FAQ’s Kirra Chiropractic

Q: What should I expect from treatment?

A: New patients are emailed an online intake form. All personal information is safely stored in the clinic software system. Patients privacy is protected. The history taking process can take the majority of the 30 minute session or as little as five minutes depending on the complexity. A physical examination follows. This is often entirely different from one person to the next. Usually there will be some combination of postural and functional analysis, palpation for tender points and often orthopaedic and/or neurological tests. Treatment should be relatively painless and like the examination will vary greatly depending on the case. Examination, treatment and even the ongoing process of updating the patient history will vary over time as the the patient progresses.

Q: How much does it cost?

A: Initial consultation $120 (30 minutes), Long consultation $110 (30 minutes), Standard Consultation $65 (15 minutes). Form and Flow class $25 (60 minutes).

Q: Bulk billed Chiropractic?

The Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan allows for up to five sessions for allied health professionals such as Chiropractors, Osteopaths, Physiotherapists , Dieticians, Podiatrists, Audiologists and others. Chronic Disease Management plans are also available for a further five sessions for Aboriginal and Torres Straight islanders. These Medicare programs require a Medical Practitioner referral. The Medicare rebate covers the whole amount or the majority of the Standard Consultation fee (depending on the plan and other concessions).

Q: What is the Form and Flow class?

A: Form and Flow is a weekly functional movement class based on the DNS principles.

Core stabilization is accomplished through the coordination of muscles and intra‐abdominal pressure. This is regulated by the central nervous system. Once the relationship of the diaphragm, pelvic floor, abdominal wall and surrounding muscles has been lost an increased awareness is required to reinstate the balance. Developmental kinesiology provides a framework to re-educate and practice ideal form. In other words we use infantile milestones as a starting point to assess and improve our movement patterns. The Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization approach provides functional tools to assess and activate the intrinsic spinal stabilisers. Most of us have lost ideal form and function in the integrated spinal stabilising system (ISSS). Getting back to the basics of developmental positions and movement patterns can be challenging but also fun!

Q: Should I wait until I’m a bit better before coming in?

A: Strapping, gentle procedures and advice regarding injury management can definitely help an acute situation settle quicker. Sometimes a restful day or two is a better option before seeing someone. We’re always happy to chat over the phone and advise a plan of action for you.

Q: Chronic pain?

A: Take a look at our chronic pain recovery page. There are evidenced based programs to make life much more manageable for many chronic pain sufferers including complete recovery in many cases.

Q: Does treatment hurt?

A: Examination procedures are generally painless as are most treatments. Some areas may be more sensitive than others and when inflammed may be painful regardless of treatment. As a rule we try to avoid pain as this may stir up an already irritated or inflamed region. For most people treatment is comfortable and enjoyable.

Q: How soon am I likely to see results?

A: Most sessions will have a measurable positive outcome. Sometimes this will alleviate symptoms immediately although in most instances the relief is progressive. Improved function will provide an environment for the body to heal naturally. For this reason we focus on the improvement or normalisation of reflexes, range of motion, muscle strength, posture and the ability to perform tasks with good form. Healing time varies for different tissue types. This is a major part of the prognosis and knowing your timeline provides peace of mind.

Q: Should I come in even if the pain has gone?

A: Symptomatic relief is important. Small amounts of discomfort that are persistent or symptoms that reoccur from time to time are signs of dysfunction and tissue adaptation. With thorough assessment, a preventative strategy can be formulated for even those who have no pain. Our goal is to help you function at your best with as little treatment as possible.

Q: How many times will I need to come?

A: This depends on the problem at hand and the desired outcome.

Many people get great relief with as little as a single session. Others require numerous treatments to help overcome an injury. Ongoing therapy should be indicated by significant and progressive improvement. Some conditions take longer than others. Frozen shoulder and plantar fasciitis for example take much longer than a simple sprain. None of these examples require a lot of treatment. Many patients take our advice to undergo maintenance care. The frequency of maintenance care depends on the person and their physical challenges. Monthly sessions are a popular way to stay sharp for those who play and work hard. Ongoing care in the manual therapy setting is almost always combined with patient education for self management.

Q: I don’t want to be manipulated. Is this a necessary part of the treatment?

A: Every patient is unique. Manual Chiropractic adjustments are appropriate for certain conditions but are not always necessary and can be substituted by non manipulative techniques. The signature treatment is the care you will receive and a variety of treatment options best suited for you.

Q: How long is the typical visit?

A: Usually 15 or 30 minute sessions. Initial consultations are allocated at least 30 minutes. Chronic pain recovery sessions can be as long as one hour.

Q: Can you help with a pinched nerve?

A: Yes. Nerve irritation  can cause symptoms such as pain, burning, numbness, tingling or weakness. We perform necessary examination to diagnose the condition. Treatment, if indicated, should be quite painless. Management will often include ergonomic or lifting advice, physical therapy, and exercise. Some cases require additional testing such as radiographic imaging. We will make appropriate referrals in these instances. Nerve irritation may be due to tight muscles and can be helped with simple procedures and self management. 

Q: Are there treatments for headache?

A: Absolutely. Manual therapy including chiropractic techniques along with postural, functional and ergonomic advice is a proven approach for many headaches. The neck, shoulders, jaw and upper back can have a direct relationship to various types of headaches. The lower half of the body surprisingly can have a significant effect as can the internal organs. Diagnosis and treatment of the biomechanical issues can be simple or complex. In most cases we see a positive outcome.

Q: What type of treatment is used for knee problems?

A: Initially, the knee disorder is assessed and diagnosed. Examination will require a thorough evaluation of the foot and hip as well as the knee. Proper foot wear, balance and postural exercises may be employed. Strapping techniques and a reange of manual therapy techniques are often very helpful. Like most areas in the body getting moving is key. Bike riding is one of the best knee exercises. Even knees that are a bit worn out respond to management. Severe osteoarthritis will see less lasting effects but still some relief. Management though is the key. Sometimes surgical intervention is required.

Q: How long does it usually take to get better from a back pain episode?

A: About 80% of people with lower back pain are 80% better within 2-4 weeks.

Q: If I have sciatica do I need surgery?

A: Not normally. When sciatica is constant and persisting for 2-3 months then you may be a surgical candidate. Progressive muscle and motor weakness is one indicator for surgical intervention. Incontinence and legs “giving way” are serious signs. Commonly a spinal injection is trialed before surgery is considered. The goos news is that 90% of people with sciatica will improve with conservative care.

An interesting scientific study showed that in the “long term” at 2 years or 10 years there was no difference in outcome in those having surgery vs. those that did not. An eminent neurosurgeon, Edward Caragee, M.D. from Stanford University wrote that the decision to operate is not a medical one, but a social one. If you are not improving within 12 weeks then you may get better quicker with surgery. But, eventually even without surgery if you can manage the pain you will have the same result either way. 

Evidence based decision making is preferable in all professions. A more conservative approach seems now to be the gold standard in the decision to operate.

Q: If my M.R.I. or C.T. shows a herniated disc can you help me?

A: Herniated discs are very common. It has been found that they are often present in people who have no symptoms – even in 20 year olds! Experts now say that spinal changes such as herniated discs and arthritis are related to age (like graying hair or wrinkling skin) not symptoms. It appears that the difference between a person with a herniated disc who has no symptoms and one who has symptoms has to do with how their body is coping or stabilizing their back. Severity of pathology and individuality such as the degenerative and congenital size of the spinal canal  effect the ability of the body to cope with space occupying pathology. We specialize in enhancing your functional ability to stabilize your back so that the disc bulge is not as relevant. Some instances may require surgical intervention and we are quick to advise a surgical opinion when conservative management is less likely to be successful.

Q: If I have had back or neck surgery can I see you post-operatively?

A: Yes. We have see many patients after their surgery and encourage working closely with each surgeon so we can forge a team approach to the timing and intensity of your rehabilitation program.

Q: What is the most important thing I can do for myself for back pain?

A: Stay active! Be aware of postural form.

Q: Can you help with spinal stenosis?

A: Spinal stenosis is a common condition, often in the elderly where a narrow spinal canal compresses or irritates the spinal chord or a spinal nerve root. Non-surgical care such as exercise and physical therapy is the treatment of choice. We have helped many patients with this condition with gentle forms of treatment. Edit