Premier Melbourne Chiropractors
✓ Onsite Parking ✓ Wheelchair Access ✓ X-Ray - 424 Blackburn Rd, Glen Waverley VIC 3150
✓ Onsite Parking ✓ Wheelchair Access ✓ X-Ray
424 Blackburn Rd, Glen Waverley
Chiropractic Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions And Answers From Expert Chiropractors
General And Common Questions Regarding Chiropractic
Here are answers to the more common questions our Chiropractors receive
Can Chiropractic Help Me?
Chiropractic care can be of benefit to many people suffering pain and dysfunction. Where a problem can be diagnosed, Chiropractic adjustments may help. The degree of response can vary due to time the condition has existed, the lifestyle of the patient and one's compliance to care recommendations.
What Does A Chiropractor Do?
Chiropractors specialise in assessing and treating the spine to address vertebral subluxations—misalignments that can interfere with the connection between the brain and body. Through detailed evaluations, including tests and patient consultations, they identify these misalignments and work to correct them. By realigning the spine, chiropractors not only enhance nerve function and overall health but also help in the relief and removal of symptoms. Using a variety of techniques, chiropractic care aims to improve your body's communication and function, supporting both symptom relief and long-term well-being.
Note, we are exclusively Gonstead Chiropractors, with some of our Doctors being Melbourne's most experienced.
Learn All About The Gonstead Difference Here.
Does Chiropractic hurt?
Chiropractic adjustments are generally not painful, but how they feel can depend on several factors, such as the patient’s level of relaxation, the chronicity of the issue, and the area being adjusted. While some discomfort may occur if you're already in significant pain, our goal is to deliver the most gentle yet precise and effective adjustments to address the root cause of your problem. We also offer different table options tailored to your specific condition, ensuring your comfort while we work to restore proper function.
Can I Get An Appointment On The Same Day?
Depending on availability, we do sometimes have space for new patients on the same day. However, spots fill up quickly, so it’s best to schedule your appointment at least a week in advance to secure your spot. If you’re experiencing an acute issue or need an appointment urgently, give us a call, and we’ll do our best to squeeze you in!
Does Everyone Need X-Rays?
Not all patients require an X-Ray before commencing care. Our chiropractors assess each case on an individual basis to determine whether an X-Ray is necessary. Factors increasing the likelihood of requiring X-Rays include previous history of trauma to the spine, chronic problems, signs of nerve irritation, arthritis, and history of serious illness.
Who Can Be Checked For Chiropractic Problems?
Anyone from infants to the elderly may carry problems that can benefit from Chiropractic care. A thorough history and examination will determine if you are a suitable candidate for Chiropractic care. There is a common concern among parents who might think their children will receive similar force adjustments to the ones they received. Firstly, a chiropractic examination is required to determine if a spinal dysfunction is involved. If treatment is required, adjusting techniques are modified to low-force, where no more pressure is applied than what would be used to test the ripeness of a peach.
Do I Need A Referral From My Medical Doctor To See A Chiropractor?
Although we receive referrals from General Practitioners and other health care professionals you do not require a medical doctor referral to see us. Chiropractors are primary health care practitioners and no referral is required.
Is Chiropractic Safe?
Chiropractic care is considered very safe, especially when delivered by highly trained professionals. Chiropractors complete a minimum of 5 years of university education, learning to assess and diagnose a wide range of conditions. At our clinic, we take safety a step further by using X-rays and conducting a thorough evaluation before performing any adjustments. This detailed process helps us identify any risks and ensures we tailor our care to each patient’s needs. For those who are more vulnerable, we use gentle, specific techniques to ensure safety and comfort.
Why Do Some Chiropractors Offer Different Techniques?
While all chiropractors in Australia complete a full-time 5-year university degree, some choose to specialise in specific techniques or pursue additional training. At our clinic, we exclusively practice the Gonstead technique because it is the safest, most effective method for spinal adjustments. This approach is highly specific, with no rotational adjustments, ensuring precise care. We take the time to thoroughly assess and identify the root cause of your issue, using a proven methodology to deliver the best results—without simply "cracking" your spine.
What Pillow Do You Recommend?
We recommend a pillow that supports good sleep posture. A contoured pillow is often a great option because it provides proper support for both your neck and head. However, the best pillow for you will depend on your sleeping position and the type of mattress you use. Ideally, we suggest sleeping on your back with a thin, contoured pillow for optimal support. Sleeping on your side with a supportive contoured pillow is also acceptable. However, we advise against sleeping on your stomach, as it can strain your neck unnecessarily.
What Are The Clinic's Opening Hours?
Our clinic is open 6 days a week, Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. Saturday we are open 9am to 1pm.
Please note, we are closed on Sundays, you can find more info on our Contact Page.
What If I’m Nervous To See A Chiropractor?
It’s completely normal to feel nervous, and we’re here to help you feel at ease. Our chiropractors are friendly and compassionate, and we prioritise your comfort throughout your visit. We’ll take the time to address any concerns you have and ensure that you are fully informed and comfortable with each step of your care. Rest assured, we will never proceed with any treatment without your consent.
What Advice Will My Chiropractor Give Me?
Your chiropractor will provide personalised advice tailored to your individual needs and health goals. This guidance will be based on your specific condition and situation, helping you make the necessary adjustments to support your recovery and overall well-being. Whether it’s exercises, lifestyle changes, or posture corrections, the advice is designed to help you achieve the best possible outcomes in your care.
Is There Parking Onsite? Does It Cost?
Yes, we have free parking available onsite, as well as additional parking across the road. There is also plenty of street parking nearby, making it easy to find a spot when you visit our clinic.
How Experienced Are The Pinewood Chiropractic Chiropractors?
All of our chiropractors at Pinewood Chiropractic have completed a rigorous 5-year double degree at university, ensuring a strong foundation in chiropractic care. Together, our team has a combined 40 years of experience, providing expert care and personalised treatment for a wide range of conditions.
How Does A Chiropractor Differ From An Osteo Or Physio?
At our practice, we focus on the spine and nervous system, aiming to positively impact the structure of the spine. Chiropractors assess, diagnose, and manage spinal and musculoskeletal conditions, with common issues including neck pain, back pain, and headaches. While physiotherapists primarily concentrate on muscles, rehabilitation, and stretches, it's essential to recognise that the nervous system controls every muscle, nerve, and tissue in the body. Therefore, ensuring the nervous system is functioning optimally is of utmost importance in our approach to care.
Do You Sell Products?
Yes, we offer a range of products that can aid in your recovery process. This includes ice packs to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain, as well as well-designed pillows that support optimal sleep and spinal alignment. These items can complement your chiropractic care, helping you maintain progress and enhance your overall recovery.
Are You Open On Weekends?
Yes, we are open every Saturday from 8am to 1pm. We are not open on Sundays.
Chiropractic Adjustment Questions
All things relating to adjustments, we've compiled common questions and answers.
Do Spinal Adjustments Hurt?
Typically, no. We take every measure to deliver a gentle and effective adjustment. If one is experiencing a high degree of pain, such as an acute episode, simply touching the spine may hurt. In these situations, your Chiropractic doctor may apply ice for up to 15 minutes to reduce any discomfort that may occur during the procedure.
What Is The Cracking Sound?
Joints are highly pressurised. During adjustment, joint surfaces slightly move, allowing for nitrogen gas to escape from an area of high to low pressure. This sudden movement of gas results in a unique sound that can be heard.
How Many Adjustments Will I Need?
It is difficult to predict exactly how many visits a new patient will need to resolve their initial complaint because each individual's injury and healing response is generally different. Experience allows us to give each patient an estimate on how long their recovery may take after the initial exam. We have a much clearer picture after 2-3 visits.
Can I Adjust Myself?
No. Some people can make their joints "pop" but that's not an adjustment! Worse, damage can occur by mobilising a joint with weakened muscles and ligaments. Adjustments are specific and must only be applied to the joint that is subluxated. It takes years to master and even your Chiropractic doctor must consult a colleague to benefit from Chiropractic care.
Should I ‘self-crack’ My Bones At Home?
No, self-cracking can create instability in the facet joints, making it harder for both you and your chiropractor. Chiropractors aim to adjust the vertebrae to set them properly on the disc. Self-cracking can destabilise the facets, which can interfere with your progress and is overall not recommended.
Will I Be Adjusted On The First Visit?
Yes, we will adjust you on your first visit if it is deemed safe based on our assessment, including any necessary X-rays and clinical findings. Your safety is our priority, and we make sure to tailor the adjustment to your specific needs.
What Tests Will My Chiropractor Do Before An Adjustment?
Before adjusting you, our chiropractors follow the precise Gonstead six-step analysis to ensure a safe and effective adjustment. This includes:
Visualisation – We observe your posture and movement to identify any imbalances or abnormalities.
Case History – A thorough review of your medical history and current condition to understand your overall health.
Motion Palpation – We assess how well your joints move, feeling for restrictions in your spine.
Static Palpation – We carefully examine your spine while you're still to detect areas of swelling, tenderness, or tightness.
Instrumentation – Using a nervoscope, we measure nerve function to identify any inflammation or areas of concern.
X-ray Analysis – We conduct detailed X-ray analysis, including precise line drawings measuring spinal misalignments, ensuring accurate adjustments.
This comprehensive approach helps us pinpoint the exact cause of your issue, allowing for the most effective and targeted care.
What Does A Chiropractic Adjustment Do?
A Gonstead chiropractic adjustment is designed to address specific spinal misalignments and improve overall spinal health.
The primary benefits include:
Enhancing Joint Range of Motion and Function: By correcting misalignments, we aim to improve the movement and function of the affected joints.
Alleviating Pain and Tension: Adjustments help to reduce discomfort and muscle tension by addressing the underlying misalignments and restoring proper function.
Relieving Nerve Pressure: Correcting spinal misalignments helps to relieve pressure on nerves, which can contribute to symptom relief.
Supporting Posture and Structural Alignment: Gonstead adjustments focus on improving spinal alignment and posture, contributing to better overall spinal health.
These adjustments are performed with precision to ensure a thorough and effective approach to spinal care, in accordance with best practices and regulatory standards.
What Adjustments Will The Chiropractor Perform?
At our clinic, we exclusively use the Gonstead chiropractic technique, which focuses on precise, methodical adjustments without any rotation. Our adjustments are tailored to your specific needs, using multiple specialised tables designed to accommodate all body types and conditions. The Gonstead approach prioritises accuracy and thorough assessments to ensure the safest and most effective care, targeting only the areas that need correction. This technique allows us to deliver highly specific adjustments for optimal results.
How Does My Chiropractor Know Where To Adjust?
Your Chiropractor uses a variety of methods to pinpoint exactly where adjustments are needed. Tools like motion palpation help identify restricted or misaligned segments of the spine by assessing joint movement. Swelling or oedema around certain areas can also signal joint dysfunction. Additionally, we utilise a Nervoscope, which measures temperature differences along the spine to detect potential nerve irritation. Spinal X-rays are another critical tool, allowing us to see structural changes, including primary subluxations and secondary compensations, to create a precise plan of care.
Can A Joint Be Adjusted In Different Ways?
Although there are various ways to adjust a joint, what truly matters is how we perform the adjustment. At our clinic, we focus on adjusting the spine in a neutral joint space without the need for rotation. Our goal is to achieve maximum depth in each adjustment, ensuring long-lasting results and reducing the frequency of visits needed for ongoing care.
Patient Experience Questions
Answers to questions relating to Chiropractic patient experiences.
What If My Problem Is Not One That Required Chiropractic?
Being a primary contact practitioner your chiropractor will know when to refer you to another appropriate provider. Chiropractors are trained in organ systems diagnosis along with musculoskeletal diagnosis and are trained under what circumstances to refer accordingly.
Will My Health Insurance Cover It?
If you have extras cover for Chiropractic, we have a HICAPS terminal for easy claims. You just pay the gap. The facility also has a quote function enabling us to check your level of cover for Chiropractic care.
Will I Need To Provide A Full Medical History?
Yes, you'll be asked to complete a detailed intake form upon your first visit. This medical history is essential for us to gain a complete understanding of your health background, including past injuries, surgeries, and current conditions. With this information, we can better assess your case, identify underlying issues, and create a personalised treatment plan to address your specific needs and achieve the best possible outcomes for your care.
Will I Have To Pay For X-rays?
Yes, we do charge for X-rays as they are a crucial part of our detailed analysis. Unlike standard X-rays, we take full-spine images and use advanced stitching techniques, along with precise line drawings, to measure the spine accurately. This allows us to pinpoint the exact areas needing adjustment, making your treatment more effective and efficient, saving you time and money in the long run by ensuring a more accurate and targeted approach.
Why Do I Need An X-ray?
X-Rays will be required where clinically indicated. Your Chiropractor may recommend them to ensure regions of your spine are safe to recieve care. Diagnostically, X-Rays provide a depth detail pertinent to achieving a fast and better outcome.
Will I Have Exercises To Go Home With?
Yes, your chiropractor will provide you with personalised exercises and stretches tailored to your specific condition. These are designed to complement your in-clinic treatment, helping to enhance your progress and support your recovery. By incorporating these exercises into your routine, you'll maximize the benefits of your care and improve your overall outcome.
What Else Is Recommended, Apart From Regular Adjustments To Achieve The Best Results?
To maximise your results, it's important to incorporate a few additional practices alongside regular adjustments. These include:
Stretches and Exercises – Following personalised stretches and exercises your chiropractor recommends to support your recovery, enhancing progress.
Good Habits – Avoid bad habits and poor postures that can undermine your treatment and contribute to discomfort.
Lifestyle Adjustments – Making positive changes in your daily routine can complement your chiropractic care and improve your long-term health.
Together with regular adjustments, these elements form the "three legs of the stool" that support and sustain your overall well-being.
How Long Until I Notice Results?
Many patients experience positive changes after their first visit. Our chiropractors work to achieve results as quickly as possible, focusing on reducing pain and improving function. However, the healing process can take time, and the speed of recovery depends on how long the issue has been present and the steps taken to correct it. We strive for fast improvements while recognising that the body’s natural healing process may require patience and consistency for long-term results.
How Long Is The First Consultation?
The first consultation lasts about 40-50 minutes. During this time, the chiropractor will thoroughly assess your spine, take a full health history, and perform a range of examinations. If clinically indicated, full spine X-rays will be taken to ensure a complete understanding of your condition before moving forward with treatment.
How Long Does A Standard Chiropractic Appointment Take?
A standard chiropractic appointment typically takes around 10-15 minutes. During this time, the chiropractor will perform a thorough assessment at every visit, monitor your symptoms, and make any necessary adjustments to ensure your treatment is progressing as planned.
How Much Does Chiropractic Cost And Are Subsequent Consultations Cheaper Than The Initial?
Yes, subsequent consultations are less expensive than the initial visit. The first consultation is priced at $120 (as of 2025, call for current pricing), as it involves a comprehensive assessment of your condition and overall health. Follow-up visits are priced at $83 (as of 2025, call for current pricing), focusing on maintaining progress and providing ongoing care.
Am I Too Old For A Chiropractic Adjustment?
No, you’re never too old to receive chiropractic care. At our clinic, we exclusively use the Gonstead technique, which is highly specific and tailored to each patient’s needs. We adapt the adjustment and use specialised tables to ensure comfort and safety, regardless of age. Whether you're 20 or 100, the technique and pressure are customised to suit your condition, making it a safe and effective option for everyone.
Chiropractic Conditions Questions
Common questions regarding chiropractic conditions answered.
Can I Have Chiropractic After Back Surgery?
Yes. Rest assured that we will avoid the surgically modified areas of your spine. Instability may occur above or below the surgical level. This will be the focus of your Chiropractic care.
Isn’t Some Back Pain Normal?
Pain of any kind, at any age, is a sign that something isn't right. Pain is the way your body signals that a limit has been reached or a problem has developed. Since we can adapt, minor aches and pains are often shrugged off. While they may go away, if the underlying problem remains unattended, the problem can slowly worsen until it becomes more difficult to resolve.
Learn All About What Chiropractic Can Do For Back Pain Here.
Can Patients With Osteoporosis Have Chiropractic Care?
Of course! Your Chiropractic doctor considers the unique circumstances of each patient. There are many ways to adjust the spine. The method selected will be best suited to your age, size and condition.
Is Feeling Tender Post First Chiropractic Adjustment Normal?
Yes, it’s common to feel some mild tenderness after your first chiropractic adjustment, especially if it’s your first time receiving care. It’s similar to how your body might feel after going to the gym or exercising for the first time in a while. Your body is simply adjusting to the changes. The tenderness is usually mild and should improve within a day or two, with each visit becoming more comfortable as your body adapts.
Is Chiropractic Care Helpful For Disc Injuries?
Yes, chiropractic care can be very effective for disc injuries. Chiropractors often treat patients with disc issues and have a strong track record of achieving positive results. Disc injuries can be quite painful, and our primary goal is to relieve that pain and improve function. Over time, we focus on addressing the underlying issue to prevent the injury from reoccurring, helping you achieve long-term relief and stability.
I Have Ongoing Headaches And Have Heard Neck Adjustments Can Help, Is This True?
Yes, chiropractic care can be effective for certain types of headaches, particularly tension-type and cervicogenic headaches. These often stem from neck tension and joint dysfunction. By improving the movement of the neck joints and addressing postural issues, chiropractic adjustments can help reduce the frequency and severity of these headaches. However, it all depends on the type and cause of your headaches.
Your chiropractor will conduct a thorough assessment to determine if chiropractic care is appropriate for you, and they will refer you to other healthcare professionals if necessary. Read All About What Chiropractic Can Do For Headaches Here.
How Do I Get Rid Of Sciatica?
The treatment of sciatica depends on its cause. Sciatica often results from nerve pressure caused by issues in the lower back, such as a lumbar disc injury, pelvic misalignment, or sacral dysfunction. At our clinic, we assess the overall biomechanics of your spine to identify the root cause of the problem. By removing nerve pressure from the affected structure—whether it's a disc, pelvis, or sacrum—we aim to alleviate sciatica and restore proper function. See Our Page On Sciatica Here.
How Can You Help With Posture?
In the Gonstead approach, our goal is not to adjust purely for posture correction, but to address subluxations that may be causing nerve irritation. By relieving pressure on the nervous system, we help improve communication between the brain and the body. Better posture naturally follows as a result of correcting these underlying issues. While we do assess your posture, our primary focus is on restoring proper nerve function, which leads to improved overall health and alignment.
Does Chiropractic Care Help To Treat Chronic Or Acute Conditions?
Yes, chiropractic care is effective for both acute and chronic conditions. Whether you’re dealing with a recent injury or a long-term issue, our approach focuses on addressing the underlying cause to provide relief and improve function. We particularly love working with acute and complex cases, as they allow us to use our precise techniques to make a significant impact on recovery and overall well-being. No matter the duration or complexity of your condition, we're here to help restore your health.
Can I See A Chiropractor If I Am Pregnant?
Yes, you can absolutely see a chiropractor during pregnancy. Our chiropractors frequently care for pregnant women and modify their techniques to ensure the safety of both mother and baby. We use specialised tables that allow us to adjust and correct spinal issues without placing pressure on your abdomen, ensuring comfort throughout your treatment. Chiropractic care during pregnancy can offer a range of health benefits and support a more comfortable pregnancy.
Have Another Question?
You Can Simply Call Us, We Are Happy To Help.
