What a treatment plan looks like
After your assessment and report of findings, your chiropractor may suggest a plan. It sets out what treatment is proposed, how often, and what you can do between visits — exercises, activity changes or ergonomic advice.
A plan is a starting point, not a contract. At each regular visit, which takes about 15 minutes, you are re-assessed against it. If things are not changing as expected, the plan should change too, and that can include referral to another practitioner.
How progress is reviewed
It helps to agree early on how you will both judge whether care is helping. Useful markers include:
- Activities that were difficult and are now easier, such as walking, gardening or sleeping through the night
- How often the pain flares, and how long flares last
- Range of movement your chiropractor measures at re-assessment
- Your own sense of confidence moving
Care in later years
More people are seeing chiropractors in later life, often for stiffness, reduced mobility or arthritic joints. Your age and general health shape what is suitable. Conditions like osteoporosis, joint replacements, and medications such as blood thinners change which techniques are appropriate, so mention them at the start.
Gentler, lower-force methods, soft-tissue work and exercise are options when firmer techniques are not suitable. Your chiropractor should explain the choice.
Talking about risk
As with any health care, spinal manipulation carries a risk of injury or complication. The clinic notes that reported injuries have often involved a condition that had not been correctly diagnosed beforehand. A thorough examination — with x-rays where clinically indicated — and controlled, specific technique help reduce that risk. Ask your chiropractor to explain the risks that apply to you.
Bringing someone with you
You are welcome to bring a family member or carer to help with forms or to listen to the report of findings. The clinic has parking and disabled ramp access. If getting onto a treatment table is difficult, say so; the examination can be adapted.
Keeping active between visits
What you do between appointments usually matters more than the appointments themselves. Your chiropractor may suggest simple exercises to build strength and movement, or changes to how you garden, lift, sit or sleep. Start gently, and mention anything that makes symptoms clearly worse at your next visit so the plan can be adjusted.
If you are already under the care of a GP, physiotherapist or specialist, your chiropractor can work alongside them. Let each of them know what the others recommend, so advice does not conflict.
Hours
Weekdays 8am to 12pm and 3pm to 7pm; Saturday 8am to 12pm. The first visit takes about an hour.