Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a question about chiropractic care in general, or the way we work here at Elevate chiropractic?
People often have a lot of questions, or are unsure what chiropractic care is all about, or if it can even help them. In this FAQ page we have tried to answer some of the more common questions we are asked. If your specific question is not answered here, please contact us and we can answer it for you.
There are 3 main sections of FAQs, please click on the one that you are after.
People often have a lot of questions, or are unsure what chiropractic care is all about, or if it can even help them. In this FAQ page we have tried to answer some of the more common questions we are asked. If your specific question is not answered here, please contact us and we can answer it for you.
There are 3 main sections of FAQs, please click on the one that you are after.
General Chiropractic
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This section is all about general chiropractic FAQs. These range from 'what actually is chiropractic?', 'what is an adjustment?', 'does it hurt?', and 'how long will it take?'. If you are not finding the answer to your specific question, then please contact us and we can answer it for you. |
What is chiropractic care?
Chiropractic care is the 3rd largest healthcare profession in the world and focusses on restoring proper communication between the brain and the body. The nervous system is the ‘master controller’ for the body and any interference to this system will result in a body that is not functioning optimally.
The most common site of interference to the nervous system is the spine. The role of the spine is to house and protect the spinal cord. If there is dysfunction in the spine it can cause interference to the nerves exiting the spine.
Chiropractors use specific adjustments to restore proper motion to the spinal joints to help remove the nerve interference, and therefore better communication between the brain and body.
At Elevate Chiropractic we also like to focus on corrective exercises and health and lifestyle advice. The aim of this is to help stabilize the spine and help prevent future problems.
The most common site of interference to the nervous system is the spine. The role of the spine is to house and protect the spinal cord. If there is dysfunction in the spine it can cause interference to the nerves exiting the spine.
Chiropractors use specific adjustments to restore proper motion to the spinal joints to help remove the nerve interference, and therefore better communication between the brain and body.
At Elevate Chiropractic we also like to focus on corrective exercises and health and lifestyle advice. The aim of this is to help stabilize the spine and help prevent future problems.
What is an adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment is the use of a specific force to a joint that is ‘stuck’, ‘locked up’ or just not moving well. The aim of the adjustment is to restore normal motion to the joints and therefore reduce the interference to the nerves exiting the spine.
Reduced interference can often lead to a reduction in discomfort, improved nervous system function and improved health.
There are numerous ways to ‘adjust’ the spine. There are the more traditional manual adjustments, but there is also lower force techniques. No matter which technique is used, they are all aiming to get the same outcome.
Reduced interference can often lead to a reduction in discomfort, improved nervous system function and improved health.
There are numerous ways to ‘adjust’ the spine. There are the more traditional manual adjustments, but there is also lower force techniques. No matter which technique is used, they are all aiming to get the same outcome.
What makes the sound during an adjustment?
With some adjustments you may hear a ‘clicking’ or ‘popping’ sound. This sound is created by the release of gas from the joint as movement is restored.
The joints around the spine are called synovial joints and are surrounded by a capsule that is filled with fluid. When we perform an adjustment to restore better movement, dissolved gas is released from the fluid creating the ‘popping’ sound. This is similar to what happens when you open a bottle of champagne.
Some techniques, such as the activator or using the ‘drop-table’ don’t create this popping sound.
If you have any concerns, or would prefer a certain technique, please ask when you are in for your adjustment.
The joints around the spine are called synovial joints and are surrounded by a capsule that is filled with fluid. When we perform an adjustment to restore better movement, dissolved gas is released from the fluid creating the ‘popping’ sound. This is similar to what happens when you open a bottle of champagne.
Some techniques, such as the activator or using the ‘drop-table’ don’t create this popping sound.
If you have any concerns, or would prefer a certain technique, please ask when you are in for your adjustment.
Do you have to “click” my back?
The short answer is ‘no’. Traditional manual adjustments create the ‘clicking’ or ‘popping’ sound, but other techniques we use, such as the activator, the drop-table and using blocks, don’t create any of these sounds.
If you are adverse to ‘clicking’ the joints, please let us know and we can use a different technique.
If you are adverse to ‘clicking’ the joints, please let us know and we can use a different technique.
What techniques do you use?
We use a variety of techniques from the traditional manual adjustments to lower force techniques like the activator and the drop table. We also do soft tissue work.
If there is a specific technique you like or don’t like, let us know and we can use a different technique.
If there is a specific technique you like or don’t like, let us know and we can use a different technique.
Is chiropractic covered by insurance?
This will depend on your insurance coverage. Some insurance plans include chiropractic care. You will need to check with your provider to see if chiropractic care is included in your coverage.
If you are with Southern Cross and are entitled to chiropractic care, we can claim directly through the Southern Cross Easy-Claim system. If you are unsure, we can check directly online when you in the practice.
If you are with Southern Cross and are entitled to chiropractic care, we can claim directly through the Southern Cross Easy-Claim system. If you are unsure, we can check directly online when you in the practice.
Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
If there a no contraindicators found during the initial examination, you will receive some adjustments on the first visit.
If something shows up, that needs to be investigated further, you will be sent for imaging or further investigation prior to the first adjustment being given.
If something shows up, that needs to be investigated further, you will be sent for imaging or further investigation prior to the first adjustment being given.
How long until I feel better?
This will depend on the nature of your injury or current condition. Once we have done the assessments, we will have a better idea of how long the healing process will take and will let you know at that time.
We always show you things to do at home to help speed up the healing process. This will include things like, exercises, stretches, soft tissue work, restful positions etc. From our experience, you will get better and faster results if you do your ‘homework’.
We always show you things to do at home to help speed up the healing process. This will include things like, exercises, stretches, soft tissue work, restful positions etc. From our experience, you will get better and faster results if you do your ‘homework’.
Will we make a referral if needed?
Absolutely. If we are not seeing the results we expect to see, or if something shows up that requires further investigation we will make the appropriate referral for you.
Can I see a chiropractor if pregnant?
We see a lot of pregnant women. Our techniques change as you progress through the pregnancy. We use pregnancy pillows which allow you to lay on your stomach so we can check and assess the spine easily.
Do chiropractic adjustments hurt?
In most cases, chiropractic adjustments don’t hurt at all, and a lot of people actually find them quite relaxing.
There are various types of chiropractic techniques we can use. We will choose the appropriate technique based on your current condition to help you get the required result with minimal to no discomfort.
There are various types of chiropractic techniques we can use. We will choose the appropriate technique based on your current condition to help you get the required result with minimal to no discomfort.
ACC
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Another common thing we are asked about is ACC. In this section we have tried to answer the 3 main questions we are always asked when it comes to ACC and chiropractic care. If you are not finding the answer to your specific question, then once again, please contact us and we can answer it for you. |
Is chiropractic covered by ACC?
Yes, chiropractic care can be covered by ACC. If you have injured yourself doing something then it is likely that it could be covered by ACC. We will need to ask you a few questions about the nature of the injury and how it occurred to make sure it will be covered.
If it is likely it will be covered, we will get you to fill in an ACC45 form and we can start care. No referral from your GP is required.
If you already have an ACC claim for an injury it is likely we can use it. When you come in, it would be helpful to bring in any information you have from ACC or about the injury. The main things we need to know is; how did it happen and when did it happen.
The same ACC claim can be used by different treatment providers. For example you can use the same claim at a physio, and a chiropractor.
If it is likely it will be covered, we will get you to fill in an ACC45 form and we can start care. No referral from your GP is required.
If you already have an ACC claim for an injury it is likely we can use it. When you come in, it would be helpful to bring in any information you have from ACC or about the injury. The main things we need to know is; how did it happen and when did it happen.
The same ACC claim can be used by different treatment providers. For example you can use the same claim at a physio, and a chiropractor.
Do I need a referral for ACC?
No. You do not need a referral to get ACC. We can start a claim directly.
Is there a surcharge if under ACC?
Yes. There is a surcharge when under ACC. This surcharge changes depending on your age and the type of appointment.
If you want to find out exactly what the surcharge is, please contact us and we can let you know.
If you want to find out exactly what the surcharge is, please contact us and we can let you know.
Baby & Child Adjustments
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I have found through my experience that children and babies can benefit greatly from chiropractic care. I have seen some great results over the years and more recently I have noticed it first hand with my own child. That is her in the photo. I wanted to try and answer and clarify a few of the common questions I get asked in regards to chiropractic care for babies and children. These are some of the main questions I get asked. If you have any other questions, please contact me and I will try to answer them for you. Continue reading to see the FAQs.
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Q. Why would a baby need chiropractic care?
A. If we look at babies, the birth process is very traumatic. Even a normal birth puts significant forces through their spines. If intervention is needed, these forces can be magnified. As a baby grows and develops, they have all sorts of falls and bangs and bumps. These can all cause problems. Having a good checkup can often pick up little things before they become bigger problems. More specifically, if a baby has colic or is irritable or only wants to feed on one side, chiropractic care may be able to help. If your child only sleeps on one side due to a restriction in neck rotation they may develop a flat spot (plagiocephaly). Chiropractic and cranial work may help this (it definitely did with my baby). If your baby is failing to meet its milestones, chiropractic care along with appropriate home help exercises may be a good option. If you want more details on these, please ask.
Q. How often do you need to see a child?
A. This depends on the child and their presenting complaint and is a hard question to answer in this format. In general, children do not need be seen as often as adults as they tend to respond very quickly. Every child can be different though.
Q. Why would an older child need chiropractic care?
A. As children get older, they often have falls, sports injuries etc which can cause problems. With the advent of technology and phones, children often develop poor posture. This can lead to aches and pains and problems later in life, so it is important to be aware of this at an early stage and make the appropriate changes. To me chiropractic care is effective as a way to optimize function as well as an effective way to ease aches and pains. I have written about how technology can cause back problems in a previous post. You can read it here.
Q. What are some of the benefits of chiropractic care for babies and children.
A. In my practice I have seen some great results from chiropractic care. These include things like improvement with colic, better sleep, better bowel function, improvement with plagiocephaly (flat spot on the head) etc. I have also seen things like postural improvement in older children, reduction in headaches, as well as the rapid improvement from back injuries from sports and falls. If you have a child with a specific problem and want to know if chiropractic care may be able to help, please contact me.
Q. What is the difference between a baby and adult adjustment?
A. I often do cranial work on babies. If you have ever had cranial work done, it is very gentle, and actually feels very relaxing. Most babies and adults that I do cranial work on love it. If we need to do any spinal adjusting, the techniques are very gentle and different to those we use on adults, often it is simply a little pressure. There is no ‘cracking’ involved as people often think.