FAQs

No, you do not need a referral to see our practitioners.

If you have a chronic health condition you may be entitled to a Medicare Chronic Disease Management plan. Check with your General Practitioner to see if you are eligible for the program. In such circumstances, the full fee will be charged and Medicare will rebate part of the fee. Click below for more information.

Medicare Rebates – Chronic Disease Management Plan

All our up to date fees are available to view in the online booking section:

Online Booking

Private health fund rebates can be easily claimed on the spot, all you have to pay is the gap. Rebate amounts vary depending on which health fund you belong to and your level of cover. For more information please contact your health fund directly.

In order for us to help as many people as possible, we require 24 hours’ notice if you need to change or cancel your appointment. Messages can be left after hours or over the weekend. If 24 hours’ notice is not provided a fee may be charged (exceptions may be made for extenuating circumstances). Dietetics consultations may be provided by phone so that you do not miss out on your session.

The main difference between Chiropractors and Osteopaths are some of treatment techniques they use.  At South Eastern Active Health our team of practitioners have a very similar approach. All our practitioners are trained and assessing diagnosing and managing your muscle, joint and spinal injuries. They all use massage and hands on therapies specific to your needs, so the best results can be achieved.

Chiropractic is a healthcare discipline based on the assessment, diagnosis, management and prevention of problems to the moving parts of the body. Chiropractors are experts in understanding the relationship between your joints, muscles and your nervous system.

Chiropractic care involves a range of hands on techniques including;

• Soft tissue and trigger point massage
• Mobilisation
• Stretching
• Gentle joint manipulation

Chiropractors also incorporate the following into their treatments;

• Exercises for strength and rehabilitation
• Postural and ergonomic assessment and advice
• Nutrition
• Healthy lifestyle modifications

Chiropractors are five year university trained, government regulated and government registered healthcare professionals.

In the words of the New Zealand Government’s Inquiry, chiropractic care is “remarkably safe.” Chiropractic has an excellent safety record(1). Our Chiropractors have undergone 5 years of university training as well as yearly ongoing study (continual professional development) in order to stay up to date with the latest in medical/chiropractic research to ensure the utmost safety of our patients.

In relation to the treatment of neck and back pain, studies have shown that a course of chiropractic care was 250 times safer than a course of anti-inflammatory drugs(2).

(1) Chiropractic in New Zealand: Report of the Commission of Inquiry. (1979). Hasselberg PD, Government Printer, Wellington, New Zealand

(2) Dabbs,V., & Lauretti,W.J. (1995). A Risk Assessment of Cervical Manipulation vs NSAIDs for the Treatment of Neck Pain. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 18(8), 530-536

Chiropractic adjustment/manipulation is the treatment technique of using a specific force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that is fixated, “locked up”, or not moving properly. This adds motion to the joint, helping the joints to gradually regain more normal motion and function. The purpose of this safe and natural procedure is to permit improved joint function, improved nervous system function, and improved health.

There are many ways to adjust the spine. Our trained practitioners will chose the most appropriate technique for your individual needs. Some adjusting methods are quick, whereas others require a slow, constant or indirect pressure.

After years of university training and clinical experience, each practitioner becomes highly skilled in the delivery of a variety of adjusting/manipulation approaches.

At South Eastern Active Health we treat children from 4 years and above. If children are younger than 4 we recommend seeing a practitioner that is specifically trained in treating pediatric patients.

Osteopaths are university trained manual therapists that use their skills in the assessment, diagnosis, management and prevention of problems affecting the muscles, joints and nervous systems – the most common sources of injury and pain.

The skills of an Osteopath extend to the prescription of an exercise programs or ergonomic and postural advice as a means of enhancing recovery and preventing re-injury.

Osteopathic techniques are most frequently applied to spinal conditions such as neck pain and headache, back pain, sciatica but are just as effective in treating injuries involving the extremities such as sporting injuries (e.g. sprains and strains) and other joint problems (e.g. arthritis).

All new patients should arrive 5 minutes early to fill in a health and medical questionnaire. This form gives the chiropractor important information which will help lead to an accurate diagnosis and effective management of your condition.

Specific Patient History

After reviewing the questionnaire, your practitioner will take you through a thorough history regarding your condition. This information is vital as it provides your practitioner with important and specific details that assist in his diagnosis; moreover, the information listed may highlight patient conditions that require modified treatment techniques and/or co-management by other health care professionals.

Physical Exam

Your practitioner with then perform specialized examinations to determine the cause of your symptoms. Some of the tests may include; Joint range of motion, muscle and joint palpation, neurological and orthopaedic testing. The information gained from these examinations will determine the severity of your condition, and whether any further tests are required. In some cases, x-rays are required, which can provide important clinic details. In such cases patients are referred to a radiographic clinic whereby they can undergo bulk-billed x-rays (no out of pocket expense).

Discussion

After the history and examination process your practitioner will discuss their findings with you. They will talk about any further investigation that may be required, what the treatment will involve and what to expect over the recovery period. This is the perfect time to ask questions about your condition so you are clear on the best way for you to recover.

Treatment

After the discussion, your hands on treatment can begin. Depending on your specific condition or needs, your practitioner will tailor the treatment techniques to suit your requirements and minimize your recovery time. Treatment techniques may include; Massage, Joint mobilisation, Gentle joint manipulation, Dry needle therapy, Stretches and a home exercise program.

If you have any previous scans/test results (like X-rays or CT scans) you should bring them along to your initial consultation. This will assist your practitioner in formulating and accurate diagnosis and help them gain a better understanding of your condition.

As all of our practitioner use many hands on treatment techniques comfortable clothing that is easy to move in is preferred. Depending on the areas your practitioner needs to work on you may need to remove some of your clothing. If this is the case you will be given a gown to maintain your modesty.

Not to worry at all. We have many patients that do not get manipulation or “cracked”. Manipulation/Adjustment/HVLA are only one of many different techniques your practitioner can use in order to make you feel better. If you do not wish to have any manipulation, just inform your practitioner and they will use another approach.

No. If you have had previous X-Rays or other scans you should bring them in for your appointment. Our practitioners will be able to assess your condition and if clinically indicated, refer you for the appropriate scan.

A Dietitians is a university qualified nutrition professional, specifically trained in a wide range of skills and clinical experience.

We allow our clients to decide whether the number on the scale is of importance to them and proceed accordingly.  If you would like to be able to track your progress through numbers and kilos, then it can be included in your overall treatment plan with our dietitian. However, if it’s something that you would rather avoid for any reason whatsoever, then that is perfectly okay as there are several other ways to monitor your progress whilst achieving your health goals.

No.  A consultation with an Accredited Practising Dietitian is an individualised treatment approach that is tailored to your lifestyle and unique needs. During your initial consultation and subsequent follow-ups, your dietitian will work with you to formulate plans and strategies that will assist you in incorporating life-long changes into your diet. Meal and snack ideas will be provided, but with a focus on flexibility and finding what works for you, not standardised meal plans!