A beginners guide to chiropractic care

Hi, I’m Dr. Kirsten Strudwick (Chiropractor), and I’d like to walk you through the basics of chiropractic care. Whether you’ve never visited a chiropractor before or you’re just curious about what we do, this guide is a great starting point.

What is chiropractic care?

Chiropractic care focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of issues related to the muscles, bones, and joints—collectively known as the musculoskeletal system. We aim to restore proper movement and function, often through hands-on techniques like spinal adjustments.

What may chiropractic care help with?

Chiropractors may treat people dealing with musculoskeletal conditions like:

• Back pain (acute or chronic)

• Neck pain

• Headaches, such as migraines

• Shoulder and joint pain

• Poor posture or stiffness

• Sports injuries

These are just a few examples. Many people come to see me for relief from pain or to improve their mobility when discomfort is limiting their daily activities.

What happens during a chiropractic visit?

When you come in for a visit, we’ll start with a discussion about your health history and the problems you’re experiencing. This helps me understand the root cause of your discomfort. Next, we’ll conduct a physical examination that includes a posture check, looking at your joint movement, and orthopaedic or neurological tests if needed.

Sometimes, diagnostic imaging like X-rays may be recommended to get a clearer picture of what’s going on. We refer out for these and they may be covered my Medicare.

So, what is a chiropractic adjustment?

Chiropractic adjustments are what chiropractors are most known for. This is done by providing controlled force to joints that aren't moving right. The goal is to get your joints moving normally again, while easing your pain.

You might hear a popping sound during an adjustment. This is completely normal! It’s actually caused by small gas bubbles in the joint being released.

Other techniques that may be used

There are other techniques that chiropractors may also use to help treat your symptoms. These may include:

• Soft tissue therapy to relieve muscle tension.

• Stretching and exercises to improve your flexibility and strength.

• Ergonomic advice to help you move better and avoid future injuries.

Commonly asked question: is chiropractic care safe?

According to the Victorian Government's Better Health Channel: “Spinal manipulation is very safe when performed by a trained, registered practitioner, although some people may experience mild soreness or discomfort following the adjustment”.

Do you need a referral to see a chiropractor?

In most cases, no referral is needed to see a chiropractor. You can book an appointment directly. However, if you're using Medicare or specific insurance plans, a referral from your GP might be necessary.

When should you see a chiropractor?

If you're experiencing pain or stiffness that’s affecting your daily life, or if you’ve had an injury that’s slow to heal, chiropractic care might be a good option. Many of my patients also visit me for preventative care to maintain good spinal health and avoid issues down the road.

What can you expect after treatment?

After your treatment, you might feel immediate relief or it may take a few sessions to notice significant improvements. I’ll also give you advice on how to maintain your progress through exercises, posture correction, and lifestyle changes.

Chiropractic care is about more than just relieving pain—it’s about improving how your body functions as a whole. I’m here to help you move better and feel better, naturally.

If you have any questions or want to book an appointment, feel free to reach out! I’m happy to help guide you on your path to better health.

Disclaimer: This article is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice.

Author: Dr Kirsten Strudwick (Chiropractor) is a Doctor of Chiropractic with 15+ years of experience in Marrickville, Sydney, and runs Marrickville Chiropractic Care. Holding a BSc and M.Chiro from Macquarie University, her practice focuses on holistic, patient-centred care. Kirsten has a clinical interest in a range of areas including women’s health, paediatric care, and pregnancy-related treatments.