Frequently Asked Questions
What is a chiropractor?
A chiropractor is a university trained spinal health specialist. They provide a comprehensive assessment and treatment of spinal conditions without the use of drugs.
Who can benefit from chiropractic treatment?
Nearly everyone can benefit from chiropractic care. Modern chiropractors use a variety of techniques to adjust the spine, making chiropractic treatment safe and effective for everyone from newborns to the elderly.
What can I expect at my first appointment?
At your first appointment your chiropractor will spend time with you taking a comprehensive health history as well as conducting an extensive chiropractic, neurological and orthopaedic exam and biomechanical assessment. Putting all these findings together, your chiropractor will discuss an appropriate treatment strategy with you. If chiropractic care is appropriate, you will usually have your first treatment on your first visit.
How many appointments will I need?
The number of appointments you will need will depend on your individual situation. Chiropractic care has been shown to be highly effective for management of acute pain, and if your aim is only to get rid of the immediate pain, only a couple of adjustments may be necessary.
If however, your condition requires more permanent changes and a focus on spinal health in the longer term then you will need more adjustments. Long term care is usually suited to those who regularly place excessive loads or forces on their spine or who have structural abnormalities.
At Walker Family Chiropractic we will design the best care plan for you to reach your desired outcomes. It is always your choice as to how long you choose to undergo chiropractic care with us.
What should I bring and wear to the first appointment?
You need to bring any previous scans or X-rays related to your current complaint, as well as a list of any medications you are currently taking (if you can’t remember the names). You generally don’t need to undress for your appointment, but if possible, wearing loose, flexible, non-bulky clothing will make it easier for us to treat you.
What results can I expect?
The results that you can expect from your chiropractic care will depend on your individual situation but most people can expect to experience some benefits soon after beginning treatment and for these benefits to continue consolidating as treatment continues.
Some studies have shown that chiropractic care is more effective, economical and longer lasting than other forms of health care for disorders of the spine. You can find more information on chiropractic care on the Chiropractors' Association of Australia website www.chiropractors.asn.au.
Will it hurt?
In most cases a chiropractic adjustment is comforting, not painful. You may hear a pop or clicking sound, which is a small amount if gas escaping from the moved joint. Some people do experience some aching after their adjustment - this is the most common adverse reaction to chiropractic care. In nearly all cases this is aching will not last long and reflects the changes being made to your spinal structures. If you have any concerns, always discuss this with your chiropractor.
Are you a doctor?
Revisions to the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2009 allows all nationally registered chiropractors to use the title of ‘Dr’, provided they identify themselves as a chiropractor. Despite this, please don’t feel you need to call your Walker Family Chiropractor ‘doctor’.
How much will it cost?
Your initial appointment will cost $81.00, less if you are a concession card holder, student or are having your family treated also. Subsequent appointments are $50.00 (minus concessions). We have a HICAPS machine to provide instant rebates for patients with private health insurance.
Can I claim my appointment costs from Medicare?
If you have been referred to us from your GP, it might be possible for your chiropractic care to be covered by Medicare under an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan.
Will I get a rebate from my health fund?
Most private health funds will cover some of the cost of your chiropractic appointment, but this will vary, depending on your level of cover. Check with your health fund for your level of coverage. Walker Family Chiropractic has HICAPS for quick and easy onsite claims.
Do you have a HICAPS machine?
Yes. We have HICAPS.
What payment methods do you accept?
You can pay by Mastercard, Visa, EFTPOS, cash or cheque.
Can I bring the whole family in together or do I need to make separate appointments?
We encourage whole families to benefit from chiropractic care but each individual will need their own initial appointment to ensure a thorough examination and to ensure we can establish a safe and effective care plan with specific outcomes for each individual. We do offer family rates when 3 members of the same immediate family are undergoing chiropractic care with us.
What are your opening hours?
We are open 6 days a week:
Monday 8-12 and 2-6
Tuesday 8-12 and 2-6
Wednesday 9:30- 1
Thursday 8-1 and 2-6
Friday 8-12 and 2-6
Saturday 8-12
