Chiropractic and Podiatry FAQs
What is Chiropractic care?
Chiropractors are primary health care practitioners who focus on diagnosis, treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal conditions. With a focus on spinal care, Chiropractors may also provide care for extremities (shoulders, knee, hips etc), neurological conditions and general health and lifestyle.
Chiropractors primarily provide care through a range of techniques that involve joint manipulation and soft tissue therapies. They also study exercise prescription and nutrition.
How are Chiropractor’s educated?
In Western Australia, Chiropractors study at University for 5 years to complete a double Bachelor degree. Chiropractors are then registered under the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. Chiropractor’s are regulated by the same professional body that regulates nurses, GPs and other health care practitioners.
How will my appointment run?
Your initial appointment: approximately an hour.
During this appointment Kathryn will undertake a thorough medical history and physical exam. After this a working diagnosis will be established and discussed with you. A care plan and commencement of treatment if appropriate will also provided. If deemed necessary Kathryn may refer you for X-ray examination at a bulk billing radiological clinic. With your permission Kathryn may request to liaise with your GP or other health care providers.
Standard Appointment: 20 mins
After your initial consult, standard appointments may be booked. During this appointment a combination of spinal adjustments and soft tissue care may be provided. Exercises may also be prescribed.
What Chiropractic techniques do we use?
Kathryn’s care is often described as unique by her patients. Some of this care includes the following techniques:
Activator Methods technique:
A low force hand-held spring loaded device that provides a quick shallow thrust to the joint.
Neuromechanical technique:
Impulse IQ is an instrument that provides multiple fast thrusts to a dysfunctional joint at the ideal frequency to increase joint motion. It has auto sense technology that senses when the joint mobility has maximized.
Flexion/Distraction technique:
A gentle form of managing lumbar spine (low back) injuries. In particular, Lumbar Disc injuries. Our unique table flexes gently moving the joints passively to provide gentle traction. A favourite of patients.
The above techniques may provide low force treatment of spinal injuries without the “cracking” or “crunching” often associated with chiropractic care.
Other forms of treatment include drop piece and manual diversified.
Soft tissue techniques:
IASTM: This involves using a stainless-steel instrument over muscles and tendons. The instrument helps break down adhesions in the fascia and scar tissue. It may be of benefit for tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, lymphatic drainage, circulation and chronic muscular conditions, such as rotator cuff injuries.
Dry Needling:
ART: Active release technique involves applying pressure to muscular adhesions while stretching and moving the muscle at the same time.
Kinesiotaping: A specialised tape is applied to inhibit or activate muscles. This may promote healing and lymphatic drainage. Popular amongst athletes, this tape may provide support without restricting movement.
Physitrack: Physitrack is a free app that we use to provide exercise prescription. Simply download the app onto your phone, input a code and your personalised program will be accessible in the form of easy to follow videos.