Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fee structure?

Can I claim for chiropractic under ACC?

If you have had an accident in the last year that has resulted in the condition that you are suffering from then ACC will subsidise a series of chiropractic treatments. Even if you have visited another health care provider, such as physio, acupuncture etc, for the same complaint you can still receive ACC subsidising for chiropractic treatment. If your case is accepted by ACC then they will cover a portion of the treatment costs.

What is a chiropractic adjustment?

A chiropractic adjustment involves using pressure in a specific direction to restore proper motion and correct alignment to a restricted, misaligned spinal joint(s). This in turn, removes pressure and/or irritation from the nerves in the area by improving the positional relationship between the vertebrae and nerves and reducing the swelling and spasm of the surrounding soft tissue and muscles. Along with reducing irritation to the nervous system, chiropractic adjustments improve the health of the spine by restoring proper motion and alignment thereby reducing ongoing wear and tear of the spinal joints.

Is chiropractic safe?

Chiropractic adjustments are very safe. Chiropractic has an excellent safety record and chiropractors have some of the lowest insurance rates in the health care sector (and insurance brokers should know!) The New Zealand Government Inquiry found that chiropractic was “remarkably safe”.

Do I need a referral?

You don’t need a referral to see a chiropractor. All you need to do is to give us a call and make an appointment.

Should children receive chiropractic care?

There are many traumas and forces that can create dysfunction and misalignment in children’s spines. This can happen as early as the birthing process (from pulling and twisting a baby’s neck) especially if forceps or suction are used. As children are learning to walk, they often have falls and impacts which can rotate their pelvis and misalign their spine. These impacts often become more forceful as kids get older and become more adventurous. Often by the time kids become adolescents they have had several significant impacts that can create problems in their spine and lead to irritation to their nervous system. As the old adage goes “as the twig is bent, so grows the tree”. It is important to get your children’s spine checked, just as you would their teeth, sight, hearing etc. especially if they have had any accidents or impacts.

Am I too old for chiropractic?

No. Chiropractic is important for older people in order to maintain mobility and proper motion in spinal and other joints of the body. Often problems have been present longer in bodies that have been used for longer, so there is usually more “rust” in the form of osteoarthritis and scar tissue. I understand that as the body gets older it can become more fragile so the type of treatment and pressure is adjusted accordingly with a gentler approach taken. Older people can benefit greatly from chiropractic by working through some the issues that may have been plaguing them for a while or just improve the quality of their life and extend the number of years they will get out of their earth vehicle. Just as a car needs servicing to work properly and last, so does the spine need to be “serviced” to keep it working properly.

Are chiropractic adjustments painful?

A chiropractic adjustment should not be painful. I will always work with your body to ensure that chiropractic adjustments are comfortable and suitable for you. Care is always taken to match the style of treatment to your body type and what you feel comfortable with.

What if I’m unsure if chiropractic can help me?

If you’re unsure if you’re a good candidate for chiropractic then give us a call and arrange a free consultation with no obligations and we can sit down and have a chat about your situation. I will give you an honest appraisal and if I feel that I cannot help then I will refer you to another health provider that I feel will be better able to help you with your situation.