Optimising Health & Movement.
From Desk to Gym.

Chiropractic is a primary, allied healthcare profession focussed on the assessment, diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the spine, joints, muscles and nervous system. It is a drug-free and non-surgical approach to care.

Treatment is typically hands-on and may include manual adjustments, instrument-assisted techniques, soft tissue therapy (massage), ergonomic and lifestyle guidance, prescribed stretching and strengthening exercises, rehabilitation programs and advice regarding appropriate supplementation.

Chiropractic care is considered a safe and effective treatment option for many musculoskeletal conditions. It is a drug-free and non-surgical approach to care, which contributes to its strong safety profile compared to more invasive interventions.

Like all healthcare interventions, there are some risks which will be discussed with you at your appointment before any treatment is commenced.

Most side-effects are mild and short-term such as “post-treatment soreness” which is considered similar to the pain you might sometimes feel after exercising.

Serious complications are very rare. You may have heard concerns about stroke in relation to manual neck manipulation. Current research indicates that these events are extremely rare. The best available evidence suggests that this is likely correlation rather than causation; patients in these studies were already experiencing symptoms such as headaches and neck pain for which they sought care; these symptoms can be a sign of an underlying arterial issue before seeking care. All patients are screened for risk factors before proceeding with treatment. If risk is considered elevated, or if you prefer not to have manual neck adjustments, alternative techniques are available that do not involve “cracking” the neck and can achieve similar therapeutic outcomes.

An adjustment refers to a high velocity (fast), low amplitude (gentle) thrust or stretch of the deep muscles supporting joints. This fast stretch leads to a big burst of sensory information and a reflex contraction of the muscles giving your brain a better picture of the mechanics of the area AND better stability and neuromuscular control. Larger muscles which have been compensation often relax. Some people say it feels like an instant massage.

A side-effect of the fast stretch is that sometimes a little pocket of air is released, making a “pop” or “crack” sound. This is just gas being released from the joint. It is not necessary for an effective adjustment but it is satisfying!

The Activator Instrument is a hand-held tool used by some Chiropractors that delivers a very specific, fast stretch to the small, deep muscles surrounding joints. It is primarily used on the spinal but can be used on other joints like the shoulder & knee. It does the same thing as a manual adjustment (“the popping and cracking”) but without the “popping and cracking”. It is considered safer as it doesn’t involve large or rotary movements. I sometimes describe it as the “low dose” and a manual adjustment is a “high dose”. It can be used if a manual adjustment is considered too risky (either by you, the patient, or by the practitioner) but can also be used due to patient preference or efficacy. For example, some people find a manual adjustment to be overstimulating but the activator is just right.

Dr Jessica at Movement Chiropractic treats people of all ages. Typically she sees young professionals and students through to retired grey nomads (16 - 80 years old). However, she’s more than happy to help the younger age groups, particularly when they start school and face the demands of heavy backpacks and increased sitting.

Yes, Chiropractic in Australia is a 5 year double degree with a 3 year Bachelor of Applied Science in Complementary Medicine and a 2 year Masters of Clinical Chiropractic. The course is science and evidence based, covering topics like anatomy, physiology, neurology and radiology.

Yes, Chiropractors are regulated by AHPRA, the same body that regulates doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and osteopaths.

Appointment times are reserved specifically for you. If you need to cancel or reschedule, we kindly ask for at least 4 hours’ notice so the appointment can be offered to another patient.

A $30 fee may apply for missed appointments or late cancellations. Dr Jess understands that unforeseen circumstances arise and, when communicated, this fee will often be waived.

If you have a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan, you will need your referral letter, physical medicare card and physical debit card.

If you have private health insurance, you will need your insurance card (physical or app on your phone) and debit card (physical or on phone).

Please also bring any relevant images/scans and their reports. You may also choose to email these through to Dr Jess prior to your appointment. The same can be done for your patient intake forms and health questionnaires.

There is a lot of overlap between the 3 professions these days. You may find a Chiro that practices more like a Physio or an Osteo that works more like a Chiro. It’s essential to find a practitioner that works for you, regardless of their title.

Typically Physiotherapists working in private practice on the musculoskeletal system are your exercise prescribers. Usually their visits are 30–45 minutes. Osteopaths focus on mobilisation and circulation. Their visits are usually 20–30 minutes. Chiropractors are typically known for “adjustments” which are fast movements of your joints that influence the musculoskeletal system AND nervous system. Their visits are usually 5–20 minutes.

Dr Jess practices like a cross between the three professions. She incorporates massage, mobilisation and exercise prescription (things you’d see with physio and osteo) with the usual things you’d see from a Chiro (like adjustments and alignment techniques). Her standard visits range from 20 minutes to 45 minutes with the average being 30 minutes.