible. If you are, your doctor can refer you to us for a maximum of five chiropractic visits per year.

What happens when I go to a chiropractor?

The goal of your first visit is to establish a thorough history of your health problems, including duration and severity. A comprehensive examination will be performed on this visit to obtain a greater understanding of your health problem and if it is something that we may be able to help you with. If this is not the case, you will be referred to the appropriate health professional. Once we have obtained the relevant information, your report of findings visit will involve a discussion of our findings and treatment options available to you, before any chiropractic care is commenced.

Is chiropractic safe?

Chiropractors are highly qualified health care professionals, who study a 5 year minimum university degree. They are also registered and regulated by the government. The safety record of chiropractic care in Australia is exemplary and has a very high expressed satisfaction rate with patients. There is a significant existing evidence base and active research base in Australia and internationally that validates chiropractic care.

Do I have a slipped disc?

The disc acts like a shock absorbing cushion between each vertebrae. Your disc is like a jam doughnut with a fibrous outer and a jelly-like middle. A ‘slipped disc’ is a common word used for disc problems, although a disc cannot slip. A disc can tear, bulge, herniate, become thin or collapse.

Do I have a pinched nerve?

This is rarely the case when you feel something “pinching” in your neck or low back. A more likely reason is due to a functional cause such as joint strain or swelling in that specific region, which a Chiropractor can help with.

Do I need a medical referral?

A referral to see a Chiropractor is not necessary. Chiropractors are primary health care providers and as such a referral is not needed. If you do have a referral from your medical doctor we are always happy to accept them.

Do I need x-rays?

During your examination your Chiropractor will determine if x-rays are required before chiropractic care has commenced. If you have previous x-rays of your spine it would be of great benefit to bring them in with you as this may mean additional x-rays are not needed.

Popping sound – what is it?

The popping sound you may experience with certain techniques are actually gas and fluid in the spinal joint shifting. Your bones are not cracking when you hear this noise. We also utilize other techniques that do not produce this noise, if you prefer.

Does it hurt to get adjusted?

An adjustment is not intended to be painful. In some cases, mild soreness can occur in the adjusted area. This is typically a normal part of the healing process and may occur in the adjusted area that has been restricted for an extended period of time, due to it now moving better.

How many adjustments will I need?

This varies from person to person. Each patient is individually assessed and a tailored management plan is presented depending on your diagnosis and health goals. Some patients require an initial phase of care over a prescribed amount of weeks, followed by our rehabilitation care and exercise program and then maintenance care, whereas others may only require a short course of chiropractic adjustments.

How long before I feel better?

There are many factors that affect your rate of healing such as your age, severity of the condition, duration of the condition, type of injury and general health status. Each individual is different therefore rates of healing also differ. During your report of findings appointment your Chiropractor will give you a more specific time frame depending on your needs and condition.

Do I have to go forever?

How long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you. During your visits your chiropractor will provide information regarding the objectives of each phase of care and the duration of care needed to achieve your desired results. When you are equipped with this information it is then your decision to choose the type of care you require.