Welcome to Woonona Chiropractic
www.woononachiropractic.com.au
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Gentle, modern, drug free care
We provide spinal care for the whole family. Chiropractic is remarkably safe (New Zealand Government’s Inquiry).
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Correct the cause of your problem
We offer care options for pain relief, prevention and wellbeing. The choice is always yours.
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Get the most out of life
True good health isn't just pain relief. It's living well and maximising your potential. Chiropractic can be a part of your ongoing health care plan.
We are here to inform, motivate and support you in regaining and retaining your spinal health. We use modern, drug free chiropractic care and with your goals in mind offer pain relief, corrective and wellness care options for your whole family.
What is chiropractic?
Simple, safe and scientific
Chiropractic is the largest drug and surgery free health care discipline in Australia. Over its 115+ year history, chiropractic has focused on the spine and related nervous system. It is a natural approach founded on the knowledge that due to the close relationship of the spine to the function of the nervous system a healthy spine is a fundamental part of good health and well-being.
What to expect
First Visit
Second visit
Regular visits
First and foremost you can expect a warm welcome. We understand that any new experience can be daunting so to minimise any concerns we'll make every effort to explain each step of your visit. Nothing in our office will be done without your understanding and agreement.
FAQ
Click the + below for information
In the words of the New Zealand Government's Inquiry, chiropractic care is "remarkably safe". Chiropractic has an excellent safety record. It is the result of chiropractors undergoing a minimum of five years of specialised University training as well as a conservative approach to health that avoids invasive procedures or addictive drugs. In relation to the care of neck and back pain, studies have shown that a course of chiropractic care was between 250 and 3,300 times safer than a course of anti-inflammatory drugs.
A study conducted by the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research for the US Department of Health and Human Services in 1994 determined that, "nothing was safer or more effective for the care of back problems than chiropractic".
However, while chiropractic has an enviable safety record it is important to note that no form of healthcare is entirely free of potential adverse effects. These will be discussed with you prior to beginning care and you are encouraged to ask any and all questions you have regarding any aspect of your care.
Chiropractic has been consistently demonstrated to be one of the most cost-effective forms of care in all of the health care market.
To make recieving the care you need even more affordable some or all of our fees are covered by:
The following are some excerpts from the current health care literature regarding the cost effectiveness of chiropractic health care:
A study comparing medical and chiropractic care for identical back injuries found that the number of work days lost was ten times higher for medical patients than for chiropractic clients. In addition, compensation costs for work time lost averaged $68 for chiropractic versus $668 for medical patients. (Journal of Occupational Medicine, August 1991, Vol. 33, Number 8.
Analysis of a database of 2 million patient claims found that, for care of the most common neuromusculoskeletal conditions by all health disciplines, "chiropractic users tend to have substantially lower total health care costs." (Journal of American Health Policy, Nov/Dec 1992, Vol. 2, No. 6.)
"...chiropractic management of low-back pain is more cost-effective than medical management." (Manga, P. et. al., The Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Chiropractic Management of Low-Back Pain, funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health, Kenilworth Publishing, Ontario, Canada, 1993.)
"There is, therefore, economic support for the use of chiropractic in low back pain, though the obvious clinical improvement in pain and disability attributable to chiropractic treatment is in itself an adequate reason..." (Meade, T.W., et al., "Low Back Pain of Mechanical Origin: Randomised Comparison of Chiropractic and Hospital Outpatient Treatment," British Medical Journal, Vol. 300, 1990, pp. 1431-1437)
- all participating Health Funds and we have HICAPS ('on the spot' claiming) available. Additionally, we are Preferred/First Choice providers for Medibank Private, HBA, MBF and BUPA meaning higher rebates for you;
- Medicare* - Woonona Chiropractic is also a provider for Enhanced Primary Care (EPC). This is a program where clients are referred by their General Practitioner for a program of chiropractic assessment and care. Our fee is bulk-billed via Medicare and there is no out-of-pocket expense or gap fee for EPC clients;
- WorkCover;
- Australian Veterans' Affairs (DVA)*;
- Motor Vehicle Accident (3rd Party).
| Standard Fee | Pension | Child (16 and under) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Visit | 70 | 60 | 40 |
| All other Visits | 48 | 42 | 25 |
- "By every test of cost and effectiveness, the general weight of evidence shows chiropractic to provide important benefits, at economical costs. Additionally, these benefits are achieved with apparently minimal, even negligible, impacts on the costs of health insurance." (Shifrin, L.G. Mandated Health Insurance Coverage for Chiropractic Treatment: An Economic Assessment, with Implications for the Commonwealth of Virginia. The College of William & Mary, and Medical College of Virginia, Jan. 1992.)
A chiropractic adjustment is the skilled application of a specific force in a precise direction to a joint that is not moving properly or misaligned. This adds motion to the joint, helping the joint to gradually regain more normal motion, function and position. The purpose of this safe and natural procedure is to permit improved spinal function, improved nervous system function and improved health.
The New Zealand Government's “Commission of Inquiry into Chiropractic” concluded: “Spinal adjusting is a vital, very safe and clinically effective form of health care. Chiropractors have more thorough training in spinal mechanics and spinal care than any other health professional. Furthermore, chiropractic is scientifically based.”
There are many ways to adjust the spine. Usually the Chiropractor's hands, or a specially designed instrument may be used to deliver a brief and highly accurate thrust. Some adjusting methods are quick, whereas others require a slow, constant or indirect pressure. After years of University training and clinical experience, each Chiropractor becomes highly skilled in the delivery of a variety of adjusting approaches.
Subluxation is a term used in chiropractic to refer to an area of the spine that has lost its normal motion or alignment. This may compromise the nervous system, muscle balance and cause inflammation leading to spinal pain and an overall reduction in health and well-being. Repeated or uncorrected subluxation can also contribute to degeneration of the bony structures of the spine (often called arthritis).
The primary focus of chiropractic care is to detect, correct and then prevent spinal subluxation.
Chiropractors are the only doctors trained to detect and correct vertebral subluxations through safe, gentle and specific adjustments. World-wide, over 2 million chiropractic adjustments are delivered to clients every day (in Australia there are close to 200,000 client visits to Chiropractors each week).
A child’s spine can experience many stresses and traumas. The list is endless; the birth process, including forceful extraction, learning to walk and ride a bike or slips and falls can stress the growing spine. Yet, because children have such an adaptive capacity, these problems are often brushed off as "growing pains" or somehow less serious.
Chiropractors understand differently, the saying “As the twig is bent, so grows the tree” highlights that an injury occurring earlier in life can have serious consequences now and in the future. For that reason many parents choose to have their children checked from birth on, with many clients reporting that chiropractic care has been helpful for colic, ear infections, erratic sleeping habits, bedwetting, scoliosis, “growing pains” and many other common childhood health complaints.
The concern that many parents have is that chiropractic adjustments will be too forceful. They mistakenly think that their child will receive adjustments like the ones they receive. Not only are adjusting techniques modified for each person's size and unique spinal problem, an infant's spine rarely has the long-standing muscle tightness seen in adults. This makes a child's chiropractic adjustments gentle.
It's never too late (or too early) to achieve better health through chiropractic care. Restoring better spinal function can help improve mobility, vitality, endurance, and appetite. Many clients report improvements in arthritic symptoms and other chronic ailments often associated with the ageing process.
Recent studies authored by medical physicians supporting chiropractic care in the elderly population have studied the effects of chiropractic management in elderly client groups, and after gathering and analyzing seven years of data they found that chiropractic users experienced:
- 85% lower pharmaceutical costs (the number one cost in the system);
- 60% fewer hospitalisations;
- 62% fewer surgical cases;
- fewer out-patient diagnostic tests (MRI, CT, blood work, etc.);
- improved satisfaction as reported by clients.
Chiropractic care during pregnancy is safe for mother and baby. In fact it can help you achieve a healthier pregnancy and delivery. Spinal adjustments are especially gentle during pregnancy as far less force is required to correct subluxations. This is due to the increase in hormones causing significant muscle and ligamentous relaxation. Special "adjustive" positions are also used to provide comfort and safety for both mum and baby.
In studies conducted by Irvin Hendryson, M.D., a member of the American Medical Association Board of Trustees, it was shown that women who received chiropractic adjustments in their third trimester of pregnancy were able to carry and deliver children with more comfort. Also, well-known orthopaedist Per Freitag, M.D., conducted a hospital study that incorporated chiropractic adjustments during the client's pregnancy. He found that the need for pain killers during delivery was reduced by 50% and delivery time was reduced by 25% compared to average.
During pregnancy many physiological and endocrinological changes take place, all for the purpose of creating an optimal environment for the developing baby. This complex process involves every system of the pregnant woman's body. The musculoskeletal system including the spine and pelvis are affected by changes to body shape, altered walking mechanics, ligament softening and increased lower back curve. This means that not only is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy, it is highly recommended as part of your plan to be in great shape for the birth.
You may have heard the notion that once you go to a chiropractor you have to keep going back. Simply put the answer is, no. It is important to remember that whether you use chiropractic care frequently, occassionally or not at all is always up to you and we will support you 100% in your choice.
Depending on their personal beliefs regarding their health and well being, some people are looking strictly for symptom relief while others are interested in long-term strategies to maintain good health and optimum potential. To assist our clients in reaching their personal objectives Chiropractors offer three types of care:
- Initial Intensive Care (Crisis Management): The primary goal is symptom or pain relief in the shortest possible time. Depending on a number of factors including the severity of the problem, you may require care for one to four weeks at a frequency of three visits per week. As soon as you have received the relief you desire this phase of care is complete.
- Corrective Care: The focus here is on correcting or eliminating the source of the problem. This minimizes your likelihood of a relapse. The frequency of care decreases to once per week for a period of six to 12 weeks. During this phase you will be advised on home/office self-care to help support the process. You will notice further improvement in your range of movement, flexibility, strength, energy level and/or general health.
- Wellness Care: You have now returned to your healthiest state. Acknowledging that daily stresses and strains wear us all down, you may choose to maintain an optimal level of function with periodic checkups. Depending on the factors listed above, you may receive maintenance care at one to three month intervals and this becomes an ongoing part of your heath and well being routine just like eating good food, getting good exercise, thinking positively, resting regularly and having fun!
Actually, adjustments do not always produce a sound. Often, however, adjustments do create the sound of a spinal "release," or "popping" sound. The sound is caused by gas moving in to fill the partial vacuum created when the joints are slightly separated. This sound is painless and totally harmless.
Most clients find chiropractic care makes them feel great. Occasionally, there may be soreness similar to how one feels after working out. Soreness from using muscle for the first time in a while is actually a good thing and resolves quickly. The soreness is caused by the stretching of scar tissue and adhesions and the improved motion of the previously locked and misaligned joint.
Many people report greater flexibility following an adjustment and often report a wide variety of beneficial effects such as having more energy or better rest following their care.
Yes you can, every client is unique and care is tailored to the particular requirement of each. This is especially true where a complicating condition may be involved. Your Chiropractor will take a thorough health history including previous injuries as well as underlying conditions (such as arthritis, osteoporosis etc.)
. If further tests are required to confirm the safety and effectiveness of care this will be discussed with you in detail. Only then is a safe, gentle plan for your care recommended.
It is interesting to note that some of the conditions that many people believe would prevent them from seeing a Chiropractor can actually be greatly helped by chiropractic care either in the drug free relief of symptoms or in correcting the underlying cause.
If in doubt come in and discuss your situation and goals, there is never any pressure to begin care and only a Chiropractor can tell you whether chiropractic care is an option for you. Well-meaning friends or experts in other fields are not appropriately trained to make that decision. Regardless of the nature of your problem your Chiropractor will always outline the best approach for care and if this is not chiropractic you will be referred to the most appropriate professional.
If chiropractic care sounds right for you, you can become a client in one of the following ways, no referral is required:
- Call Us: Pick up the phone and give us a call on (02) 4285 4404. Our team is more than happy to answer your questions and clear up any doubtful points you might have. There is no obligation and we are happy to do so;
- Email: You can email the clinic and organise an appointment. Use the form below in the "Drop us a line" section of the email below;
- Passing by: If you are passing by, drop in and have a chat with one of our team. We are more than happy to answer any questions you might have about chiropractic care.
About the office
Office Hours
Fees
Location
Woonona Chiropractic's hours are designed to assist you in receiving your care at the most convenient time possible. We know you’re busy so we respect your time and strive to keep to schedule. If for unforeseeable reasons delays do occur we will make every effort to keep you informed.
For your convenience our phone is attended 24 hours a day, 7 days a week making it even more convenient to make an appointment to see us during the office hours below.
| Morning | Afternoon | |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 8 - 12 | 2 - 7 |
| Tuesday | 8 - 12 | 2 - 7 |
| Wednesday | Closed | Closed |
| Thurdsay | 8 - 12 | 2 - 7 |
| Friday | 8 - 12 | Closed |
| Saturday | By Appointment | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed | Closed |
At Woonona Chiropractic we see chiropractic care as an integral part of your health plan. Our fee structure makes it viable for singles, couples or an entire family to receive optimal care.
| First Vist | All other visits | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $70 | $48 |
| Concession* | $60 | $42 |
| Children (16 and under) | $25 | $20 |
Some or all of our fees are covered by:
- all participating Health Funds and we have HICAPS ('on the spot' claiming) available. Additionally, we are Preferred/First Choice providers for Medibank Private, AHM, HBA, MBF and BUPA meaning higher rebates for you;
- Medicare* - Woonona Chiropractic is also a provider for Enhanced Primary Care (EPC). This is a program where clients are referred by their General Practitioner for a program of chiropractic assessment and care. Our fee is bulk-billed via Medicare and there is no out-of-pocket expense or gap fee for EPC clients;
- WorkCover;
- Australian Veteran's Affairs (DVA)*;
- Motor Vehicle Accident (3rd Party)*.
Woonona Chiropractic is conveniently located in the heart of the Woonona shopping area, on the corner of the Princes Highway and Ball Street, and close to the northern Illawarra bus route.There is ample parking in the Council car park on Ball Street (70 metres north of the clinic), or if you are having difficulty with movement, there is limited parking behind the office building.
Drop us a line
Whether to make an appointment, ask a question or make a comment we will be happy to hear from you. We are available at the contacts below or use the form to get in touch.
Use the form below or our contact email at contact@woononachiropractic.com.au.
Contact info
26 Ball Street
Woonona NSW 2517
Australia
Phone: (02) 4285 4404
Fax: (02) 4283 4838
E-mail: pgeary@woononachiropractic.com.au
Website: www.woononachiropractic.com.au