Chiropractors in Australia are a nationally registered and a regulated health care profession. Chiropractic is a drug and surgery free modality of treatment concerned with the diagnosis, management and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system; this includes the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health.
It is based on the teachings of Galen and Hippocrates and the premise that the body can respond appropriately to its environment provided that the nervous system is free of interference. This was further developed by Palmer which lead to a focus on the spinal column and its functioning.
In summary, chiropractors focus on the detection and correction of aberrant joint function, in particular the spine and its subsequent effect on how the nervous system controls and coordinates the body in response to its environment.
In Australia, chiropractors are educated in the University sector at an under-graduate and post-graduate level and there is a growing research and evidence base not only in Australia but through international federations.
As with other healthcare professions, there are internationally and nationally recognized standards of qualification to enable practice in Australia and this is part of the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme.
Chiropractors use a range of physical and low force methods to improve and normalise mechanical function of the body.
Chiropractors commonly call specific manipulative corrections adjustments”, and use the term “subluxation” for poorly functioning joint and associated structures when they create nerve irritation and stress.
At Marslen Chiropractic we use a wide variety of different methods in the care of spine, extremities, head and jaw.
These may include techniques from different methods such as Gonstead, Diversified, Thompson and Activator techniques, Applied Kinesiology, Neural Organisation Technique, Soft tissue therapies, Rehabilitative Exercise and taping regimes to name a few.
In Chiropractic there are thousands of physical procedures grouped in to several hundred different methods. How you are cared for will depend on your condition, your preferences and the skills of the practitioner.
An evidence based approach is important. A large part of Chiropractic care (just like in dentistry and surgery) focusses on the art and skill of delivering specific physical treatment.
We provide patient-centered care and will seek to work in partnership with you. Good clinical decision making takes account of patients’ preferences and values, clinicians values and experiences to provide treatment that maximises benefit with minimum risk of harm.
This includes referral to other healthcare providers when indicated to ensure the best and most appropriate treatment and health outcome.
It is not uncommon to see evidence of spinal imbalance in infants and children. In infant’s signs may include altered head shape, increased or decreased muscle tone, poor feeding and sleep, irritability.
In older children we may see poor posture and altered body movement patterns, headache, spinal and other joint pain, poor balance, concentration and clumsiness.
There are many reasons for why an infant and child may benefit from chiropractic care. Signs and symptoms like those listed may also have a variety of causes, affecting chiropractic management, co-management or referral to other practitioners.
Our senior chiropractors have been involved in the care of infants and children for many years and our chiropractors regularly participate in further education in post graduate chiropractic pediatric education.
Chiropractic care of infants and young children involves the use of specific gentle techniques.
Chiropractors are educated to modify spinal manual therapy to suit the age and presenting condition of a patient.
Chiropractors are registered by the Chiropractic Board of Australia and like all other registered health care providers, must adhere to National Law and profession specific codes of conduct and guidelines.
Chiropractic care is delivered by university educated, regulated healthcare professionals. There is high expressed satisfaction by people seeing Chiropractors. The profession is committed to ensuring evidence informed care is provided to patients.
Chiropractors are recognized as primary community based health practitioners.
There are 4 universities in Australia and many worldwide offering Chiropractic programs. Chiropractors in Australia undergo 5 years of university education, followed by post graduate clinical training in areas as diverse as pediatrics, neurology, orthopedics, radiology and sports. Medical referral is not necessary to see a chiropractor.
Chiropractors, medical doctors and other health care professionals will often work as a team to plan and manage your health needs.
Our caring team is dedicated to helping you find you find solutions, call us today 08 9371 7633