WONTHAGGI CHIROPRACTIC
& NATURAL HEALTH CENTRE
'Chiropractic works in harmony with the basic healing forces of the body'
WONTHAGGI CHIROPRACTIC
& NATURAL HEALTH CENTRE
'Chiropractic works in harmony with the basic healing forces of the body'
About Chiropractic Treatment & Natural Health
Dr. Neil Smith:
"Like medicine, chiropractic is evolving as we gain a greater scientific understanding of why it works. The original premise was that discomfort and pain was caused by a bone out of place, then it was thought to be due to aberrant movement of the the spinal joints and now we have come to see that it is also how the central nervous (brain) system is affected. It is all of the above and more as we will probably find as the years come to pass. There is no one significant or, successful form of treatment as all patients are individuals presenting with symptoms unique to them and therefore, are treated with this in mind. Because of the changes in the natural health sciences over the years, chiropractors now incorporate a variety of other modalities such as nutrition, laser, ultrasound, dry needling, acupuncture and much more. Chiropractic is suitable for newborn babies right up to people in old age with treatment modalities for any age and physical ability structured accordingly.
Thirty years ago I completed a nutritional diploma because it was obvious to me that the average person was not eating a healthy and nutritious diet. As a result people were experiencing a multitude of health problems. These were mainly due to deficiencies in essential nutrients or, an excess of sugar and fats in combination with a lack of physical exercise and activity. Now, thirty years later we know a lot more about the myriad of deficiencies that can occur and yet, our choice of a healthy and nutritious diet combined with sustainable physical activity has deteriorated even further. In a sense, we have lost our way within the myriad of maladies and poor health choices presented by western lifestyles, like, junk foods, adulterated foods, sedentary behaviours, anxieties and addictions." Chiropractic, dietary, natural and alternative treatments offer us relief from our afflictions and assist us to get back on track so that we may experience the well being we all aspire to."
Who and what are Chiropractors?
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 spinal function 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 recognised standards of qualification to enable practice in Australia and this is part of the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme.
What do Chiropractors do and how do they treat children?
Chiropractors provide patient-centred care and work in partnership with the consumers of chiropractic services. This includes using shared decision making through the informed consent process and using communication strategies that are tailored to the needs and preferences of the patient. 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.
The typical chiropractic care of infants and young children involves the use of low-force low-amplitude techniques in contrast to those used on the adult population that typically involve more high velocity, low-amplitude thrust in combination with a variety of low-force low-amplitude treatment procedures.
Published studies and reports through the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme show that chiropractic is a low risk health modality. While chiropractic treatment is generally considered safe, occasionally it may cause adverse reactions in some people. Similar techniques by other practitioner groups who have the ability to practise restricted acts as defined by law, also demonstrate low risk and harm.
Chiropractors are educated to modify spinal manual therapy to suit the age and presenting condition of a patient.
Can I have confidence in what Chiropractors do?
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. An October 2015 Position Statement by the Board acknowledged that chiropractic paediatric management education is provided by all accredited Australian Universities, this incorporated an understanding of risks where identified and emphasised established clinical best practice guidelines for the treatment of children. There are gaps in the knowledge base in relation to the chiropractic care of children and more research is needed. What remains unchanged is that chiropractic care is delivered by university educated, regulated healthcare professionals. There is high expressed satisfaction by parents/guardians seeking care of their children. The profession is committed to ensuring evidence informed care is provided to patients.
Where do Chiropractors fit in the Australian Healthcare system?
All healthcare interventions carry a level of risk and treatment will be informed by evidence, clinician experience and patient participation. There is significant review and reform occurring in Australia to ensure that patients receive appropriate care, utilising effective treatments and underpinned by exemplary conduct. There are examples in all healthcare modalities where treatment choice, effectiveness and conduct are not optimal, it is not just about chiropractors and chiropractic, and all professions are experiencing change.