Frequently Asked Questions

How is Malvern Chiropractic Clinic and Melbourne Spine Clinic different from other Chiropractors?

At Malvern Chiropractic Clinic and Melbourne Spine Clinic, our approach to chiropractic care stands out due to our commitment to patient-centred treatment based on extensive clinical research and practical experience. Our chiropractors leverage over 50 years of research when diagnosing spinal conditions and applying therapy models, ensuring that our patients receive the highest standard of care.

Our Cox® Certified Chiropractors have additional training that enables them to utilise Cox® Flexion-Distraction and Spinal Disc Decompression Therapy, which are effective techniques for managing various spinal pain conditions. This expertise is particularly beneficial for patients suffering from complex spinal pain issues. You can find detailed research and treatment outcomes related to Cox® Technic on our Conditions page.

In addition to individual expertise, we have cultivated an extensive network of medical specialists for inter-referrals, including Neurosurgeons, Orthopaedic Surgeons, General Practitioners (GPs), Physiotherapists, and Podiatrists. This collaborative approach ensures that our patients receive comprehensive care tailored to their specific needs.

Furthermore, our practitioners are dedicated to ongoing professional development. They regularly attend seminars and workshops each year to enhance their knowledge and skills, particularly in managing complex spinal conditions effectively.

 

What is Cox® Flexion-Distraction and Spinal Disc Decompression Therapy?

Cox® Technic is recognised as one of the leading, evidence-based approaches in chiropractic care. It is a low-force, non-surgical, and non-invasive, doctor-controlled spinal therapy designed to provide gentle, safe, and effective relief for spinal pain.

Cox® Flexion-Distraction and Spinal Disc Decompression Therapy are specifically engineered to assist patients experiencing various forms of spinal pain by reducing discomfort and helping them regain control of their daily lives. This therapeutic approach is not only effective for alleviating pain but is also considered a recognised alternative to spinal surgery for certain spinal conditions.

For more detailed information about Cox® Technic, please visit our Cox® Technic page.

What qualifications do Chiropractors have?

Chiropractors in Australia adhere to strict regulations and standards to become registered healthcare providers. Australian Chiropractors undertake an accredited 5-year Chiropractic Program at an Australian University or an accredited overseas Chiropractic Program and complete all the requirements to register in Australia as set forth by the Chiropractic Board of Australia.

Once students have completed the intensive 5-year program and fulfilled all the requirements for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), Chiropractors are eligible to work in private practices anywhere in Australia. Registered Australian Chiropractors must also complete yearly Continuing Profession Development (CDP) as a requirement of their ongoing registration.

At Malvern Chiropractic Clinic and Melbourne Spine Clinic, the Cox® certified Chiropractors undertake additional post-graduate studies in the USA in Cox® Flexion-Distraction and Spinal Disc Decompression therapy.

 

How long will it take to get better?

Cox® Technic is dedicated to improving patients’ quality of life and enhancing their ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). The Cox® Flexion-Distraction and Spinal Decompression approaches target back pain in a pragmatic and effective manner.

While each patient’s response to treatment can vary, our objective is to achieve a 50% reduction in pain within 4 to 6 weeks of initiating therapy, depending on the specific condition being treated. Typically, patients start to experience some pain relief and improvement within 7 to 10 days after beginning Cox® therapy.

Does spinal manipulation hurt?

Cox® Flexion-Distraction and Spinal Disc Decompression Therapy are gentle, doctor-controlled techniques designed to provide effective spinal care without causing pain. For patients undergoing treatment, the experience is typically described as a deep, mild stretching sensation rather than discomfort.

While there may be slight discomfort at times, the overall feeling should be relaxing and relieving. Importantly, the procedure involves no sudden or quick movements, and patients will not hear any cracking noises during the therapy.

To see a demonstration of how Cox® Technic is performed, please click here.

What will happen in my first appointment?

A thorough physical, neurological, and orthopedic examination is conducted at the initial consultation. Our Cox® Technic Certified Chiropractors will then review any associated spinal imaging that may be provided at the initial consultation (if no imaging is provided, patients may be referred for spinal imaging, i.e., x-ray or MRI). Finally, they will discuss the treatment plan and how Cox® Technic can provide spinal decompression and pain relief.

It is at the Practitioner’s discretion whether treatment will commence on the first appointment. Usually, if patients are referred off for x-rays or scans, informed treatment can begin at the subsequent consultation once all the necessary diagnostic requirements have been obtained. Please allow 30-45 minutes to complete your initial consultation.

Do I need a GP referral to see a Chiropractor?

You do not require a referral or Private Health Insurance to visit a Chiropractor to help with your spinal pain condition.

Your consultation may be covered under your private health insurance depending on your level of cover.

Can I get a Medicare rebate for my Chiropractic appointment?

Yes, Medicare rebates are available. In order to receive a Medicare rebate for a Chiropractic consultation, you will need to obtain an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) Plan (formally known as Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plan) from your General Practitioner (GP).

Speak to your General practitioner or Chiropractor to find out more.

Am I too old/too young for Chiropractic treatment?

Cox® Flexion-Distraction treatment is gentle, low-force and non-invasive, with outstanding and quantifiable results. It is a recognised alternative to spinal surgery with more than 50 years of documented clinical outcomes. Cox® Technic is an appropriate treatment for all ages, from the elderly to the very young.

When will I be out of pain?

The Rule of 50% guides the expected outcomes of care under Cox® Technic protocols. Our goal is always to get you out of pain and improving as quickly as possible.  As a guide, and depending on the condition, we expect 50% improvement to occur within 4-6 weeks of care.

Our Cox® Technic Certified Chiropractors are continually assessing and noting the progress of your spinal pain condition at each appointment. There are many vital factors that they are monitoring throughout your treatment plan, and questions about your current pain level or how much improvement has been made are critical questions that they use to determine your progress and improvement.

What costs are involved in seeing a Chiropractor?

Consultation fees for our Chiropractors vary according to age, concession eligibility and health insurance status. We accept all private health insurance and offer on site rebates via Hicaps, so you will only pay the gap or out of pocket portion of your consultation fee.

We also accept TAC, WorkCover and DVA patients. Please contact our Reception to discuss our fee structure or for further information.

See Can I get a Medicare rebate for my Chiropractic appointment? for further information on how to get a Medicare rebate for your appointment.

Can I see a Chiropractor if I am pregnant?

Pregnancy-related back pain is a common complaint among pregnant women. It can potentially have a negative impact on the quality of life.

The Cox® Certified Chiropractors at Malvern Chiropractic Clinic and Melbourne Spine Clinic have successfully treated pregnant patients experiencing low back and pelvic pain.

Pregnant patients are treated with modified Cox® Flexion-Distraction therapy with the patient positioned side-lying on the specialised Cox® Table. This treatment style can be used from the beginning of the 2nd trimester to term. Modified Cox® Technic is gentle, safe and effective for all expectant mothers, gently relieving the pressure on the spine and pelvis, which is caused by the mechanical strain of the pregnancy.

Do I need to have X-rays or scans?

You do not need to have x-rays or scans before attending our clinic. Our Chiropractors can refer patients for spinal X-rays (Medicare Bulk Billed) and MRI scans (non-Medicare Bulk Billed) depending on their spinal condition.

We have a local network of trusted referral clinics to refer you to; however, you may take any referral to any radiology clinic in Melbourne. X-rays are usually a clinic walk-in service, but please call ahead to confirm if you need clarification. MRI scans require an appointment. Please speak to your Chiropractor about what scans are necessary for your condition and its diagnosis

Do you treat TAC, WorkCover or DVA patients?

Yes, our practitioners have all the necessary  qualifications and TAC,workcover and DVA patients are all supported at our clinic.

Can I see a Chiropractor if I have had spinal surgery?

Yes! Persistent lower back and extremity pain following spinal surgery is reported in up to 50% of patients. These signs and symptoms have been associated with Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS), formally known as Post-Surgical Continued Pain (PSCP) Syndrome. Please see our information page for more details and how Cox® Flexion-Distraction and Spinal Disc Decompression is a safe, gentle and effective therapy after spinal surgery.

How do I know if I have a disc bulge/ herniation/ protrusion?

Accurate diagnosis of a spinal condition is critical to the treatment and recovery journey.  We see many patients who have never had an accurate diagnosis and as a consequence have had their condition exacerbated by “treatment” or simply not improved.  Our expertise lies in accurately diagnosing and treating each spinal condition.  See our page on Spinal Disc Bulges for more information about how we assess, diagnose and use Cox® Technic to help patients successfully manage their spinal  condition.

Will exercise make my condition worse?

Exercise is an integral part of the rehabilitation process. The Cox® Certified Chiropractors at Malvern Chiropractic Clinic and Melbourne Spine Clinic will prescribe specific spinal stretches and strengthening exercises at key points in your treatment plan to help reinforce the therapy and continue to relieve your spinal pain.

How does a new patient make an appointment at the clinic?

We welcome new patients to the clinic.

There are multiple ways to contact the clinic:

Can I book appointments online?

All patients can use the online booking system to make, view and change appointments.

Do you have parking available at the clinic?

Yes. We have parking available on-site for our patients. Parking spots are located at the rear of the clinic for small to medium vehicles and out the front for larger ones. Street parking is also available, but please observe parking restrictions and clearway zones.

Do you charge late fees or cancellation fees?

No, there is no charge for not attending or a late change to your appointment. If you are running late or can’t make it, we appreciate if you can let us know by emailing or calling  reception on (03) 9822 1835 as soon as you can. We will happily reschedule you to a convenient time.