Chiropractor, GP or physiotherapist?
For a sore back, neck or joint there is rarely one correct door. All three are registered health practitioners and they overlap. A reasonable rule of thumb:
- See a GP first if you feel unwell, have fever, unexplained weight loss, or symptoms beyond muscles and joints, or if you may need medication, blood tests or a specialist
- A chiropractor or physiotherapist is a reasonable first stop for a muscle or joint problem when you otherwise feel well
- Go to an emergency department for chest pain, a sudden severe headache, or new loss of bladder or bowel control
How our chiropractors decide whether care is suitable
The first appointment, about an hour long, is an assessment. Your chiropractor takes a history and examines you before suggesting anything. At a second visit of about 30 minutes they give a report of findings: what they think is happening, if and how chiropractic treatment can help, and what a plan would involve.
If your problem needs further investigation or specialist care, they will refer you. A plan can combine adjustments, soft-tissue work, exercises, rehabilitation and ergonomic advice — or recommend that you see someone else.
Questions worth asking at any clinic
Whoever you see, these questions help you make an informed decision:
- What do you think is causing my symptoms, and how sure are you?
- What are the options, including doing nothing for now?
- What are the risks of the treatment you are suggesting?
- How will we know whether it is working, and when will we review it?
- At what point would you refer me elsewhere?
Referrals and funding
You do not need a GP referral to see a chiropractor. The clinic does accept Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) patients and Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) program patients who have a GP referral for allied health services under Medicare. If one of these applies to you, bring the referral to your first visit. Ask reception about anything else regarding fees when you book.
Coming back to see us after a break
If you have been a patient before and your problem has returned, or a new one has started, you will usually be re-assessed rather than picking up the old plan. Symptoms, health and medications change, and the earlier findings may no longer apply. Mention any new diagnoses, surgery or medication since your last visit, and bring any recent scans or specialist letters.
Planning the trip to Blacktown
The clinic is open weekdays from 8am to 12pm and 3pm to 7pm, and Saturday from 8am to 12pm. Parking is available and there is disabled ramp access. The directions link on this page gives a live route, which is more reliable than any fixed estimate.