Treatment Methods and What to Expect
How chiropractic adjustments work, the techniques we use, and answers about your treatment plan.
10 questions answeredThe sound is called cavitation. When a joint is adjusted, the joint surfaces separate slightly, causing dissolved gases (primarily carbon dioxide) in the synovial fluid to form a small gas bubble. It's the same mechanism as when you crack your knuckles.
Researchers at the University of Alberta (Kawchuk et al., 2015, PLOS ONE) used real-time MRI to directly observe this process, confirming that no bones, cartilage, or joint structures are being damaged. The joint cannot produce the sound again for approximately 20 minutes while the gases reabsorb.
Importantly, the therapeutic benefit of an adjustment does not depend on whether a sound occurs. Some adjustments are silent, and that's perfectly fine.
A chiropractic adjustment should not be painful. Most patients describe the sensation as a brief moment of pressure followed by a feeling of relief or increased movement. If you're already experiencing pain in the area being treated, there may be some brief discomfort during the adjustment, but this is usually momentary.
If something doesn't feel right during treatment, tell your chiropractor immediately. We can adjust the technique, reduce the force, or use an alternative method. Your comfort is always a priority.
Yes. Not every patient needs or wants a traditional manual adjustment. We offer several gentler alternatives including instrument-assisted methods (like the Activator), drop-piece table techniques, low-amplitude mobilisation, and soft tissue approaches. These can be particularly suitable for patients who are nervous about the traditional adjustment, those with osteoporosis or reduced bone density, older adults, children, and pregnant women.
Just let us know your preference and we'll work with you.
This depends entirely on your specific condition, its severity, how long you've had it, and how you respond to treatment. Many acute conditions may improve with 4 to 6 visits over 1 to 2 months. More complex or chronic conditions may require a longer course of care.
After your initial assessment, you'll receive a recommended treatment plan with a clear outline of expected frequency and duration. We reassess your progress regularly and adjust the plan accordingly. Our goal is always to help you improve as efficiently as possible, not to keep you coming indefinitely.
No. The decision to continue care is always yours. Treatment plans are condition-dependent, and many patients complete their course of care and move on with self-management strategies. There is no evidence that your body becomes "dependent" on chiropractic adjustments.
Some patients choose to return for periodic visits after their initial concern has resolved, similar to how some people have regular dental check-ups. This is a personal choice, not a clinical requirement. We aim to help you reach a point where you can manage your own health as independently as possible.
Chiropractors use a variety of manual and instrument-assisted techniques. At Stapleton Chiropractic, these may include spinal adjustments (a quick, precise thrust to a specific joint, sometimes producing a "click" sound), drop-piece techniques (using a experienced table with sections that drop away during the adjustment), instrument-assisted adjustments (such as the Activator method, using a handheld device to deliver gentle, targeted impulses), mobilisation (gentle, rhythmic movement of joints through their range of motion), and soft tissue therapy (targeted work on muscles, tendons, and ligaments).
We also incorporate cold laser therapy (photobiomodulation) for certain conditions. The techniques used are selected based on your individual needs, preferences, and clinical presentation.
A standard visit typically takes up to 15 minutes. This includes a brief check-in on how you've been since your last visit, any treatment adjustments needed, and the adjustment itself. If your condition requires more time, we offer extended consultations of up to 30 minutes or longer based on clinical need. Your initial consultation is longer at up to 30 minutes.
A treatment plan is a structured outline of the care recommended for your specific condition. It includes what was found during your assessment, the recommended approach to treatment, estimated number of visits and frequency, specific goals and milestones, home care strategies and exercises, and planned reassessment points.
The plan is explained to you in plain language so you can make an informed decision about proceeding. It's a recommendation, not an obligation. You're always free to ask questions, request modifications, or choose not to proceed.
Your chiropractor will provide personalised home exercise and stretching recommendations based on your specific condition. These are designed to support your treatment by improving mobility, building strength, and helping you maintain the improvements made during your visits. Typical recommendations may include specific stretches, posture-correction exercises, and general movement advice tailored to your daily routine.
The exercises you do between visits play an important role in your recovery. They're not an afterthought; they're a key part of the treatment plan.
Visit frequency depends on your condition and its stage. Acute conditions typically start with more frequent visits (initially more frequent), which reduce as you improve. Chronic conditions may begin at a similar frequency with a planned reduction over time. Your treatment plan will outline the recommended schedule, and we reassess and adjust as you progress.
The goal is always to reduce the frequency of visits as your condition improves, empowering you to manage your health independently.
Still have questions?
Give us a call, send us a message, or book your initial consultation online. We're happy to help.
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If you can't find a suitable time, feel free to call us on (08) 8297 5277
Text: 0400 105 454 | Email: wecanhelp@stapletonchiropractic.com.au
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