We answer our Subiaco community’s most frequently asked questions
If you can’t find an answer to your query, contact us directly and we’ll happily give you all the information you need.
What does a chiropractor do on first visit?
Every chiropractor’s first visit process varies both in their approach to diagnosis and in their areas of focus or expertise. On arrival at Vivify Health & Chiropractic, you’ll be asked to fill a health history form on our iPad if you’ve not already completed one online prior (a printed version is available if preferred).
We then conduct a full health examination starting by talking through the questionnaire, followed by manual ‘palpation’ (examination by gentle manual pressure) along the spine and any related areas of concern. We identify issues with the spine, joints, bones, tendons and ligaments via orthopaedic examinations, including range-of-motion testing. We also assess nerve function by testing your reflexes, sensation and muscle activation in areas where numbness may be present.
We often get asked “Will I get adjusted on my first visit?”
There are occasions where we do adjust on first visit, but it depends on several factors, including your diagnosis, the severity of your presenting issues and whether we need to see X-rays, whether you’ve had chiropractic care before and when your last adjustment was.
We then conduct a full health examination starting by talking through the questionnaire, followed by manual ‘palpation’ (examination by gentle manual pressure) along the spine and any related areas of concern. We identify issues with the spine, joints, bones, tendons and ligaments via orthopaedic examinations, including range-of-motion testing. We also assess nerve function by testing your reflexes, sensation and muscle activation in areas where numbness may be present.
We often get asked “Will I get adjusted on my first visit?”
There are occasions where we do adjust on first visit, but it depends on several factors, including your diagnosis, the severity of your presenting issues and whether we need to see X-rays, whether you’ve had chiropractic care before and when your last adjustment was.
Will I need X-rays before I get treated?
Not always. If you already have spinal X-rays that are less than 5 years old, please bring them on your first visit. If not, we may refer you to our preferred radiologist for low or micro dose images of your entire skeletal composition.
There are times when we won’t need X-rays prior to an adjustment but this depends on the results of your initial health examination and our assessment on the day.
There are times when we won’t need X-rays prior to an adjustment but this depends on the results of your initial health examination and our assessment on the day.
How often should you see a chiropractor?
Visitation frequency depends on a few things: the degree of correction needed to rectify your condition, how long the condition has been limiting movement or causing pain, or if you’re in good health and simply wish to maintain a healthy spine and nervous system for preventative measures.
If you’re in acute pain, frequency is higher initially then tapers off as you make progress. If you’re coming for maintenance it could be anywhere from once a fortnight to once every 4-6 weeks. Our focus is on efficiency, which means that we don’t over-prescribe treatment AND we get maximum results from every visit.
If you’re in acute pain, frequency is higher initially then tapers off as you make progress. If you’re coming for maintenance it could be anywhere from once a fortnight to once every 4-6 weeks. Our focus is on efficiency, which means that we don’t over-prescribe treatment AND we get maximum results from every visit.
How do you find a good chiropractor in Perth?
We have a 90% word-of-mouth patient referral rate at Vivify Health & Chiropractic. There are some excellent chiropractors in Perth who you may not find easily online, so we encourage research and conversation with your community to obtain first-hand endorsements.
Also, it depends on whether you need a chiropractor who specialises in a certain area. Please read about Dr Iain Hennessy, whose expertise in human biomechanical movement and exercise science has benefitted hundreds of active Perth people and beyond.
Also, it depends on whether you need a chiropractor who specialises in a certain area. Please read about Dr Iain Hennessy, whose expertise in human biomechanical movement and exercise science has benefitted hundreds of active Perth people and beyond.
How much does chiropractic at Vivify cost?
Our visitation fees are:
Initial visit – $120Second visit – $80 Regular visit – $60 (15 mins)Extended visit – $80 (30 mins)
The HICAPS facility is available to you if you have private health insurance. Please check with your provider if you wish to know the amount they cover per chiropractic visit prior to your arrival at Vivify.
Initial visit – $120Second visit – $80 Regular visit – $60 (15 mins)Extended visit – $80 (30 mins)
The HICAPS facility is available to you if you have private health insurance. Please check with your provider if you wish to know the amount they cover per chiropractic visit prior to your arrival at Vivify.
Can a chiropractor help with neck and shoulder pain?
Yes. Chiropractors regularly deal with examination and treatment of the entire spine, including the cervical vertebrae in the neck and the emanating nerves housed by the spine.
Shoulder pain can occur as a result of misalignment of the neck vertebrae, which start to add pressure to the nerves. Over time this pressure can result in varying degrees of shoulder pain, including acute conditions. Correcting misalignments in the neck ease this pressure and thus the resulting pain.
Shoulder pain can occur as a result of misalignment of the neck vertebrae, which start to add pressure to the nerves. Over time this pressure can result in varying degrees of shoulder pain, including acute conditions. Correcting misalignments in the neck ease this pressure and thus the resulting pain.
Can a chiropractor help with whiplash?
Yes. Whiplash occurs following sudden movements with velocity forward and back, which can leave the neck sore, swollen and tender. We treat whiplash with great care and a full understanding of the incident and a complete examination prior. Any treatment applied is considerate of pain levels and restriction of movement.
Even if you’re not experiencing pain after an incident where your neck is forced backward and forward quickly, we always recommend being checked by a chiropractor as well as your usual health practitioner. A chiropractor’s analysis and treatment will offer you greater peace of mind as they are experts in understanding and treating the intricate structures surrounding the neck and spine.
*If you see your GP and require an allied health referral for incident compensation, simply request your choice of chiropractor through them. We accept compensation cases and are only too willing to help you recover quickly, so please let us know if you need assistance.
Even if you’re not experiencing pain after an incident where your neck is forced backward and forward quickly, we always recommend being checked by a chiropractor as well as your usual health practitioner. A chiropractor’s analysis and treatment will offer you greater peace of mind as they are experts in understanding and treating the intricate structures surrounding the neck and spine.
*If you see your GP and require an allied health referral for incident compensation, simply request your choice of chiropractor through them. We accept compensation cases and are only too willing to help you recover quickly, so please let us know if you need assistance.
Is chiropractic care safe?
Yes. The chiropractic discipline is non-invasive and has been successfully administered to patients worldwide for over 130 years with minimal risk. Various techniques are used depending on the presenting issue and the patient’s consent or degree of comfort with the recommended technique.
Manual adjustments to the neck and spine are always low force, requiring great skill and comprehensive diagnostic processes prior to performing the adjustment. Chiropractors are qualified doctors with extensive education in analysing and correcting spinal dysfunctions, which is why high-quality chiropractic care is a valid and verified option for correcting spinal issues.
Manual adjustments to the neck and spine are always low force, requiring great skill and comprehensive diagnostic processes prior to performing the adjustment. Chiropractors are qualified doctors with extensive education in analysing and correcting spinal dysfunctions, which is why high-quality chiropractic care is a valid and verified option for correcting spinal issues.
Does a chiropractic adjustment hurt?
They don’t, but it can depend on the technique we’re using, the degree of pain you’re in and also your own tolerance or interpretation of pain. Every factor and concern is considered before we adjust you.
The adjustment is very quick and serves to release pressure and increase mobility in the joints, so all you’ll experience is a split second of discomfort (if any—adjustments can be enjoyable!).
If you’re concerned about the ‘cracking’ sound, don’t be. The noise is a result of gas being released from synovial fluid (fluid within the joint), which allows joints to move with minimal friction. No harm is caused to the joint as a result of the sound.
The adjustment is very quick and serves to release pressure and increase mobility in the joints, so all you’ll experience is a split second of discomfort (if any—adjustments can be enjoyable!).
If you’re concerned about the ‘cracking’ sound, don’t be. The noise is a result of gas being released from synovial fluid (fluid within the joint), which allows joints to move with minimal friction. No harm is caused to the joint as a result of the sound.
Why do chiropractors take X-rays?
X-rays help us to determine the most appropriate care for you based on your initial health examination findings. They will reveal any contraindications or areas of concern while also confirming our examination findings, which leads us to the most appropriate treatment recommendations.
We use EOS imaging—of which the radiation dose is reduced by between 9 and 45 times less than conventional imaging. EOS also gives a full picture of the entire skeleton during weight-bearing, which helps with accuracy of treatment recommendations. If you are pregnant or have contraindications, we don’t recommend X-rays.
We use EOS imaging—of which the radiation dose is reduced by between 9 and 45 times less than conventional imaging. EOS also gives a full picture of the entire skeleton during weight-bearing, which helps with accuracy of treatment recommendations. If you are pregnant or have contraindications, we don’t recommend X-rays.
Can I claim chiropractic care on my health insurance?
Yes, we have the HICAPS facility and can process your claim on the day. We’re unable to backdate claims however, so please bring your card on the day of your appointment.
Health insurance funds vary as to what and how much they cover, so if you’d like those details prior to visiting us please contact your provider.
Health insurance funds vary as to what and how much they cover, so if you’d like those details prior to visiting us please contact your provider.
Will I have to come for the rest of my life once I start care?
Ever heard of the term ‘prehab vs. rehab’? In chiropractic, this refers more to a health management mindset, and either way is a valid approach.
When you initially start care, you may be in considerable pain, unable to live life as usual. We set you on a care plan to get you back to life as quickly as possible. Once you’re back in motion, you may wish to cease chiropractic care, then return if the pain returns. This is a rehab approach.
Some people choose regular chiropractic care beyond recovery from an acute condition or injury. This is a preventative measure that entails regular visitation of between once a fortnight to once every 4 to 6 weeks for ‘vehicle maintenance’.
This is the ‘prehab’ approach and best if you want to prevent pain or injury from occurring again. The prehab approach also keeps the spinal cord and nervous system in its best condition, which improves general body health and function.
Whichever you choose is up to you.
When you initially start care, you may be in considerable pain, unable to live life as usual. We set you on a care plan to get you back to life as quickly as possible. Once you’re back in motion, you may wish to cease chiropractic care, then return if the pain returns. This is a rehab approach.
Some people choose regular chiropractic care beyond recovery from an acute condition or injury. This is a preventative measure that entails regular visitation of between once a fortnight to once every 4 to 6 weeks for ‘vehicle maintenance’.
This is the ‘prehab’ approach and best if you want to prevent pain or injury from occurring again. The prehab approach also keeps the spinal cord and nervous system in its best condition, which improves general body health and function.
Whichever you choose is up to you.
Are chiropractors good for herniated discs?
Yes. We know how excruciating a herniated disc can be, and we understand your reservations about any practitioner applying pressure in painful areas.
Please rest assured, we use gentler techniques for such conditions and work within your pain threshold.
Once you’ve moved beyond the acute phase, we might recommend inversion traction, which stretches the spine against gravity as you ‘hang’ upside-down. This creates great relief and fluid movement through the spinal discs, which aid in speedier recovery. Read more about it on our chiropractic services page.
Please rest assured, we use gentler techniques for such conditions and work within your pain threshold.
Once you’ve moved beyond the acute phase, we might recommend inversion traction, which stretches the spine against gravity as you ‘hang’ upside-down. This creates great relief and fluid movement through the spinal discs, which aid in speedier recovery. Read more about it on our chiropractic services page.
I have a chronic condition. Is there a scheme that can help me financially?
Yes. The EPC (Enhanced Primary Care) scheme is a program whereby patients with chronic conditions can access up to 5 visits per year with allied health practitioners, including chiropractors, via referral from their GP. We accept and treat patients under the EPC scheme and process the fees through Medicare so there is no upfront fee to our patients.
For information on bookings, the link below will take you to our bookings portal where you can view and select your preferred day and time.