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About your treatment and FAQ's

What is chiropractic?

The word chiropractic, from the Greek words “praxis” and “cheir”, means practice or treatment by hand.

Chiropractic is a primary contact health profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine.

Chiropractors also take into consideration the patient’s home and work environments, sporting activities, hobbies and other factors that may have an effect on the individual.

What do we treat?

Although most people associate chiropractic care with just the treatment of back pain, our final (5th) year students, under the supervision of registered chiropractors, offer consultations for the following:

  • Neck related headache
  • Neck Pain
  • Back pain 
  • Spine related leg or arm pain 
  • Some cases of pain and stiffness related to osteoarthritis
  • Injuries related to sporting, work place or other accidental injuries

What treatment options are available?

The range of treatment options available at Murdoch University Chiropractic Clinic that are used in the development of a management plan for your condition includes:

  • Spinal and/ or limb manipulation.
  • Spinal and/ or limb mobilisation.
  • Soft Tissue Therapy (e.g. Massage, including cross friction and also stretching).
  • Electrical Stimulation, such as interferential and TENS, Ultrasound, Heat or Cold therapy.
  • Traction and a limited traction device known as flexion distraction.
  • Active Care (Supervised Rehabilitation Exercise Programs, Home Exercises).
  • Physical rehabilitation and advice.
  • Referral to appropriate healthcare professionals for further investigations or co management as deemed appropriate.

What is a chiropractic manipulation?

A chiropractic joint manipulation (also known as adjustment) is often a component of your management.  It is only suggested when appropriate.  A chiropractic manipulation is the application of a fast and short force to a discrete joint in order to encourage normal motion.  A useful effect of manipulation is that it is often known to reduce muscle spasm and alleviate associated pain.  The history of manipulation goes back centuries and today the modern Murdoch trained chiropractor has training to refine the skills necessary to carry out manipulation in a safe and where possible, effective manner.

FAQs

Does the treatment hurt?

Some of the treatments may cause some mild pain however, this pain is usually short lived and well worth the discomfort.  The senior student will discuss this issue during your consultation.

Will I need an X-ray?

Only about one in every five or six patients will be advised to have an x-ray.  Some patients will be referred out for other imaging such as MRI or a soft tissue (muscle) ultrasound when necessary.

How many treatments will I need?

This differs with your current problem.  It may be as little as two visits or up to ten.  This can be discussed with the senior student.  If you have any issues with payment please advise the student.

Can chiropractic cure conditions of the organs or increase my immunity?

In short the answer is no.  There is no good evidence of chiropractic being able to achieve this.

Can chiropractic cure childhood illnesses such as ear infection, bed wetting, asthma or autism?

No.

Can chiropractic cure infant colic?

Currently the research available is conflicting which does not allow us to offer a valued opinion.

Should I immunise my children?

Yes, immunisation is a cornerstone of public health.  Do this in conjunction with your GP.  Further, discuss your own immunisation status with your GP.