FAQs

Education and Registration

Registration as a chiropractor requires 5 years university studies in a double science degree. Subjects covered include anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, biomechanics, x-ray taking and reading, and five years of hands on practical technique and adjusting skills. The course emphasises understanding how the entire body works, comprehensive history taking, physical examination, diagnosis and the way to best manage each condition with a large focus on safety.

Before any chiropractor graduates they must pass demanding written and practical examinations by a panel of their peers. Then, they apply to a Government registration board and are reviewed before being granted the privilege to practice.

Registration and membership of the Chiropractic Association of Australia require ongoing yearly continuing education, further studies and strict ethical standards.

Is Chiropractic Safe for My Child?

Yes, research over many years internationally has shown the risk of chiropractic adjustments to be extremely low and safer than most other intervention or even the car trip to the appointment. With gentle, low force techniques children and parents feel very comfortable with adjustments.

Our chiropractors continue to pursue post graduate studies in paediatrics. Esyltt completed her 3 year Masters Degree in Chiropractic Paediatrics in 2010.

An examination will include an extensive history, postural and gait assessment, neurological and milestone assessment where appropriate and spinal examination.

To help you we have a child friendly office with toy boxes, colouring in activities, books and resources for borrowing and are pram accessible.

Is Chiropractic Safe in Pregnancy?

Yes, chiropractic is safe for pregnancy. We understand the hormonal and biochemical changes that occur during pregnancy, and choose appropriate techniques that take your body's changes and the development of your baby into account.

Prenatal adjustments can:

Prepare the pelvis for an easier pregnancy and birth by creating state of balance in the pelvic bony structure, muscles and ligaments.
50% of women complain of back pain during pregnancy, chiropractic markedly reduces much of this allowing the pelvis to function correctly.
Improved function and decreased pain can promote a safer easier birth for the mother decreasing need for intervention.

Am I Too Old?

Chiropractic is a great way to maintain mobility, manage pain and add quality to your later years. Many of our seniors find they are in the too hard basket for many of their doctors with limited choices for medication and too risky for surgery.

Using gentle low force techniques many of our seniors are delighted to find there is hope and comfort in their later years.

We see numbers of seniors in their eighties and nineties.

To assist we have parking directly outside, ramp access rather than steps and are Veterans Affairs (DVA) approved, part of the Medicare enhanced primary care program for chronic conditions with referral from your GP and are happy to assist you with mobility issues.

What techniques do you utilise?

Techniques we use will depend on your age, physical condition and any complicating factors.

Whether done with hands, a handheld instrument (activator), blocks that gently correct imbalances or by other means our chiropractors adjustment is skilled, specific and catered to the individual client’s needs.

At Chiropractic First, our chiropractors are trained in and regularly use specific spinal adjustments (Diversified and Gonstead), drop piece tables, Activator, Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT), cranial adjustments, Neuro Impulse Protocol, extremity adjustments (wrist, elbow, shoulder, foot, ankle and knee), soft tissue, exercise and nutritional advice.

Drop-piece tables- these special tables have sections that move up and down under your body to gently unlock specific segments of your spine.

The Activator is a small hand held instrument to gently loosen the spinal joints and restore function to the nerves. It feels like a quick finger flick against the skin. Because its speed is so fast, only a small amount of pressure is required to correct spinal problems.
The Activator is especially suitable for the elderly and people with a history of spinal surgery or complicating factors.

Will I Need X-rays?

This will be determined after a full history and physical examination. If required, we will refer you to x-ray facilities nearby or of your choice.

X-rays are largely covered by Medicare rebates.

Children will not require x-rays in most cases unless they show significant trauma or postural deviations. Please bring previous x-rays or scans to your first appointment so we can review them.

Does It Hurt?

Chiropractic adjustments should not cause pain. The Chiropractor will work within your pain tolerance adapting techniques to suit your age, build and history.

Sometimes you may experience temporary tenderness after your first few adjustments (much like you have done a work out at the gym) as your body adapts to its new alignment. Please feel free to contact us if you have any concern.

How long will I need to keep getting adjusted?

How long you choose to be part of Chiropractic First, Collie is up to you. Commonly people start to resolve some pain issue, then find an overall improvement in their health and wellbeing so choose to continue the ongoing health benefits (much like those attending a gym for fitness continue exercising to maintain benefits they have achieved.) Some of our clients have been attending for 25 years and we see many generations within the one family.