Chiropractic is a drug and surgery free modality of treatment concerned with the diagnosis, management and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Due to the intricate nervous system, mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system may have an affect on the functioning of the nervous system, its healing potential and general health.
Chiropractors look at the whole body made up of many working parts. They assess the structure, alignment, movement and function of the whole body and trace any abnormality back to its roots, often to the spine. The abnormal spinal function is called a chiropractic subluxation. Usually, a low force (gentle) high amplitude (fast) thrust is applied to the misaligned spinal joint to restore function to that joint and to remove any interference to the nervous system.
Hippocrates once said, “Look well to the Spine for the Cause of Disease.” Chiropractors adjust mechanical disorders of the whole musculoskeletal system, (including the skull, jaw, pelvis and limbs,) not just the spine. Any joint dysfunction and/or misalignment are called a chiropractic subluxation. But much focus is placed on the health and function of the spinal joints due to their impact on the nervous system, healing potential and general health.
There are many stressors that can cause a chiropractic subluxation. Chiropractors deal mostly with physical stressors to our structure and these may arise from known and unknown causes. Sometimes they occur from an injury and other times they gradually appear from poor posture and/or habits. Subluxations can even arise at birth if the birth itself is traumatic. Other stressors include toxic overload from the environment, nutritional deficiency, and emotional stress. For example, if we have a magnesium deficiency, our muscles may tighten up and pull us out of alignment.
You do not have to be in pain to get chiropractic treatment. Many subluxations occur without obvious pain or tension. They often begin in early childhood and exist without obvious symptoms for many years. Therefore, we recommend everyone get checked and adjusted by a chiropractor to correct for any spinal misalignments before they get sore.
A chiropractic adjustment is a term for a chiropractic treatment to a chiropractic subluxation. At Eir we use Diversified Technique, which simply means it is a mixture of varied techniques. The aim of an adjustment is to restore alignment and motion back to the joints of the musculoskeletal system, and function to the nervous system. Chiropractic is a Greek word for ‘done by hand’. This could be in the form of a manipulation or mobilization which is a gentle and specific force directed into a joint, with or without an audible pop. Our treatments are mainly done by hand but other mechanically assisted techniques may be used, like the use of a drop table or a spring loaded adjusting tool called the activator. Although we are best known for adjusting low backs, chiropractors treat the whole body including the spine, pelvis, limbs, jaw, skull, muscles, ligaments and joints. Chiropractors also give home advice as part of their adjustment, mainly focusing on exercises, stretches, and nutrition
Chiropractors don’t crack joints, they adjust them. But yes, sometimes you may hear a ‘pop’ or a ‘crack’ but this is not necessary for the adjustment to work. The audible noise that you hear is simply gas being released from the joint. A natural vacuum is created between the joint when it is out of its proper alignment, and this vacuum is released when adjusted, creating the well known ‘crack.’ Rest assured, it is not your bones breaking. But remember, there are correct ways to adjust a joint and it takes 5 years at university level to learn the art of adjusting. So we highly recommend you don’t self manipulate, instead leave it to the professionals.
Chiropractic is available for everyone of all ages and all stages of health. It is never too early, and it is never too late. We tailor make our treatment plans and modify our treatment methods to suit your age, health, wants, needs and aversions. We love to treat tiny babies but Chiropractic does not give treatment to the unborn baby.
Yes! We recommend chiropractic care during pregnancy. We modify our treatment method and provide a big comfortable belly pillow so that ‘mums to be’ are comfortable during their treatment. Chiropractic treatment during pregnancy aims to restore proper alignment of the spine and pelvis, as well as proper function to the nervous system. Chiropractic does not give treatment to the unborn baby; instead adjustments are made to improve the environment the unborn baby is growing in.
- Chiropractic Care is covered by most private health insurers ‘extras’ policies. Please check with your health fund for further details. We have HICAPS available. This means fast claims on the spot and you only pay the gap. Just remember to bring your card along. Please note that some private health funds do not allow you to claim two different health services in one day.
Yes, anything you discuss with your therapist is completely confidential. Our clinical notes are securely stored in the cloud through our software system Cliniko. Only practitioners who treat you at Eir FC&W have access to your file. No information is shared with 3rd parties without your written consent.