Frequently Asked Questions
On this page, you’ll find a sequence of short, informative videos to help you get the most out of your care with us. Please take the time to review them and put these practices into place. Please note that these are intended for people with whom our Chiropractors have done a thorough health history and physical exam. These are intended for educational purposes and should not be done without the approval of a healthcare practitioner.
What is Chiropractic care?
Chiropractic is a health care profession that specialises in the musculoskeletal system (primarily the spine), its relationship to the nervous system and general health. Chiropractors use specific adjustments to correct misalignments to the musculoskeletal system that may cause interference to the nervous system.
Are Chiropractors Doctors?
Chiropractors who study in South Africa complete a 6 year Masters Degree and graduate as a doctor of Chiropractic as dictated and regulated by the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa.
What does a Chiropractor treat?
As much as it might surprise most of you, Chiropractic does not treat or cure your symptoms. We care for you by removing subluxations and allowing your body to do the rest so you can function optimally.
Read more here.
What can I expect at my first visit?
On your first visit, you will be able to sit down with and talk to the Chiropractor to let them know why you have decided to come and see them.
Your Chiropractor will take a full health history, followed by a thorough physical examination including baseline tests and a digital postural assessment.
If further assessment is required, this will be discussed and where appropriate X-rays will be taken. We have our own in-house X-ray facilities should they be required.
Will I need to remove my clothing?
No. Our adjustments are done over your clothing. We do ask that you remove any heavy jumpers or jackets though.
How many sessions will I need?
People generally come to us for one of four reasons:
- Relief and stabilisation
- Correction and regeneration
- Prevention
- Optimisation and wellness
The number of visits required would depend on what the Chiropractor has found upon examination and your desired health goals. You will have the opportunity to discuss this with your Chiropractor and clarify what you want.
What is the popping sound?
Chiropractic adjustments may result in the release of a gas bubble in the joints, which makes a popping sound called a cavitation. A similar thing occurs when you “crack” your knuckles. The noise is caused by the change of pressure within the joint, which results in gas bubbles being released.
Unlike cracking your knuckles or having an untrained person crack your back, Chiropractic adjustments are done in specific places, in specific directions for specific reasons.
How is a Chiropractor different to a physio or osteo?
A Chiropractor focuses on the musculoskeletal and neurological systems and their effect on the whole body.
An Osteopath focuses primarily on the musculoskeletal system (bones and muscles).
A Physiotherapist focuses primarily on the joints and muscles.
How do you become a Chiropractor?
In South Africa, you can study Chiropractic either at Durban University of Technology (DUT) or at the University of Johannesburg (UJ).
There are a number of other places it can be studied around the world, these can be found on the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) website.
What Chiropractic technique do you use?
There are over 200 recognised techniques within the Chiropractic profession. Our Chiropractors primarily use the Advanced BioStructural Correction™ technique which works with your body to correct what your body cannot self-correct. They are also trained and/or experienced in various other techniques including Webster, Diversified, Thomson, SOT, Cranial Fascial. Our Chiropractors are well skilled in modifying these techniques in pregnant women, babies and children.
What is a Chiropractic adjustment?
There are over 200 recognised techniques within the Chiropractic profession so not every Chiropractor will do the same type of adjustment.
The basic premise behind a Chiropractic adjustment is to detect, analyse and correct misalignments of the spine (called subluxations) to remove interference to the nervous system and improve health.
Are adjustments safe?
Chiropractic care has an exemplary safety record and is recognised as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive methods of healing.
Research shows that a Chiropractic adjustment is 250 times safer than taking an anti-inflammatory.
Can I see a Chiropractor while pregnant?
Chiropractic care during pregnancy is not only safe but also very beneficial for the mother and baby.
Read more here.
Is Chiropractic safe for babies and children?
Yes, Chiropractic care is safe, gentle and effective for babies and children.
Children are very physically active and experience many types of falls and blows from activities of daily living as well as from participating in sports.
Read more on Chiropractic care for children here. Or to read about Chiropractic care specifically for babies, click here.
Do I need a referral?
No, a referral is not required to see a chiropractor.
We do work closely with other health care providers who often refer to Chiropractors, but it is not essential.
Will medical aid cover my care?
Most likely, yes.
In South Africa, many of the medical schemes make provision for the reimbursement of Chiropractic services.
The Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act provides for complete reimbursement of cases treated by registered Chiropractors.
However, it also does depend on each person’s payment plan as to the extent to which they are covered.
The best option to find out if you are covered to receive Chiropractic care is to contact your medical aid for further information.
