Frequently Asked Questions
Get the knowledge you need to get and stay healthy
Looking for more information about chiropractic, massage therapy, physiotherapy or about Active Back Care? Read on for answers to our most frequently asked questions, or contact us if you don’t see the information you need.
About our clinic
We set the bar far above what we see in most other chiropractic, massage or physiotherapy practices. From the caliber of our practitioners and support staff to our ongoing training and interdisciplinary approach, we are always aiming to do better. Read more about what makes us different and why our clients choose us.
Yes, we do! Our practitioners are recognized and registered with all the private health funds. We provide the HiCaps system, which allows you to make your claims on the spot so you only have to pay the gap at the time of your session. The major health funds
participating in this service are MBF, Medibank Private, HCF, NIB, BUPA, CBA Health Fund, NRMA, Teachers’ Health Fund, and more.
We can also accept workers’ compensation, third party insurance, Department of Veteran Affairs claims and Medicare EPC referrals.
We accept payment via cash, VISA, MasterCard, and Debit Cards and our clinic Gift Certificates (they make great gifts!).
Chiropractic
Chiropractic care is a widely accepted form of health care that focuses on the health and function of the spine and nervous system. It is based on the biomechanical study of the spine and pelvis. It aims to correct and maintain spinal joint and pelvic alignment to enhance function and help prevent stress and degeneration of spinal joints, spinal discs, muscles and
ligaments. This helps reduce back pain, neck pain and headaches.
Chiropractic also incorporates a detailed understanding of the nervous system and how it can be affected by problems in the spine. With this knowledge, Chiropractic can help to improve your balance, posture and musculoskeletal pain. It can also have a positive effect on your overall health and well being.
The overall goal of chiropractic care is to optimize the position and movement of the spine to ensure balanced weight bearing and posture. This helps reduce stress and wear and tear on spinal tissue such as joints, discs, muscles and ligaments. This also reduces irritation to the nervous system. As a result, the body will be able to perform at its best and be better able to fight off damage, sickness and disease. To achieve this, chiropractors use careful spinal adjusting techniques to correct spinal joint dysfunction.
No. After evaluating your physical condition, your Chiropractor will apply a customized treatment tailored to your needs. Each session will build on the benefit of previous sessions to help you progress effectively. No two courses of care are alike.
Yes. Chiropractic care has a long record of safe and successful outcomes. It is a widely accepted health care practice that has been proven by medical and scientific research to be safe and effective. It is utilized by thousands of people around the world including elite athletes to optimize their performance. As a natural health care, chiropractic care does not use drugs or invasive surgeries.
Absolutely. Our chiropractors treat many pregnant women. In fact, chiropractic techniques have been shown to help ensure an easier labor and delivery. All treatments are customized to meet the needs and physical condition of the patient.
Chiropractors are not medical doctors. However, Chiropractors are legally entitled to use the term“Dr” (Chiropractor). All of our Chiropractors have completed a 5 year university degree and taken comprehensive board examinations. They are licensed and certified to practice in Australia and regularly pursue ongoing education to stay abreast of the latest advances in technology and treatment.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy encompasses the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of injuries, disabilities, and other physical impairments. A widely accepted practice, physiotherapy uses a range of targeted therapeutic exercises to increase range of movement, reduce pain, and restore full functioning of the impaired area.
No. However, workers’ compensation or third party insurance companies may require a referral before approving coverage of your physiotherapy fees.
Many health insurance companies do approve reimbursement for physiotherapy fees. We recommend that you check with your provider before seeking physiotherapy to determine whether you have coverage, what fees are covered, and whether any deductibles apply.
During your first session, your physiotherapist will begin by discussing your medical history, current physical condition, areas of concern, and your goals for your therapy. He or she will then conduct a physical examination of the affected area. If necessary, tests will be performed to obtain a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Everybody is different but, in most cases, minor to moderate pain will generally respond with notable relief in one to four sessions. Rehabilitation may take longer when injuries are severe or long-standing, or the patient’s lifestyle is not conducive to proper healing, or the afflictions are caused by a serious disease, trauma, or neurological impairment. Even when positive results are experienced, that doesn’t mean treatment should be stopped, as each physiotherapy session builds upon the progress of the previous one.
At Active Back Care, we believe that physiotherapy is most effective when paired with massage therapy. While physiotherapy focuses on joints and musculoskeletal components, massage therapy helps to reduce strain and tension of the muscles. Massage can increase the effectiveness of physiotherapy by reducing swelling, tightness, and scar tissue around the injured area.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy has numerous health benefits, some of which have been proven in research studies and some of which remain anecdotal. Everyone responds differently to massage, so you’ll have to try it for yourself to see what it does for you. In our experience, clients who receive massage report improvements that include:
- Pain reduction
- Increased energy
- Improved range of movement
- Enhanced immunity
- Reduced swelling
- Improved circulation
- Greater sense of emotional and physical balance
- Less stress
- Reduced anxiety
- Sharper concentration
- Improved digestion
- Better posture
- Enhanced sense of overall well-being
Please see What to Expect for all the details about finding our clinic, meeting your massage therapist, and enjoying your first massage.
Details of your medical history can be very helpful in allowing your therapist to customize the massage to your unique needs. If you have any aches, pains, strains, or injuries, discuss them with your therapist. The same goes for allergies or sensitivities to massage oils.
Certain prescriptions and injuries are contraindicated with massage. We also need to know if you are or might be pregnant or if you’ve had any recent accidents or surgeries. We’ll cover these questions and others on our intake form, which your massage therapist will carefully review before beginning your session. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please make sure to raise them when you meet your therapist.
For most types of massage, you shouldn’t feel any soreness after your session. However, you may feel a certain awareness of your body. Areas that were especially tense or strained may feel sensitive, but pain is not the norm after a massage. We recommend drinking plenty of water and taking it easy for the first two or three days after your session.
We recommend that you undress to your underpants, but you can remove or wear whatever clothes make you comfortable during your session. While your therapist is in the room, you will be draped with sheets and/or towels to maintain your privacy and comfort.
Only the area being massaged will be uncovered, and private areas remain draped at all times. We recommend that any clothing you plan to leave on during your massage is comfortable and unrestrictive. Jewelry should be removed at the start of your session.
You make the choice of whether to talk with your therapist or just relax in silence during your session. Some clients prefer total quiet, while others like to maintain a dialogue with the massage therapist about their pain tolerance and sensations during the treatment. Your therapist will usually not initiate conversation, but feel free to ask any questions during the session or request a change in pressure, room temperature, or ambient music. If you are coming to see us for sports massage or remedial massage, dialogue is helpful in adjusting our treatment to suit your comfort level and pain threshold.
It’s usually a good idea to eat lightly before a massage, but there’s no need for you to fast or eat differently than normal on the day of your appointment. You’re likely to feel hungry after a massage, though, so it’s a good idea to plan to eat a ubstantial meal shortly after your session.
It’s important to honor your body’s needs, but we generally require at least 24 hours notice to reschedule an appointment without charging for a missed session. Please contact us immediately if you feel you may need to cancel or change your appointment time. We recommend that you reschedule if you are experiencing nausea, dizziness, fever, chest pains, or if you suspect you may be contagious.
Each of our massage therapists joins our team with existing skills and certifications in one or more massage techniques. In addition, we offer continuing education and reviews to ensure that our therapists maintain and expand their skills to serve you better.
Yes, we have both male and female massage therapists, though not necessarily in every type of massage. Please inform us of your preference (if you have one) while booking your session. We will always do our best to accommodate you, based on the availability of our therapists and the type of massage you select.