Gonstead chiropractic
Our vision is to provide you with exceptional chiropractic care through individualised treatment. Our chiropractor utilises the Gonstead chiropractic technique to assist you with a wide variety of neuro-musculoskeletal symptoms, including but not limited to:
--> Back pain
--> Neck pain
--> Improved flexibility and increased mobility
--> Sciatica and nerve pain
--> Scoliosis pain management
--> Headaches and Migraines
--> Shoulder pain, impingement and dysfunction
--> Joint pain and dysfunction
Who is this service for:
What to expect on your first visit
Your first appointment with us starts off by us taking your history with the aim to get background information about your complaint(s), before a thorough physical assessment where we try to identify your strengths and weaknesses. We will then go through all our findings with you before your treatment. Treatment on the first visit could include chiropractic adjustment(s) and/or joint mobilisation, muscle release, exercise prescription, advice and more. We might refer you out for x-rays if it is clinically indicated. The initial consultation is scheduled for 60 minutes.
After your first visit
You will receive a document, via email, that will include our main findings, your prognosis, treatment plan, and exercises/advice.
Follow-up visits
Your second appointment and onwards will include a brief history taking, before we start treatment. Since we have already identified the cause of your complaint and made a treatment plan, this appointment is scheduled for 20 minutes.
In between visits (and/or after your last visit with us)
We expect that our patients take an active role in rehabilitating their injuries/complaints. When you are not being treated by us we hope that you follow our advice and prescribed exercises. You can find additional information that might aid your healing on our social media, our email newsletter, or simply contacting us if you have any questions.
Bike fits
Our Melbourne based bike fitting clinic strive to combine our knowledge about human performance and cycling to give you the best possible bike fitting experience. We provide a professional one-on-one fitting experience to make your riding more enjoyable and efficient. We believe that you will ride more often and longer if you feel comfortable on your bike. In addition, we strive to make you faster through a more aerodynamic position and a more efficient pedal stroke.
1. Performance bike fit
The main objective of this session is to make you comfortable, faster and more efficient on the bike. We will take a detailed look at all the contact points (saddle, handlebar and pedals) as well as finding ways to make you more efficient and aerodynamic on the bike. From here we will analyse and make adjustments to find which position is more efficient. Please choose this service if you are getting your triathlon/TT bike fitted. All adjustments will be performed on your own bike. This service includes a pdf. with all your measurements, and a complimentary follow up.
Who is this service for?
What do I need to bring?
Please bring your bike and all your normal cycling equipment such as shoes, insoles/orthotics, bibs and jersey, gloves etc. Please email us (prior to your appointment) any scans (MRI, X-rays etc.) or reports that might be relevant to your cycling (if applicable).
2. Essential bike fit
The main objective of this session is to make you comfortable and confident on the bike. We will take a detailed look at all the contact points (saddle, handlebar and pedal), as well as give you tips and tricks on how you can get more out of your riding. All adjustments will be performed on your own bike. This service is ideal if you are new to cycling and/or would like a "quick tune-up" of your second bike or commuter bike.
Who is this service for?
What do I need to bring?
Please bring your bike and all your normal cycling equipment such as shoes, insoles/orthotics, bibs and jersey, gloves etc.
3. Follow up bike fit
This service is for anyone that has already had a bike fit with us (on the same bike), and is complimentary if you have already had a bike fit with us within the last 12 months (Essential bike fit excluded).
PS: Please select "Performance" or "Essential bike fit" if you need to have your second (or third) bike fitted by us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can chiropractic help me?
Chiropractic care can be of benefit to many people suffering pain and dysfunction. Shall a problem be diagnosed, chiropractic adjustments may help. The degree of response can vary due to time the condition has existed, the lifestyle of the patient and one's compliance to care recommendations.
Does the adjustment hurt?
Typically, no. We take every measure to deliver a gentle and effective adjustment. If one is experiencing a high degree of pain, such as an acute episode, simply touching the spine may hurt. In these situations, your chiropractic doctor may apply ice for up to 15 minutes to reduce any discomfort that may occur during the procedure.
Do you only treat cyclists?
No, we help all people at our Kensington chiropractic clinic.
How many adjustments do I need?
It is difficult to predict exactly how many visits a new patient will need to resolve their initial complaint because each individual's injury and healing response is generally different. Experience allows us to give each patient an estimate on how long their recovery may take after the initial exam. We have a much clearer picture after 2-3 visits.
Does everyone need x-rays?
Not all patients require an x-ray before commencing care. Our chiropractors assess each case on an individual basis to determine whether an x-ray is necessary. Factors increasing the likelihood of requiring x-rays include previous history of trauma to the spine, chronic problems, signs of nerve irritation, arthritis, and history of serious illness.
I'm a new patient looking for treatment for my back pain but also looking for a bike fit. Which service would suit me?
We recommend that you book in for a chiropractic initial consultation first. This way we can assess your injury/complaint before recommending you a bike fit. Please call us or send us an email if you specific questions regarding your complaint.
Who can be checked for chiropractic problems?
Anyone from infants to the elderly may carry problems that can benefit from chiropractic care. A thorough history and examination will determine if you are a suitable candidate for chiropractic care. There is a common concern among parents who might think their children will receive similar force adjustments to the ones they received. Firstly, a chiropractic examination is required to determine if a spinal dysfunction is involved.
Can I use my private health insurance at your clinic?
Our practice has onsite private health insurance (HICAP’s) claiming available. If you have Chiropractic cover, we will scan your card on the day of your appointment ensuring you receive your allocated cover. Fee coverage depends on your insurance, but commonly is between 40-70%. The remaining can be paid via EFTPOS or cash.
Is chiropractic safe?
Like many procedures in health there is also risk with the application of chiropractic. Chiropractors are trained to mitigate risk with thorough history taking, detailed examination and appropriate technique selection for the individual.
What is that cracking sound?
Joints are highly pressurised. During adjustment, joint surfaces slightly move, allowing for nitrogen gas to escape from an area of high to low pressure. This sudden movement of gas results in a unique sound that can be heard.
Isn't some back pain normal?
Pain of any kind, at any age, is a sign that something isn't right. Pain is the way your body signals that a limit has been reached or a problem has developed. Since we can adapt, minor aches and pains are often shrugged off. While they may go away, if the underlying problem remains unattended, the problem can slowly worsen until it becomes more difficult to resolve.
Do you support CDA, DVA, TCA and/or WorkCover?
The short answer is yes. We support most government supported care solutions, including Chronic Disease Management Plan (Medicare), Transport Accident Commision (TAC), Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA), and WorkSafe Victoria. You can read more about the different types below:
1. Chronic Disease Management Plan (Medicare)
The CDM plan is a Medicare initiative to assist individuals suffering chronic problems with or without associated problems. This initiative provides recipients with up to five allied health consultations per calendar year, with fees generally covered by Medicare. In the event that the Medicare coverage does not meet the specific practitioner fee, the practitioner may or may not charge the recipient a gap payment for the consultation. If you feel you may be eligible for a CDM plan, please speak with your Chiropractor at the time of your next consultation.
2. Transport Accident Commission (TAC)
If you have suffered an injury following an accident you may be eligible for TAC coverage. Firstly, you will need to lodge a claim with the TAC, once approved your practitioner may assist you in your recovery. Forward Chiropractic takes the hassle out of your TAC Chiropractic claim by assisting you with all relevant paperwork, documents and forms.
3. Department Of Veteran Affairs (DVA)
All individuals with a gold or white DVA card are eligible to receive DVA funded chiropractic care. Your chiropractor will perform a thorough assessment, and recommend a specific treatment plan for your needs. There is no need for you to pay for your consultations as our staff will directly bill DVA, ensuring your treatment with us is completely hassle free.
4. Work Cover
If you have become injured or incapacitated during your occupational activities you may be eligible for Work Cover chiropractic services. This initiative is simple to follow, initially it is important for you to register your claim. WorkSafe Victoria will assess your claim and if deemed successful you may consult with a practitioner who will assist you with prompt return to your working environment. It is important during your treatment schedule to keep record of all certificates, documents provided by your employer or practitioner as well as providing your employer with specific treatment expenses.
What if my problem does not require chiropractic?
Being a primary contact practitioner your chiropractor will know when to refer you to another appropriate provider. Chiropractors are trained in organ systems diagnosis along with musculoskeletal diagnosis and are trained under what circumstances to refer accordingly.
