FAQ
What does treatment at Spine, Limb & Scoliosis look like?
Our treatment is personalised to suit each individual’s needs and treatment options provided are evidence based and in line with what the latest research shows.
We believe in spending time with our patients in order to personalise each patient’s requirements to better meet their treatment and healthcare goals, and promote, evidence-based, patient-centred care in an interprofessional and collaborative practice approach.
Spine, Limb & Scoliosis offers a comprehensive suite of advanced diagnostic and therapeutic treatments, and specialised rehabilitation alongside traditional chiropractic care, that are often combined, providing a comprehensive and unparalleled integrated approach to musculoskeletal health.
We are committed to helping our patients achieve and maintain pain relief, restore and maintain function and mobility, and improve their quality of life without the need for surgery or chronic medication.
Initial visit
At the initial visit, your Chiropractor will take a thorough history, followed by a physical examination including
· relevant orthopaedic and neurological tests
· posture assessment that may require photos to be taken if needed
· Musculoskeletal Diagnostic Ultrasound Assessment if needed
If radiographs (X-rays) or CT/MRI are required, you will be referred to the nearest imaging centre. If suitable, you will receive treatment at this visit.
What to Wear to Your Appointment
For your comfort and to ensure an effective assessment and treatment, we recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy movement.
Please avoid restrictive or formal attire.
For spinal or limb assessments, you may be asked to adjust or remove outer layers if necessary.
Gowns or shorts will be provided if required for your treatment.
If you have any questions about appropriate attire, feel free to contact us before your appointment.
Report of findings
This will be scheduled after your initial consultation and imaging have been completed. At this visit, your diagnosis will be thoroughly explained to you and a personalised recommended care plan will be discussed. You may receive treatment at this visit if indicated.
Subsequent visits (standard or extended)
Chiropractic treatment along with review of any recent changes since the previous treatment.
Reassessment consultations
These visits will be conducted at suitable intervals to fully evaluate the clinical outcomes and re-evaluate the management approach if and as needed. Treatment may also be included in this visit.
How many chiropractic sessions will I need?
The number of treatments will vary depending on your specific condition and healthcare goals.
Some patients will experience pain relief after just a few treatments, while those with chronic or degenerative conditions may need several treatments to see noticeable improvement. You will be regularly reassessed to determine the optimum number of visits to achieve the best clinical outcomes.
Is chiropractic safe?
Chiropractors are highly trained professionals that have undergone extensive university education on how to deliver safe and effective Chiropractic care.
Chiropractic care has a very low risk profile, especially when compared with many other forms of healthcare, however all forms of health care have the potential for adverse reactions in some people.
Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor?
Chiropractors are considered Primary contact practitioners so patients can consult Chiropractors directly without the need for medical referral.
Do I need to see a chiropractor forever?
Chiropractic care is tailored to your individual needs and health goals. During your visits, we will outline the objectives of each phase of care and the recommended treatment duration for optimal results. Ultimately, how long you continue chiropractic care is entirely your choice—whether you seek relief from a specific issue or ongoing wellness care, the decision is yours.
How soon will I feel relief?
Many patients experience immediate improvement, while others notice significant relief within one to two weeks. The healing process varies based on factors such as age, injury type, overall health, and how long the condition has been present. Since every individual responds differently to treatment, recovery times may vary.
Spinal Decompression Therapy: Frequently Asked Questions
Is there scientific evidence supporting spinal decompression therapy?
Yes, numerous scientific studies support the use of mechanical traction and spinal decompression therapy for various spinal conditions. Research shows that controlled spinal traction can help relieve pain, reduce nerve compression, and promote disc healing.
Does spinal decompression therapy hurt?
No, spinal decompression is generally comfortable and relaxing. Many patients listen to music or even fall asleep during treatment. For those experiencing severe disc-related pain, it can provide significant relief, sometimes for the first time in a long time.
If you ever feel discomfort, our decompression table is equipped with an Automatic Shutoff Switch (Red Panic Button) that allows you to instantly stop the treatment if needed. Our team ensures that each session is as safe and comfortable as possible.
Is spinal decompression a new treatment?
No, spinal decompression is based on traditional continuous manual and mechanical traction principles. However, it has advanced significantly with computer-controlled technology that allows it to be intermittent and focused with optimised treatment duration, intensity, and distraction angles. Despite its effectiveness, not all clinics offer decompression therapy due to the high setup costs and equipment requirements.
What conditions can spinal decompression therapy help with?
Spinal decompression is not suitable for everyone, but it may benefit those with:
- Herniated, Slipped, Ruptured, or Bulging Discs
- Disc Degeneration & Degenerative Disc Disease
- Spinal Stenosis
- Facet Joint Syndrome
- Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
- Disc Prolapses & Tears
What are the benefits of Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Spinal decompression therapy provides several potential benefits, including:
✅ Precise force control for targeted spinal decompression
✅ Reduction of pressure on intervertebral discs, relieving nerve pain (e.g., sciatica)
✅ Improved disc hydration and function through nutrient exchange
✅ A vacuum effect that draws oxygen and healing nutrients into the discs
Spinal decompression therapy offers a non-invasive, effective approach for managing back and neck pain, improving mobility, and enhancing overall spinal health.
Shockwave Therapy: Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shockwave Therapy, and how does it work?
Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic pressure waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing response. These waves increase blood circulation, break down scar tissue, and activate stem cells, promoting faster recovery from musculoskeletal injuries and chronic pain conditions.
What conditions can Shockwave Therapy treat?
Shockwave Therapy is effective for a variety of musculoskeletal and soft tissue conditions, including:
- Tendinopathies (Achilles tendinitis, patella tendinopathy, rotator cuff tendinopathy)
- Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Spurs
- Tennis & Golfer’s Elbow
- Shin Splints & Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome
- Calcific Tendinitis & Shoulder Pain
- Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
- Myofascial Trigger Points & Chronic Muscle Tension
Is Shockwave Therapy painful?
Most patients tolerate Shockwave Therapy well, though mild discomfort may be experienced during treatment. However, sessions are short (typically 5-10 minutes), and pain relief often follows within hours or days. Any discomfort subsides quickly, and the treatment intensity can be adjusted based on your comfort level.
How many Shockwave Therapy sessions are needed?
The number of sessions depends on the condition being treated, but most patients require 3 to 5 sessions, typically spaced one week apart. Some chronic conditions may require additional treatments for optimal results.
When will I feel results from Shockwave Therapy?
Many patients experience pain relief within the first session, but full benefits develop over several weeks as the body continues to heal. The therapy has a cumulative effect, meaning improvements often continue even after the treatment course is completed.
Can Shockwave Therapy be combined with other treatments?
Yes, Shockwave Therapy works best when combined with other therapies such as rehabilitation exercises, physiotherapy, and chiropractic care. This approach enhances recovery by addressing underlying biomechanical imbalances while accelerating healing.
Is Shockwave Therapy safe, and are there any contraindications?
Shockwave Therapy is a safe and effective alternative to surgery, injections, and long-term pain medications. However, it is not recommended for patients with:
🚫 Pregnancy
🚫 Blood clotting disorders or those on anticoagulant therapy
🚫 Tumors or infections in the treatment area
🚫 Recent cortisone injections (within 6 weeks)
How do I know if Shockwave Therapy is right for me?
If you have chronic pain, a slow-healing injury, or a musculoskeletal condition that hasn’t responded to other treatments, Shockwave Therapy may be a great option. Book a consultation to determine if it’s the right solution for you!
High Power Laser Therapy: Frequently Asked Questions
What is High Power Laser Therapy, and how does it work?
High Power Laser Therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that uses 905 nm laser energy to penetrate deep into tissues, stimulating cellular repair, reducing inflammation, and providing rapid pain relief. The laser triggers biological responses that help accelerate healing by increasing blood circulation, reducing swelling, and enhancing tissue regeneration.
What conditions can High Power Laser Therapy treat?
- Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy & Shoulder Arthritis
- Muscle Injuries & Hypertonicity
- Acute & Chronic Back Pain
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Tendon & Ligament Injuries (Achilles Tendinitis, Patella Tendinopathy, Tennis/Golfer’s Elbow)
- Joint Sprains & Osteoarthritis
- Bursitis (Subacromial, Trochanteric, Pes Anserine, Retrocalcaneal)
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome & De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
How does High Power Laser Therapy help with pain relief?
✅ Rapid Analgesic Effect – Pain relief begins 5 minutes after treatment and lasts up to 72 hours.
✅ Anti-Inflammatory Action – Reduces swelling and edema within 60 minutes, accelerating tissue healing.
Is High Power Laser Therapy painful?
How many laser therapy sessions are needed?
- When used alone, 6 to 12 sessions (3x per week) may be required.
- When combined with Shockwave Therapy, 3 to 8 sessions (2x per week) are typically recommended for faster recovery.
How long does a High Power Laser Therapy session take?
When will I notice results?
Can I resume normal activities after a session?
Can High Power Laser Therapy be combined with other treatments?
Is High Power Laser Therapy safe, and are there any contraindications?
🚫 Pregnancy
🚫 Pacemakers or cochlear implants
🚫 Tumors or active cancer treatment (chemotherapy)
🚫 Photosensitivity or epilepsy
🚫 Fever or active infections
How do I know if High Power Laser Therapy is right for me?
Rehabilitation and Physiotherapeutic Exercises: Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rehabilitation and Physiotherapeutic Exercise?
Rehabilitation and Physiotherapeutic Exercises are targeted exercises, manual therapy, and rehabilitation techniques used to help strengthen muscles, improve mobility, and reduce pain, supporting overall recovery and long-term well-being.
Do I Need a Referral for Rehabilitation and Physiotherapeutic Exercise?
No, a referral is not required to book an appointment or claim through private health insurance.
However, if you are seeking treatment under WorkCover, Third Party Insurance, Medicare EPC, or Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), a doctor’s referral is required. If you have a referral from your GP, please bring it along so we can coordinate your care with your doctor.
How Long Will It Take to See Results?
The speed of recovery depends on several individual factors, including:
- Severity of injury and duration of the condition
- Tissue healing time (soft tissue typically takes 6 to 8 weeks)
- Overall health, nutrition, and immune function
- Consistency with treatment and prescribed exercises
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
The number of sessions required depends on the severity of your condition and your treatment goals. On average, most patients attend 1-2 times per week for 4-8 weeks. Your therapist will determine the best treatment plan during your initial evaluation.
What Should I Wear to My Appointment?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows for movement and access to the affected area. Recommended attire includes:
- T-shirts & shorts for general treatments
- Tank tops for shoulder injuries
- Loose-fitting pants or shorts for hip, knee, ankle, or foot conditions
- Athletic shoes for exercises and movement-based therapy
If needed, clinic gowns are available for neck, back, or shoulder assessments.
Scoliosis: Frequently Asked Questions
How is Scoliosis Diagnosed?
Diagnosing scoliosis requires a comprehensive evaluation, including a medical history review, physical assessment, and imaging analysis.
1️⃣ Medical History – The process begins with a detailed medical history to gather essential information about symptoms, family history, and any relevant medical conditions. This helps guide the diagnostic approach.
2️⃣ Physical Examination – A thorough postural and movement assessment is conducted, along with standardized musculoskeletal and neurological tests to evaluate spinal alignment, flexibility, and potential nerve involvement.
3️⃣ Imaging & Radiological Analysis – If scoliosis is suspected, X-rays and other imaging scans (if needed) provide detailed spinal measurements to confirm the type, severity, and classification of scoliosis. If a patient has not yet undergone imaging, we can provide guidance on obtaining the necessary scans.
By combining medical history, physical evaluation, and imaging results, we can accurately diagnose scoliosis and develop an appropriate management plan.
What Type of Scoliosis Do I Have?
For example, if a 13-year-old develops scoliosis with no known cause, it is classified as Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. However, if scoliosis is linked to a neurological condition, the diagnosis and classification will be different.
The best way to identify your specific type of scoliosis is to undergo a thorough evaluation, which includes medical history, physical assessment, and imaging analysis. Book an assessment with us to get a clear diagnosis and a personalized management plan.
I’ve Been Diagnosed with Scoliosis and Told to ‘Wait and See’ – What Should I Do?
Scoliosis – When to brace and where to go?
Spine,Limb & Scoliosis is a ScoliCare Affiliate Clinic with Certified ScoliBrace and ScoliBalance providers. Our approach is centered on providing the appropriate treatment at the appropriate time, especially when it comes to bracing. Bracing is typically recommended when there is a high risk of curve progression or when there is potential for improvement with structured support.
As a general guideline, bracing is often advised for growing juveniles or adolenscents with a spinal curve exceeding 20 degrees Cobb, as early intervention can help stabilize or even improve the condition. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with scoliosis and are considering bracing, seeking expert advice from a scoliosis specialist is essential for the best possible outcome.
Who Treats Scoliosis in Adults?
Our approach includes ScoliBalance rehabilitation programs, which focus on targeted exercises, as well as custom-made braces designed to provide support and stability. Every brace is individually tailored to suit the patient’s specific needs.
Following a comprehensive assessment, we’ll determine the most suitable treatment plan for your scoliosis, ensuring it aligns with your lifestyle and health goals.
What Is the Best Treatment for Scoliosis?
If I Have Scoliosis, Will My Children Develop It?
Can Exercise Correct My Scoliosis?
At Spine, Limb & Scoliosis, we use ScoliBalance, a physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercise program designed to address the spinal curve, improve mobility, and support overall spinal health. While exercise alone may not “fix” scoliosis, it can play a valuable role in its management and long-term care.
How Does the ScoliBalance Program Work?
The program includes:
✅ ScoliCorrections – Patients learn scoliosis-specific posture adjustments to actively improve their spinal position.
✅ ScoliExercises – These exercises are performed while maintaining the corrected posture, ensuring long-term postural awareness and muscle activation.
✅ Supportive Tools – The ScoliRoll (for scoliosis) and Denneroll (for hyperkyphosis) may be incorporated to further enhance spinal and postural correction.
By teaching patients how to actively correct and strengthen their posture, ScoliBalance provides an effective, individualized approach to managing scoliosis and hyperkyphosis.
Can ScoliBalance be used for Hyperkyphosis and Scheuermann's disease?
Knee Osteoarthritis: Frequently Asked Questions
Can an unloading knee brace help with osteoarthritis?
For many patients, an unloading knee brace can be an effective non-surgical option, helping to delay or even prevent the need for surgery while allowing for greater comfort and function in everyday movement.
How does an unloading knee brace help with knee arthritis?
Who can benefit from an unloading knee brace?
- Osteoarthritis affecting one side of the knee
- Joint pain and stiffness that worsens with activity
- Instability or difficulty walking due to knee discomfort
- Those seeking a non-surgical alternative to knee replacement
Can an unloading knee brace delay surgery?
How long should I wear an unloading knee brace?
Can I combine an unloading knee brace with other treatments?
Is an unloading knee brace comfortable to wear?
Where can I get an unloading knee brace?
Unloading knee braces should be professionally fitted by a trained and experienced practitioner to ensure they provide the right level of support and alignment. At Spine, Limb & Scoliosis our practitioners have more than 10 years of experience prescribing and fitting Unloading Knee Braces.