What is chiropractic?
The word ‘chiropractic’ comes from the Greek words cheir (meaning ‘hand’) and praktikos (meaning ‘done’) – namely, done by hand.
What are chiropractors?
Chiropractors are primary contact practitioners (which means they can see patients without a referral from a GP). They focus on treating the spine by using their hands to examine and treat health conditions related to the bones, muscles and joints (musculoskeletal problems).
Chiropractors use their hands to examine and treat problems of the bones, muscles and joints. With years of experience they develop the art of palpation, using their hands to feel alignment, balance, movement and symmetry. Chiropractors rely on their art of using their hands to diagnose joint injury.
Who visits a chiropractor?
People often visit a chiropractor for help with back and neck pain, headache, injuries and joint stiffness. Many people visit a chiropractor when they have tried more established health practitioners like their medical doctor and come away without relief, answers or direction to their ailment.
Are chiropractors trained?
Chiropractors are trained to recognise when you will and will not benefit from their care and to refer you to other health practitioners when necessary. Chiropractors are trained to recommend exercises to treat and rehabilitate health conditions related to the bones, muscles and joints, as well as to provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle advice. We were trained for five years at Phillip Institute of Technology in Preston, Melbourne, now RMIT School of Chiropractic graduating with a B. App. Sc. (Chiropractic).
How does a chiropractor make a diagnosis?
A chiropractor takes a health history, performs a physical examination and uses imaging techniques when appropriate. They correlate all this information to make an informed opinion as the to the cause of your problem. Chiropractors may use a broad range of methods to diagnose musculoskeletal problems, including hands-on clinical examination, and diagnostic imaging such as x-rays or MRIs. These and other diagnostic methods are used to determine when chiropractic treatment is appropriate.
Do you need a referral to see a chiropractor?
You do not need a referral to see a chiropractor unless you are seeking treatment through Veterans’ Affairs or the Medicare Chronic Disease Management program. Chiropractors in Australia are primary health practitioners meaning you do not require a referral or permission. Private health insurance rebates apply without a referral.
Is there a Chiropractic professional association?
There are several and we are long time members of the Australian Chiropractors Association, the peak body representing chiropractors with over 3000 members. The ACA is the largest chiropractic healthy body in Australia holding a seat at the table with government, regulators and bureaucracy and networking with other professional health associations.
