More than backs: what the assessment can cover
Chiropractors are often linked with back pain, but the clinic also assesses other muscle and joint complaints. That includes neck pain, stiff or painful shoulders, elbow and wrist pain, hip and knee discomfort, and tension-type headaches that seem connected to the neck.
Whether chiropractic care suits your particular problem is decided after an assessment, not before. Some joint problems are better managed by a GP, physiotherapist or orthopaedic specialist, and your chiropractor will tell you if that is the case.
Describing a problem that builds up over the day
Many muscle and joint complaints are not caused by a single injury. They build up with repetition, a sustained position or a change in workload. If that sounds familiar, a few notes before your visit help your chiropractor understand the pattern:
- What the pain is like first thing in the morning compared with the end of the day
- Tasks or positions that reliably bring it on
- Any recent change — a new role, more hours, a new chair or tool
- What you have already tried, and whether it helped
How long each visit takes
Knowing the time each step needs makes it easier to plan around work. The clinic describes three kinds of appointment:
- Initial consultation — about an hour, including a history and a physical examination
- Report of findings — about 30 minutes at your second visit, explaining your condition and any proposed plan
- Regular visits — about 15 minutes, with a re-assessment each time
Fitting care around shifts and lunch breaks
On weekdays the clinic is open from 8am to 12pm and from 3pm to 7pm; on Saturday from 8am to 12pm. A regular 15-minute visit can sometimes fit into a late morning, but your first appointment needs a full hour, so a Saturday or an afternoon session is usually more realistic for that one.
If your hours change from week to week, it is fine to book one visit at a time. Online booking shows live availability, or call (02) 9622 5652.
Practical access
Parking is available at the clinic and there is disabled ramp access. If you use a walking aid, or find getting on and off a treatment table difficult, tell your chiropractor — the examination can be adapted.
When to see your GP first
Joint pain with heat, redness and swelling, pain after a fall, or a joint that suddenly cannot bear weight should be checked by a GP or urgent care first. The same applies to numbness or weakness that is spreading.