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7am to 7pm Weekdays
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Saturday Mornings
Chiropractic Care for Nurses Adelaide
Dealing with back pain, neck stiffness, or something you can't quite figure out? Nursing places unique demands on your body. We will focus on your comfort first, then map out your options together.
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73+ Google Reviews
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Private Health Accepted
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On-Site Parking
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528 Marion Rd, Plympton Park
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Allow up to 30 minutes for a comprehensive initial consultation. Here is how it works.
1
You Tell Us
We listen carefully, ask the right questions, and build a clear picture of what has been going on.
2
We Assess
Hands-on testing and biostructural analysis to identify what may be contributing to your concern.
3
We Explain
We walk you through our findings and your options in plain language. If imaging is recommended, we will explain why and discuss your options.
4
Care May Begin
Where clinically appropriate, care may begin on your first visit. We offer both traditional hands-on chiropractic techniques and gentle, low-force approaches, tailored to your comfort.
*Subject to clinical assessment and suitability criteria. Bulk billing subject to eligibility criteria and clinical need.
Individual responses vary. This is general information only and does not replace a proper clinical assessment.
Why Nursing Takes a Toll on Your Body
Musculoskeletal injuries are the leading cause of workplace injury among Australian nurses, with research suggesting up to 80% of nurses experience back pain during their career. The combination of patient handling, prolonged standing, and shift work creates unique physical demands.
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Repetitive patient manual handling and transfers
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12-hour shifts on hard hospital floors
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Sustained awkward postures during procedures
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Cumulative fatigue from rotating shift patterns
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High physical and emotional stress loads
Conditions Common in Nurses
Lower Back Pain
Patient handling, bending, and prolonged standing place significant load on the lumbar spine.
Neck & Shoulder Pain
Sustained awkward postures during procedures and charting create cervical and upper trapezius tension.
Headaches & Migraines
Stress, irregular sleep from shift work, and sustained neck tension may contribute to cervicogenic headaches.
Upper Back Stiffness
Hours of forward-leaning posture over patients restricts thoracic spine mobility.
How Chiropractic Care May Help Nurses
We focus on assessing your spine and joint function, identifying restricted movement and muscle tension patterns specific to your nursing work. Our approach combines hands-on care with practical advice you can apply during shifts.
What the Research Says
Spine Journal, 2017
Paige et al. found spinal manipulative therapy was associated with statistically significant improvements in pain and function for acute low back pain.
Lancet, 2018
Foster et al. concluded that non-pharmacological approaches including manual therapy should be first-line treatment for low back pain.
BMJ, 2019
Coulter et al. found that manual therapy combined with exercise may help manage chronic musculoskeletal pain.
JOSPT, 2020
A workplace-based study found that manual therapy interventions for healthcare workers may reduce pain intensity and improve functional capacity.
Last clinically reviewed: 28 March 2026 by Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor)
Individual responses vary. This is general information only and does not replace a proper clinical assessment.
Nurses We Commonly Help
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Emergency Department Nurses
Fast-paced, physically demanding shifts with heavy patient lifting, sustained standing, and high-stress situations. ED nurses commonly present with lower back strain, neck tension, and fatigue-related stiffness.
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Aged Care Nurses
Repetitive manual handling of residents, bending to adjust beds and equipment. Aged care nurses often experience chronic lower back pain and shoulder tension from daily lifting.
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Surgical & Theatre Nurses
Hours of standing in static positions during procedures, leaning over operating tables. Theatre nurses frequently develop thoracic stiffness and neck pain.
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Ward & Community Nurses
A mix of patient care, documentation, and walking between rooms or home visits. Ward nurses commonly present with back pain, foot fatigue, and postural tension from charting.
Transparent, Affordable Fees
See how our fees compare to the SA average
Save over 40% on your first visit compared to the SA average
Book Your First Visit
Or call (08) 8297 5277Source: Australian Chiropractors Association Consultation Fee Survey 2025 (SA data). *Care provided where clinically appropriate, subject to assessment.
🚨 When to Seek Urgent Care
Most work-related musculoskeletal pain responds well to conservative care. However, attend your GP or an emergency department promptly if you experience any of the following:
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Progressive weakness or numbness in both legs
- Numbness in the saddle area (inner thighs, groin)
- Severe, unrelenting pain that is not relieved by any position
- Fever with back or neck pain
- Unexplained weight loss with musculoskeletal symptoms
- Recent significant trauma (fall, patient handling incident)
This is general guidance only and does not replace medical advice. If you are unsure, seek medical attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions before your first visit.
Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor as a nurse?
No referral is needed. You can book directly with Stapleton Chiropractic. Initial consultations are $69, and we're open 7am to 7pm weekdays to fit around shift patterns.
How can chiropractic help with the back pain I get from patient handling?
Chiropractic assessment focuses on identifying restricted joints and muscle tension in your lumbar and thoracic spine. Research suggests manual therapy may help manage musculoskeletal pain associated with physical occupations like nursing.
I work 12-hour shifts — when can I get an appointment?
Stapleton Chiropractic is open 7am to 7pm weekdays and Saturday mornings 8am to 12pm. We're on Marion Road with free on-site parking, so you can visit before or after a shift.
Is chiropractic treatment safe for nurses with existing back injuries?
We assess each presentation individually and tailor the approach to your situation. Gentle and low-force techniques are available. We'll explain what we find and recommend before any treatment — the decision is always yours.
How much does a chiropractic visit cost?
Initial consultations at Stapleton Chiropractic are $69 (SA average is $122). Standard visits are $60 (SA average $71). We accept all major health funds for on-the-spot claims.
Will I need x-rays?
Not necessarily. X-rays are only recommended when clinically indicated. If needed, we can refer you for bulk-billed imaging. Many presentations can be assessed and managed through physical examination alone.
How many visits will I need?
This depends entirely on your presentation. After your initial assessment, we'll discuss what we've found and outline a recommended approach. There are no lock-in plans — you decide how you'd like to proceed.
Can chiropractic help with the neck pain I get from charting?
Sustained forward-leaning posture during documentation can contribute to cervical spine stiffness and upper trapezius tension. Chiropractic assessment may identify restricted joints and muscle patterns contributing to your neck pain.
Do you accept my health fund?
Stapleton Chiropractic accepts all major health funds including Medibank, Bupa, HCF, NIB, and more. We process claims on the spot so you only pay the gap.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely is ideal. If you're coming straight from a shift, scrubs are perfectly fine. We have a private treatment room.
Ready to Get Started? We're Ready When You Are.
Choose a time that works for you. No referral needed.
YOUR FIRST VISIT
Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor)
B.Sc.(Chiro), M.Chiro.(Macq)
$69
Initial Consultation | Treatment on your first visit where appropriate*
Standard visits $60
✅ Open 6 days
✅ All major health funds
✅ Free parking
Prefer to call? (08) 8297 5277
528 Marion Road, Plympton Park SA 5038 · No referral required
*Subject to clinical assessment and individual presentation.