FAQs

A chiropractor is a government-registered health professional who assesses, diagnoses and manages conditions affecting the spine, joints, muscles and nervous system. At Wellbeing Chiropractic, chiropractic care may include spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, mobilisation, exercise prescription and lifestyle advice. Chiropractors in Australia complete a minimum five years of university study and are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Chiropractic care is widely considered a safe, non-invasive and drug-free approach to managing musculoskeletal conditions when performed by a registered practitioner. All Wellbeing Chiropractic practitioners are AHPRA-registered and complete a thorough health history and physical examination before recommending any care. As with any health treatment, your chiropractor will discuss potential risks and benefits with you so you can make an informed decision.

Chiropractors commonly assist people experiencing lower back pain, neck pain, certain types of headache, sciatica-type leg pain, postural complaints, joint stiffness and muscle tension. Research supports chiropractic care, including spinal manipulation, as one option for managing many musculoskeletal conditions. During your initial consultation, your chiropractor will assess whether care is appropriate for you, and refer you to another health professional if needed.

Both are AHPRA-registered allied health professionals who manage musculoskeletal conditions. Chiropractors focus strongly on spinal and joint function and commonly use manual adjustments alongside soft tissue work and exercise. Physiotherapists often emphasise exercise-based rehabilitation. There is overlap between the two, and the right choice depends on your condition and preferences. Many patients use both at different stages of care. Read our full chiropractor vs osteopath vs physiotherapist comparison.

Most patients find adjustments comfortable, and many describe a sense of relief or ease afterwards. Some people experience mild, short-term soreness similar to the feeling after exercise, which typically settles within 24 to 48 hours. Your chiropractor will tailor techniques to your body, age and comfort level, and gentler low-force options are available if preferred.

The popping sound, called a cavitation, is simply gas being released from the fluid inside a joint as it moves, similar to the sound when you crack your knuckles. It is not bones cracking or rubbing. The sound itself is not a measure of whether an adjustment worked, and many effective techniques produce no sound at all.

Your first visit at Wellbeing Chiropractic includes a comprehensive health history, posture and movement assessment, orthopaedic and neurological testing where indicated, and a clear explanation of findings. If care is appropriate, your chiropractor will discuss a recommended plan with you before any treatment begins. Allow around 30 to 45 minutes for your initial consultation.

No. Chiropractors are primary healthcare practitioners in Australia, so you can book directly without a GP referral. The exception is if you wish to claim under a Medicare Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA), WorkCover or TAC, which require a referral or approval from your GP or insurer.

Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely, such as activewear or loose casual clothes. You will not usually need to undress. Avoid restrictive items like tight jeans or dresses if possible, as your chiropractor may assess your posture, gait and spinal movement during the consultation.

In many cases yes, if your assessment shows that care is safe and appropriate for you. However, your chiropractor may first recommend further investigation, such as imaging, or refer you to another health professional if your presentation requires it. Your safety and an accurate diagnosis always come before treatment.

Not always. X-rays are only recommended when clinically indicated, in line with current evidence-based imaging guidelines. Your chiropractor will only refer you for imaging if your history or examination suggests it is necessary for safe and accurate care. If you have recent scans, bring them or the reports to your first appointment. Learn more about X-rays and chiropractic care.

Chiropractic fees in Australia typically range from around $60 to $150 depending on the clinic, location and appointment type, with initial consultations usually priced higher than standard visits. Wellbeing Chiropractic offers transparent pricing and regular new patient offers. Contact your nearest clinic or book online to view current fees for your location.

Yes, in specific circumstances. Medicare covers up to five allied health visits per calendar year under a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, previously known as an EPC, arranged by your GP for eligible patients with chronic conditions. Outside a CDM plan, chiropractic is not covered by Medicare, but private health insurance extras may apply. Read our guides on Medicare and chiropractic and how to see a bulk billing chiropractor.

Yes. Most private health funds include chiropractic under extras cover. Wellbeing Chiropractic clinics offer HICAPS on-the-spot claiming, so you only pay the gap at your appointment. Your rebate amount depends on your fund and level of cover, so check with your insurer for details. See our full guide to private health insurance for chiropractic care.

Yes. Wellbeing Chiropractic accepts WorkCover, TAC (Victoria) and DVA patients at participating clinics. These schemes require approval or a referral, so bring your claim number and referral details to your first visit. Our team can help guide you through the paperwork.

It depends on your condition, how long you have had it, your age, lifestyle and goals. Some people notice improvement within a few visits, while longstanding conditions may take longer to respond. After your initial assessment, your chiropractor will outline a recommended care plan, explain the expected timeframe and review your progress regularly so care continues only while it is benefiting you.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Visit frequency is based on your individual assessment, condition and goals. Some patients attend more frequently during the initial stage of care, then less often as symptoms improve. Others choose periodic visits to support spinal health and mobility. Your chiropractor will recommend a schedule and adjust it based on your progress.

Research suggests chiropractic care, including spinal manipulation, may help some people with certain headache types, particularly cervicogenic headaches (headaches arising from the neck) and tension-type headaches. Outcomes vary between individuals. Your chiropractor will assess the likely cause of your headaches and discuss whether chiropractic care is appropriate, or refer you to your GP if another cause needs investigation. Learn more about chiropractic care for headaches and migraines.

Many people with sciatica-type pain, where pain radiates from the lower back into the buttock or leg, seek chiropractic care. Evidence supports spinal manipulation and exercise as options for managing some causes of sciatic-type symptoms. Your chiropractor will examine you to identify the likely source of the pain and create a plan suited to your presentation, referring on if needed. Learn more about sciatica and chiropractic care.

Many pregnant women seek chiropractic care for back pain, pelvic discomfort and postural changes during pregnancy. Our chiropractors use modified, gentle techniques and specialised positioning to keep you comfortable at every stage. Always let your chiropractor know you are pregnant so your care can be tailored appropriately, and speak with your obstetric care provider if you have questions.

Yes, children can see a chiropractor, and care is always modified to be gentle and age-appropriate. Australian chiropractors follow strict AHPRA guidelines regarding the care of children. Your chiropractor will complete a thorough assessment, explain findings to you as the parent or guardian, and refer to a GP or paediatric specialist whenever that is the right path for your child.

Stay gently active, drink water and avoid prolonged sitting or heavy lifting for the rest of the day where possible. Mild soreness can occur and usually settles within a day or two. Follow any specific exercise or posture advice your chiropractor gives you, as home care often plays a big role in how well you progress.

Wellbeing Chiropractic operates 50 clinic locations across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland, making us one of Australia's largest chiropractic networks. Use our clinic finder to locate your nearest Wellbeing Chiropractic, or browse all Victorian, New South Wales and Queensland clinics to view practitioner profiles, opening hours and available appointment times.

Many Wellbeing Chiropractic clinics offer Saturday appointments, and selected locations also offer extended weekday hours for before and after work visits. Opening hours vary by clinic, so check your local clinic page or book online to see real-time availability. We also offer late night chiropractic care at selected locations.

You can book online 24/7 through our website, where you can choose your clinic, practitioner and preferred time in real time. You can also call your local clinic directly during opening hours. New patients are welcome at all locations, and no referral is required.

Yes. Every chiropractor at Wellbeing Chiropractic is registered with the Chiropractic Board of Australia through AHPRA, holds a minimum five-year university qualification and completes ongoing professional development each year. Meet the team on our practitioner profiles page, or verify any practitioner's registration on the public AHPRA register.