FAQ

Faqs | Chiropractor | Gold Coast | Hinterland Chiropractic

FAQ about Massage Therapy

I’ve never had a massage before. What should I expect?

We start our sessions by taking a few minutes to talk to our clients. We like to find out what your experience with massage has been, your general likes/dislikes, any relevant medical history and what your goals are for the session as well as any concerns or questions you may have. After this is done our therapists will leave the room giving you complete privacy to undress and get on the table.

The table will be draped with sheets and a blanket and you will be completely covered up. Once our therapist returns to the room we will see if you are comfortable enough and, if so, commence working. While they are working the towels will be moved covering or exposing the area of the body that we need to work. At no point, will you ever be more exposed than you would be in, say, a swimsuit. The pressure we use can ALWAYS be adjusted.

So if you want less or more pressure… just ask! Likewise we can always add or remove a towel as your body temperature dictates. At some point during the session you will need to roll over. At this point we will hold the towels up for you so that you can roll over with complete modesty.

When your session is through our therapists will again leave the room allowing you to take a few more moments to breathe and take in the work and then to slowly get off the table and get dressed.

Do I need to be completely naked?

Yes and no. Ideally it is preferred that you would remove most of your clothing so to allow us easy access to all the areas of your body that will be worked on. However, as said before: your comfort level is the most important thing. So if you are more comfortable leaving something on, just say or do so and our techniques can be modified to accommodate you.

There are many styles of massage that don’t require the client to remove any clothing at all. Some of these styles can be incorporated into your session if need be.

I’ve had massage before and to be honest, I wasn’t all that?

Massage isn’t just about the kind of service you are receiving. Equally, if not more so, important is whom you are receiving the service from. Every massage therapist has a different touch and a different way of perceiving your needs while you are on the table. Sometimes it takes a little while until you find a therapist with whom you click.

It is very important to remember, however, that while a therapist can and often does intuit a lot while working on you, he or she is not a mind reader and each client is different from the next. Things like temperature, music or pressure can make or break your experience of the service you received but often you need to verbally express your needs to get exactly what you want.

If you’ve had a massage in the past and were left disappointed because, for example, you didn’t feel like the therapist worked long enough on your neck, simply mention this at your next massage by saying:  I really love having your neck worked on. I had a massage before that I found pretty disappointing because he/she didn’t pay enough attention there. I guarantee this therapist will get the hint!

Does massage hurt?

Sometimes it is necessary to experience what is described as “the good hurt” when really working on an area of the body that you have been experiencing pain or achiness in. This is that feeling you get when having the area deeply worked on is in fact uncomfortable, but it feels good to you to have it stimulated. Usually if you are experiencing pain somewhere, it does in fact hurt a little too really remove the tension and adhesions that are causing the pain. This is normal and everyone has a different idea of where this level is. However, not everyone wants to get this out of a massage.

You should NEVER “suffer” through something you consider painful or uncomfortable unless that is the kind of work you are looking for. If too much pressure is being used simply ask your therapist to “go a little easier there.” All in all your massage should be a pleasant, comfortable experience.

Should I be quiet during our massage, or can I talk?

Whichever you prefer. There is no rule that says you have to remain quiet during a massage nor is there one that says you have to make small talk with your therapist. Some people find it impossible to relax while chatting and prefer to focus on the massage or possibly even drift off to sleep a little.

Others are perfectly capable of relaxing while chatting and enjoy the conversation. Some people chat a little here and there and remain quiet for the rest of the session. All are perfectly acceptable. Our rule as a therapist is that we minimize conversation but if the client on our table does, we are happy to converse with you. You can usually tell when the person is done talking and wants to remain quiet for a bit. It is never rude to remain quiet the whole time. I’m not there to be entertained; we are there to give you great bodywork!

I’d really like a massage, but I’m uncomfortable with our body. I’m not sure if I want a stranger seeing me unclothed.

First of all you will remain mostly covered during your session. Despite this however it is important to realize that a massage therapist sees many, many people of many different shapes and sizes. As a professional therapist a person’s body is just another body and, if anything, is appreciated for its uniqueness. You should feel no less comfortable during your session than you would at a doctor’s office, and hopefully after a few minutes much, much more comfortable!

If you are still not convinced, express your concerns to your therapist. If their words don’t make you feel more comfortable then you can always “ease in” to being unclothed by keeping some of your clothes on for the first few sessions until an appropriate comfort and trust level is established.

What do I do if I’m uncomfortable during our session?

Speak up! Every client is different from the next. While one person may find the room temperature perfect, the very next person may find it too warm or cold. It is important to express your needs verbally in order to get the most out of your session.

It is never a problem to layer another towel on the table, take one off, turn the music down or use more or less pressure. It would be worse to find out after the fact that a client was freezing the whole time and never said anything!

The music playing during our massage was really annoying me, can I ask for our therapist to change it?

Of course! People react very differently to music. You may find a particular kind very annoying, which would greatly change your perception of the service you received. Some people are so stimulated all day long that they actually prefer no music at all.

I’m not in pain, why should I get a massage?

Many people use massage to treat chronic or acute pain issues, but ideally massage should be viewed as a preventative part of your wellness routine. If your body feels good, that’s great, but it is important to KEEP yourself feeling well and balanced. Remember, massage doesn’t just treat the muscles. It also has many other emotional and physical benefits.

How often should I get a massage?

Ultimately this depends on what your lifestyle, schedule and budget will allow. You should come up with a schedule that realistically fits in to what your personal needs are. Everyone uses their bodies differently and therefore needs a different level of care.

If you are dealing with chronic pain issues, are an avid athlete, or have high levels of stress in your life then weekly or bi-weekly sessions are most ideal. If you are in good health, experience very little pain and are just seeking wellness maintenance then every two to four weeks would be fine.

The important thing is to set up a regular schedule, whether that means every two weeks or every two months for you. Also, get in the habit of scheduling ahead this way you are less likely to brush of your self-care. It is a real treat to look at your schedule for the week and realize that you have a massage scheduled already!

FAQ about Chiropractic

Can Spinal Damage affect my Health?

The answer is yes! The spine, consisting of brain spinal cord nerves, is your lifeline that protects your nervous system which is the master control system of your body. Your nervous system controls every cell, tissue and organ in your body. Therefore if your spine is not functioning correctly it may irritate your nerves which in turn can affect the functioning of your body. An estimated 80% of us will suffer from a low back pain for a period of 2 weeks or greater during our lifetime. In a recent Australian study it found the incidence of low back pain to be as high as 57% in adolescents. Many of the problems we encounter as adults are an accumulation of injuries which begin during childhood.

What can you do to prevent spinal problems?

Prevent prolonged watching of T.V. The longer T.V. is watched the higher the incidence of low back pain. Correct posture while sitting is important in the classroom. Regular participation in some sports can actually increase back pain. A previous untreated back injury can lead to future recurrence. By using a backpack rather than a hand held bag. Note: backpacks are only effective when worn on both shoulders. Get a regular check up from a member of the Chiropractors Association of Australia. We are all aware of the importance of regular dental check-ups and dental care but many of us are unaware of the importance of regular spinal care. Unfortunately “out of sight, out of mind” is the current approach. Remember, as the twig is bent so grows the tree. So would you like to know the state of your spinal health? Contact a member of the Chiropractors Association today.

Are Chiropractors Well Educated?

Chiropractic education in terms of classroom hours is compatible to that of medicine. In fact the two professions use many of the same texts. The difference is that Chiropractic students will have much greater training in diagnosis and correction of the spine as well as X-ray analysis, while the medical student will concentrate more on pharmacology and general surgery. A Chiropractor’s education never really ends. Most Chiropractors complete many hours of post-graduate studies and continuing education courses. Virtually every Chiropractor attends seminars, scientific symposia and reads professional journals to keep up with the latest research.

What Does a Chiropractor Do?

After deciding to attend a Chiropractic office you will usually complete some simple paper work to help your Chiropractor understand the history of your health. Your Chiropractor will then review your health history and determine if your problem is best helped by chiropractic care. Many patients who understand the importance of correct nerve and spinal functioning come in for a check-up long before any symptoms are present. Remember it is easier to stay well than get well.

FAQ about Chiropractic The Chiropractor will perform a thorough examination. The type of tests that the Chiropractor will perform will be determined by the results of your consultation. The assessment will include various orthopaedic tests, bi-lateral weight scale analysis, postural analysis, reflexes, range of motion, and thermography. At the conclusion of these exams the doctor may recommend having x-rays, however this is based on each person’s individual case. Following any x-rays and tests you will be scheduled for a report to go over your doctors findings. This report is thoroughly explained to you with an outline of what, if any further care will be necessary. Your Chiropractor will outline a program of care which will be best suited to your unique health condition.

Is Chiropractic Care Safe?

Chiropractic care is among the safest in the healing arts. The primary method of treatment that a Chiropractor uses is the “Adjustment”. This is where the Chiropractor applies a gentle force to any fixated areas of the spine (known as a Vertebral Subluxation) to restore normal motion and function. Many different adjusting techniques may be used depending on the patient’s individual problem. All are safer than back surgery, muscle relaxants and even aspirin.

Is Chiropractic for Sore Backs Only?

Chiropractic is definitely not limited to sore backs. Headaches, migraines, pins and needles, numbness in the arms and legs, joint stiffness, hip pain, “growing pains” in children are just some of the myriad of other symptoms that are often removed with Chiropractic care.

CLICK HERE to see the Spinal Nerve Function Chart which clearly shows how each section of your spine innervates with various parts of your body.

Many patients will also report with regular care such things as improved sleeping patterns, greater energy levels, better concentration, improved work capacity and a general overall improvement in wellbeing.

There is no doubt that Chiropractic is considered the most effective treatment for back pain by many health researchers. One such study by the British Medical Research Council even recommended the inclusion of chiropractic within the National Health Service when it was found that Chiropractic care was more cost effective and enabled more people to return to work faster than traditional medical methods of care.

How Much Does It Cost?

Our standard initial consultation fee of $90 is a little more expensive than subsequent visits, as your Chiropractor will spend some time with you confirming your specific needs. Should X-rays be required, this fee may be covered by Medicare. An adjustment fee is $50 per visit with discounts offered to students, pensioners and additional family members.

You do not need a medical referral to see a Chiropractor as they are primary contact practitioners. Most health funds rebate Chiropractic fees, so check with your fund first.

How Long Do I Have To See A Chiropractor?

Think about how you care for your teeth. You brush them every day in order to prevent decay. Like regular dental check-ups, Chiropractic care is an effective preventative measure. Once patients experience the value of Chiropractic care many choose to continue.

What is an Adjustment?

A chiropractic adjustment is the art of using a specific force in a specific direction, applied to a joint that is subluxated, “locked up”, or not moving properly. This adds motion to the joint, helping the bones gradually return to a more normal position and motion. The purpose of this safe and natural procedure is to improve spinal function, improve nervous system function and improve health.

There are many different ways to adjust the spine. The Chiropractor uses their hands or a specially designed instrument to apply a gentle force to a specific area of the spine.

After years of training and clinical experience your Chiropractor becomes highly skilled in the delivery of a variety of adjusting approaches. Regardless of the technique used, each chiropractic adjustment is tailored to suit the patient’s age, size, and unique spinal problem.

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