What do chiropractors do?

You might visit a chiropractor for help with headache, injuries, joint stiffness, back and neck pain. 

These kinds of aches and pains can be caused by work, accidents, sport injuries, housework, and just the stress of daily living.

What does a chiropractor do?

Chiropractors are trained to diagnose, treat and prevent mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system. That includes bones, muscles and joints plus cartilage, tendons, ligaments and connective tissue. 

Chiropractic is primarily a manual therapy. Most chiropractors are highly trained at working on your joints - what a chiropractor calls an adjustment.

Some chiropractors, including those at Thrive Canberra, will also perform other manual therapy techniques, like soft tissue treatment. We can also give you exercises to help rehabilitate your injury and provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle advice.

The government agency AHPRA is the regulatory body for chiropractors. This is the same as physiotherapists, doctors, dentists, and psychologists. Chiropractors complete 5 years’ full-time study at university to become qualified. 

Chiropractors can work alongside your other health providers, including doctors, physiotherapists and exercise physiologists. This kind of teamwork can often get you better results.

Can a chiropractor help you?

Thrive Canberra’s chiropractors will tell you if you will benefit from our care. And if not, we’ll refer you to another health professional if we think they can serve you better. 

In many cases, such as lower back pain, chiropractic care may be your primary treatment. 

If your health condition needs to be co-managed with other health care professionals, we may complement or support medical treatment by focusing on your musculoskeletal system.

Chiropractic definition

Chiropractic means ‘done by hand’ and comes from the Greek words ‘cheir’ (hand) and ‘praktikos’ (done).

Chiropractors use their hands to examine and treat conditions related to bones, muscles, joints, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and connective tissue.

Are chiropractors doctors?

Chiropractors are entitled to use the title ‘Dr’ even though they are not registered medical doctors, like your GP. 

To avoid confusion, you will see that whenever we use the title ‘Dr’ for our chiropractors, it will clearly state their profession.

For example, Dr Sam Bettison (chiropractor).

You don’t need a referral to see a chiropractor

We are primary contact practitioners so you don’t need a referral to see a chiropractor at Thrive Canberra.

Having said that, if you are seeking treatment through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs or the Medicare Chronic Disease Management program, you will need a referral from your GP. 

Chiropractic treatments at Thrive Canberra

In addition to general chiropractic, each chiropractor at Thrive Canberra has their own area of focus:

Chiropractic diagnosis at Thrive Canberra

We use a range of methods to diagnose musculoskeletal problems. And we will determine if chiropractic treatment is appropriate for you. 

Our examinations are hands-on. They might include moving and feeling the joints and muscles around your pain. Or using special orthopaedic and neurological tests to check for specific problems, and looking at the way you move and your posture. If necessary, we might send you for imaging, such as x-rays or an MRI. 

For more information, read what to expect at Thrive Canberra.

How much does a chiropractor cost?

These are the consultation fees at Thrive Canberra:

  • Initial consult (up to one hour): $200

  • Standard consult (up to half an hour): $100

  • Short consultation (up to quarter of an hour): $60

  • Long consult (up to three quarters of an hour): $150

We have reduced fees for children under 5 years of age.  The fees are slightly higher concussion consultations, please contact us for more information. 

Can a chiropractor help you?

We’re here to help. Contact us or book an appointment at our clinic in Canberra.