1. Is chiropractic care safe?
Scientific literature and multiple independent government inquiries across New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the USA, the UK, and Sweden consistently conclude that chiropractic care is a safe, well-regulated, and evidence-based profession focused on restoring and maintaining spinal health, spine-related function, and overall quality of life.
Chiropractors complete years of university training and clinical experience, becoming highly skilled in delivering a variety of effective adjusting techniques. For a full list of techniques used at Caring Hands Chiropractic, please see our Techniques page.
While chiropractic care is generally safe, like all health care interventions, it may carry risks which are managed with professional training and clinical judgment to ensure patient safety.
2. What is a chiropractic adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment involves the skilled application of a specific, controlled force to a joint that is restricted or not moving properly. This precise movement may help improve motion and function in the joint over time. The goal is to support spinal function, enhance nervous system communication, and contribute to overall well-being.
Chiropractors use their hands or specially designed instruments to deliver brief, accurate thrusts. Some adjustment techniques are quick and high-velocity, while others apply slow, constant, or indirect pressure. During some manual adjustments, you might hear or feel a popping sound, which is caused by the release of gas from the joint as normal movement is restored.
For more information on the many chiropractic techniques used in practice, please visit our Techniques page.
3. Is chiropractic care appropriate for children?
Gentle chiropractic care, tailored to the developmental age of infants and children, has been shown to be both safe and clinically effective when provided by trained practitioners. Many parents find that chiropractic care supports their child’s musculoskeletal health and overall well-being.
You might find these Australian Spinal Research Foundation blog posts helpful for more information:
- Chiropractic, Kids and Quality of Life
- Pain Distribution in School Aged Children
- New Study Looks at 178 Cases of Infant Shoulder Dysfunction
Many childhood health complaints often dismissed as “growing pains” may be linked to spinal issues. Regular chiropractic check-ups may help identify these concerns and potentially prevent some adult health problems. For more information, please visit our Parents and Carers page.
4. Am I too old for chiropractic care?
Chiropractic Care for Seniors: Supporting Mobility, Vitality, and Quality of Life
More people, especially seniors, are turning to chiropractic care as a safe, natural alternative amid growing concerns about over-medication and side effects from multiple prescriptions. Chiropractic care is focused on restoring better spinal function, which may help improve mobility, vitality, endurance, and appetite.
Many seniors report relief from arthritic symptoms and other chronic conditions often associated with aging. Your chiropractor will modify adjustment techniques to ensure maximum comfort and effectiveness tailored to your individual needs. Learn more about the specific techniques we use here.
Scientific studies show chiropractic care can improve joint function, reduce chronic pain, enhance balance, and support neurological health in older adults. These benefits help seniors maintain independence and a higher quality of life with fewer medications and medical interventions.
5. Do chiropractic adjustments hurt?
For most people, chiropractic adjustments are painless and often bring a reduction in pain along with a sense of relaxation and comfort. Some individuals new to chiropractic care may initially feel slight discomfort if their body tenses or resists during the adjustment.
Mild soreness or discomfort can also occur if there has been recent trauma, such as whiplash, due to inflammation and healing processes. This mild soreness typically fades within a day or two.
Many patients experience almost immediate relief after their chiropractic adjustment, with improved mobility and reduced stiffness. If you have concerns about discomfort during treatment, your chiropractor can tailor techniques to your comfort level.
6. Are there any side effects?
Individual responses to chiropractic adjustments can vary. Approximately 15-20% of patients may experience minor side effects lasting a few days following treatment. Common side effects include mild headaches, fatigue, or localized soreness in the areas treated.
Sometimes these symptoms are described as a “toxic release” and generally resolve quickly without concern. Experiencing these temporary effects is not unusual and should not discourage ongoing care.
If side effects become more severe or persistent, it is important to contact your healthcare provider promptly for advice and further assessment.
7. What can I expect at my first initial consultation?
If this is your first visit to a chiropractor, you will meet one of our highly skilled and caring practitioners who will take the time to discuss your health history, concerns, and wellness goals. A comprehensive evaluation of your spine, nervous system, and posture will be performed to understand your unique needs.
Following this thorough assessment, a chiropractic adjustment tailored specifically for you may be provided during the same appointment.
Please allow approximately 75 minutes for your initial consultation to ensure ample time for discussion, examination, and treatment planning.
8. What results can I expect?
Individual results will vary from person to person. Many people experience some benefits soon after beginning care, such as reduced pain, improved mobility, and greater comfort.
Consistency with your appointments and proactive engagement with your personalised wellness care plan are important to achieve your desired level of optimal health. Healing and progress may take time, especially for chronic or long-standing conditions, so patience and ongoing care are key.
Your chiropractor will work with you to set realistic goals and tailor your care plan to support your unique health needs and lifestyle.
9. Approximately how much does a chiropractic session cost?
At Caring Hands Chiropractic, we strive to make chiropractic care affordable and accessible while maintaining a professional and personable service. Please contact us to discuss your individual needs and receive detailed pricing information.
Costs may vary depending on service type and individual circumstances. We accept HICAPS for instant private health insurance claims, making it easier to manage your out-of-pocket expenses.
We also welcome patients with Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) and Chronic Condition Management (CCM) plans, both of which require a GP referral and have specific conditions. Please contact us to discuss eligibility and details.
A copy of our full fee schedule, services, and policies is available upon request.
10. Once I start chiropractic care, do I have to keep going back?
The choice to continue chiropractic care is always yours. Many people decide to maintain regular visits because they enjoy the ongoing benefits of living a pain-free life and supporting a healthy spine and nervous system.
Your chiropractor will provide personalised recommendations based on your health status and wellness goals, always with your best interests in mind. Treatment plans typically begin with more frequent visits to address acute issues, then reduce to maintenance care every few weeks to help sustain improvements and prevent future problems.
You have full control over your care journey and can adjust the frequency of visits as your needs change.
Caring Hands Chiropractic 