Chiropractors are required to adhere to strict and extensive educational requirements and standards to become registered health professionals in Australia.
Australian chiropractors are five year university trained, and are government registered and government regulated health professionals.
To become a registered chiropractor in Australia you must have studied an accredited 5-year chiropractic program conducted at a University within Australia, or have completed an accredited program overseas that satisfies the requirements set by the Australian Chiropractic Regulating authority. During the five year course, emphasis is placed on training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, biomechanics, X-ray, and manipulative techniques.
Currently there are four universities in Australia that have chiropractic degree programs:
- RMIT University in Melbourne (VIC) offers a Bachelor of Health Science (Chiropractic) – 3 year undergraduate program, followed by a Master of Clinical Chiropractic –
2 year post-graduate program. - Macquarie University in Sydney (NSW) has a three year Bachelor of Chiropractic Science which provides the basis for entry into a two year Master of Chiropractic.
- Murdoch University in Perth (WA) offers a five year Bachelor of Chiropractic.
- Central Queensland University (Mackay) which offers a 3 year Bachelor of Science (Chiropractic) and a 2 year Master of Chiropractic Science
Successful completion of the whole program of study is required for professional registration as a chiropractor. A chiropractor’s education never ends. After entering practice, all chiropractors must complete continuing professional development courses and seminars to upgrade and improve their skills and to stay current on the latest scientific research.
The Australian Government has established a chiropractic regulating authority to ensure increased public safety for the Australian population. These bodies are responsible for maintaining the highest standards for all practitioners.
For more information about registration requirements for an Australian Chiropractor, see the Chiropractic Board of Australia (AHPRA)
Many patients arrive at a Chiropractor with the belief that they have a ‘pinched nerve’. In fact, this is quite a rare condition. Most commonly, nerves are irritated rather than pinched. This is a result of nerve tissue being rubbed, scraped, stretched by a loss of spinal curve, or irritated by malfunctioning spinal joints. Due to the way the spine is designed, the delicate tissues of the spinal cord and nerve roots are usually affected by abnormal spinal function.
Technically, a disc can’t ‘slip’. This is due to the way each disc is attached to the vertebrae above and below. The intervertebral disc, a pad of cartilage-type material located between the spinal bones, acts as a connector, spacer, and shock absorber for the spine. It also allows normal turning and bending. The disc consists of outer layers of fibrous tissue with a soft, jelly-like centre. Injury or trauma to the disc can result in the disc tearing, bulging, and herniating or, at worst, rupturing.If you suspect you have a disc injury, an immediate chiropractic assessment is recommended.
Yes, special low force techniques are used for adjusting infants and children. Chiropractors use skill, not force or strength, to conduct a safe, effective manipulation.
In most cases manipulation does not hurt at all. In fact most people find a visit to a Chiropractor very relaxing.
With some manipulations you may sometimes feel or hear a popping sound from the spinal joints. This is simply caused by a gas release within the joints as they are stretched.
If a problem is recognised and treated early, chiropractic management is normally brief.
Spinal problems that have been neglected for a long period may require ongoing supportive care to reduce pain and disability. Long-standing problems are often associated with muscle weakness, soft tissue damage, and degenerative spinal changes.
Spinal problems that have been neglected for a long period may require ongoing supportive care to reduce pain and disability. Long-standing problems are often associated with muscle weakness, soft tissue damage, and degenerative spinal changes.
A common misconception regarding chiropractic treatment is that chiropractors only treat the spine. Whilst this may be still true of a small minority of chiropractors, evidence based chiropractors are skilled in assessment of all the joints and muscles of the body.
Improving spinal function can help improve mobility. Following chiropractic treatment many patients report improvements with arthritic or degenerative symptoms and other chronic ailments often associated with the aging process.
Services are also provided for improving balance and mobility.
Osteoporosis and other serious conditions associated with aging are all considered by the chiropractor when selecting safe and appropriate treatments.
Chiropractors are primary healthcare practitioners therefore a referral is not necessary. However more and more GP's are referring to Chiropractors via the Enhanced Primary Care Program (EPC) and via the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). For more information please call our office to enquire.
Consultation fees vary according to age and concessional eligibility. Please contact reception for more information.
Typically, new clients to the practice require 30-45 minutes. This includes history, assessment and treatment. Subsequent visits require 15 minutes.
In some circumstances more time will be required for more complex or multiple problems.
There are many similarities between the two professions. As a general rule chiropractors more regularly utilise specific manipulative therapy whereas as physiotherapists commonly use mobilisation techniques for joint problems. Both professions are highly effective at treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.
Our hours of operation are:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
8.30 a.m. – 12.00 midday and 1.30 p.m. - 5.00 p.m.
Wednesday
8.30 a.m. – 12.00 midday and 1.30 p.m. - 6.30 p.m.
Saturday
By prior appointment only
“Our goal is to serve you with an exceptionally professional and prompt service. We promise to provide you the best in evidence based spinal care available”
Our commitment to you is to provide you the best in evidence based spinal care available. When you have your appointment, you will be given detailed information based on your chiropractic examination and our recommendations for your care. A treatment program will be designed that is tailored to suit your individual diagnosis. This may include chiropractic manipulation, decompression therapy, dry needling, specific exercises and stretches and ergonomic advice.
Here are just a few reminders ahead of your consultation:
Please bring any relevant reports, scans and/or investigations with you. However, if you can’t find the reports, these can be accessed online by your chiropractor. If you could let us know these details at the time of booking this would be appreciated.
Please wear loose-fitting or exercise clothes, that let your chiropractor perform their treatment. Please try to avoid silk or slippery materials.
We have parking available on Pearse Street or street parking is available on Albert Rd
Payment is required at the time of treatment. Private medical fund rebates can be claimed at the time of consultation. We also offer a concession rate for those who hold health care cards or full-time students (please show at time of payment). If financial problems arise during the course of your treatment, please speak candidly to your Chiropractor.
We would appreciate 24 hours notice to any cancellations or changes to your appointments. A fee may be payable if this notice is not given.
Appointments can be made online using the BOOK NOW button on our home page or following the link: https://warragulchiropractic.bookings.pracsuite.com If you haven’t seen your chiropractor in over 12 months please call our clinic (56221322) to make your appointment as a longer appointment time will be allocated.
If you have any questions about your consultation, please feel free to call us on 56221322 and we will endeavour to answer these.
