Frequently Asked Questions
Get the knowledge you need to get and stay healthy
Looking for more information about the independent chiropractic, physiotherapy and massage therapy practitioners operating at Active Back Care? Read on for answers to the most frequently asked questions.
About
Active Back Care is dedicated to supporting the practitioners that operate independently yet co-locate on the same premises at Active Back Care.
Active Back Care aims to provide professional, modern and pleasant premises for these practitioners to operate from as well as supporting them with the latest in state of the art equipment and quality products so they can extend their best care and attention to their patients.
The independent practitioners at Active Back Care set the bar far above what is seen in most other chiropractic, massage or physiotherapy practices. Their dedication to customer service, and ongoing training is always aimed at doing better for their patients.
Yes, they do! The independent practitioners operating at Active Back Care are recognized and registered with all the private health funds. They 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.
They can also accept workers’ compensation, third party insurance, Department of Veteran Affairs claims and Medicare EPC referrals.
They will also accept payments via cash, VISA, MasterCard, and Debit Cards and Active Back Care 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. The independent Chiropractors operating at Active Back Care each have their own style and techniques of practice. Using their own techniques and what they feel is best for their patient, they will evaluate your physical condition and then create a customized treatment plan 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. The independent chiropractors operating at Active Back Care 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 the independent Chiropractors operating at Active Back Care 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. Each practitioner operates independently under their own volition and takes individual responsibility for their own care and treatments.
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. It is 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.
While physiotherapy focuses on joints and musculoskeletal components through some soft tissue releases, joint mobilization and exercises, massage therapy can help to further reduce strain and tension in muscles as well as boosting circulation and lymphatic drainage. 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 many instances people 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
Whether this is your very first massage or just your first time visiting one of the independent Massage therapists at Active Back Care, it is important you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare for your massage so you can feel comfortable and relaxed and get the most from your session.
It’s a good idea to plan to arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes before your massage is scheduled. This allows room for unexpected traffic delays and means you’re more likely to start your massage in a relaxed frame of mind, as opposed to arriving frazzled and stressed at the last minute. You’ll be asked to fill out a personal history form before your first visit, so allowing a few extra moments means you won’t lose any time from the massage itself. It is recommended that you wear loose-fitting clothes that will be comfortable to wear home and won’t be damaged by massage oils. Although the highest quality water based products are used by the massage therapists at Active Back Care, some of the oils may remain on the surface of your skin for several hours after your treatment.
Once you meet your massage therapist, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss the specifics of your treatment, including your goals for the massage and any specific preferences, including areas that you may wish them to avoid.
Your therapist will leave the room to allow you time to undress and get comfortable on the massage table before he or she returns, notifying you with a friendly knock before entering the room.
You can expect your massage therapist to begin gently and gradually increase the intensity of the massage, using a variety of techniques that may include stretching, kneading, gliding, friction, percussion, and myofascial release.
Throughout the process, your massage therapist will welcome your feedback. If at any time you feel discomfort or pain, he or she can adjust the techniques to suit your comfort level. If you feel chilled or too warm during your massage, your therapist can supply additional towels, or remove them as needed.
Although most people report feelings of wellness and relief from pain, you may also experience some discomfort or an adjustment period after a massage. Remember to be gentle with yourself for the next day or two, and drink plenty of water to help flush toxins and stimulate the release of tension from your body.
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. Your massage therapist will also need to know if you are or might be pregnant or if you’ve had any recent accidents or surgeries. They will cover these questions and others on their 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. Massage Therapists often recommend drinking plenty of water and taking it easy for the first two or three days after your session.
The independent massage therapists operating at Active Back Care normally recommend that you undress to your underpants, but they will be happy for you to 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. The massage therapists 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.
The independent massage therapists at Active Back Care are happy for you to make the choice of whether to talk with your therapist or just relax in silence during your session. Some of their patients 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 a massage therapist for sports massage or remedial massage, dialogue is helpful in adjusting their 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 substantial meal shortly after your session.
It’s important to honor your body’s needs, but your practitioner will generally require at least 24 hours notice to reschedule an appointment without charging for a missed session. Please contact your practitioner immediately if you feel you may need to cancel or change your appointment time.
It is recommend that you reschedule if you are experiencing nausea, dizziness, fever, chest pains, or if you suspect you may be contagious.
Each of the independent massage therapists operating at Active Back Care have their own unique skills and certifications in one or more massage techniques. They each hold membership with a recognized Australian Massage Association along with a minimum of a Diploma of Remedial Massage qualification which is recognized by all the major health funds for health fund rebates on their services. In addition, they are dedicated to continuing education and technique updates to ensure that they maintain and expand their skills to serve you better.
Yes. There are both male and female massage therapists operating independently at Active Back Care.