(08) 8297 5277

Services · Marion Road · Est. 1972

Chiropractic Care in Adelaide

Evidence-informed assessment for back pain, neck pain, headaches, and other musculoskeletal concerns. Care with Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) on Marion Road since 1972. Individual responses vary.

(08) 8297 5277
Est. 1972 All major health funds accepted No referral needed Free on-site parking

528 Marion Road, Plympton Park SA 5038 · Est. 1972 · Free on-site parking

Primary contact practitioner Hands-on and gentle low-force options Honest fit assessment first Book online or call

What chiropractic is

A regulated, university-trained profession focused on musculoskeletal assessment and care.

Chiropractic is a regulated healthcare profession focused on the assessment, diagnosis, and management of musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those involving the spine, joints, and surrounding muscles. In Australia, chiropractors complete five years of university study and are registered with AHPRA.

Chiropractors assess how your spine, joints, and muscles move, work toward a clear diagnosis, and may use hands-on techniques and exercise to help manage musculoskeletal pain and stiffness.

At Stapleton Chiropractic, Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) has provided evidence-informed chiropractic care on Marion Road since 1972. The approach is assessment first, a clear explanation of what may be contributing to your symptoms, and a plan discussed with you. No lock-in plans.

All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.

Conditions we help with

Musculoskeletal concerns we assess most often. Choose a page, or book an assessment if you are not sure.

Lower back painThe most common reason people book. Assessment helps identify what may be contributing. Neck painStiffness, restricted movement, and neck-related headaches. Headaches and migrainesSome headaches may be related to the neck. Assessment explores that. SciaticaLeg pain, numbness, or tingling that may be related to the lumbar spine. Slipped (herniated) discDisc-related low-back and leg symptoms, and what may help manage them. Shoulder and upper backThoracic stiffness, rotator cuff irritation, and postural strain. Hip painHip and groin musculoskeletal pain, and movement-related stiffness. Knee painMusculoskeletal knee pain and biomechanical assessment. PosturePostural strain from desk work and daily habits. Sports injuriesBiomechanical assessment and recovery support for active people.

Back and spine

Lumbar facet joint pain Lumbar strain Lumbar spinal stenosis Sacroiliac joint pain Thoracic mid-back pain Rib pain Scoliosis (associated symptoms)

Neck, head and jaw

Tech neck Upper neck care Pinched nerve Whiplash Tension-type headache Migraine TMJ / jaw pain

Nerve-related, joint and arm or foot

Piriformis syndrome Rotator cuff / impingement Arthritis and joint pain Bursitis Plantar fasciitis Frozen shoulder Tennis and golfer's elbow Carpal tunnel

Life stage and work

Pregnancy-related low back and pelvic discomfort Tradies Nurses Teachers Drivers Aged-care workers Athletes

Not seeing your condition here?

The list covers the concerns people ask about most often. It is not every musculoskeletal presentation. Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) assesses a wide range of spine, joint, and related soft-tissue concerns for adults. If your issue is not named, that does not mean you are in the wrong place.

The useful next step is usually a first-visit assessment. If it is not the right fit, we say so and can refer and point you in the right direction.

or call (08) 8297 5277.

Suitability is determined after clinical assessment. Care is not appropriate for every presentation. Individual responses vary.

What to expect on your first visit

History, examination, a plain-language explanation, and a discussion of whether care may be appropriate.

1

History and your concern

What has been going on, and what you want to get back to doing.

2

Physical assessment

Movement, posture, and the relevant joints and muscles.

3

Explanation

What may be contributing, in plain language, including if another approach may be more appropriate.

4

A plan that fits you

Care is tailored to your presentation and reviewed as you progress.

All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.

How our fees compare

An initial consultation is $69 and a standard consultation is $60. All major health funds accepted.

VisitStapleton ChiropracticSA average (ACA 2025)
Initial consultation$69$122
Standard consultation$60$71

Our initial consultation fee is more than 40% below the South Australian average (ACA 2025).

All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.

An evidence-informed approach

Care is based on current research and a thorough assessment.

For common low back pain, clinical guidelines list manual therapies among the options that may help, alongside staying active.

Research suggests that spinal manipulative therapy may help manage low back pain. A 2019 systematic review in the BMJ found that, for chronic low back pain, spinal manipulative therapy produced effects similar to other recommended therapies, with a small improvement in function (Rubinstein et al., 2019; PMID 30867144). For acute low back pain, a 2017 systematic review in JAMA found spinal manipulative therapy was associated with modest improvements in pain and function, though results varied across the included studies (Paige et al., 2017; PMID 28399251).

Individual responses vary. Most reported effects in the research are mild and temporary, such as short-term soreness. If another approach or your GP may be a better fit, that is said plainly.

All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.

Why people book here

A 50-year family practice on Marion Road, led by Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor), B.Sc.(Chiro), M.Chiro. (Macquarie University), AHPRA registered, ACA member.

Est. 1972A long-standing local practice on the Marion Road corridor.
Evidence-informedAssessment first, then a plain-English explanation.
ConvenientOn Marion Road with free on-site parking, open six days.

All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.

Areas we see patients from

Suburbs within easy reach of 528 Marion Road, Plympton Park.

Aberfoyle Park Ascot Park Brooklyn Park Camden Park Clarence Park Clovelly Park Dover Gardens Edwardstown Flagstaff Hill Glandore Glenelg Glenelg East Glenelg North Glengowrie Kurralta Park Marion Marleston Millswood Mitchell Park Morphettville Netley North Brighton North Plympton Novar Gardens Oaklands Park Park Holme Pasadena Plympton Plympton Park Seacombe Gardens Somerton Park South Plympton Sturt Warradale

All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.

Common questions about chiropractic

These answers are general information. Your options are confirmed after assessment. Individual responses vary.

Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor?

No referral is needed. You can book directly. Chiropractors are primary-contact practitioners in Australia.

Do you accept private health insurance?

All major health funds accepted where your extras cover applies. Bring your card if you want to claim.

How much is a first visit?

An initial consultation is $69 and a standard consultation is $60. The table above shows those fees next to the 2025 South Australian ACA survey averages.

What conditions do chiropractors help with?

Chiropractors assess musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain, neck pain, tension-type headaches, and shoulder, hip, and joint pain. Research suggests care may help manage some of these presentations. Individual responses vary.

See the list above or book an assessment.

Is chiropractic evidence-based?

This practice takes an evidence-informed approach. For common low back pain, research suggests manual therapies may help manage symptoms (Rubinstein et al., 2019; Paige et al., 2017). Care is tailored after assessment.

Will treatment hurt?

Techniques are tailored to your comfort. Hands-on and gentle low-force options are available. Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) explains options before proceeding.

What happens at the first appointment?

History, examination, a plain-language explanation, and a discussion of whether care may be appropriate. Progress is reviewed regularly. There is no set session count on this page.

Where are you located?

528 Marion Road, Plympton Park SA 5038, with free on-site parking. Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm, Saturday 8am to 12pm.

This page is general information only and is not a personal diagnosis or treatment plan. Care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses vary.

Book your first visit

Open the diary and pick a time that suits. No referral needed.

Your first visit
Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor)

Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor)

B.Sc.(Chiro), M.Chiro.(Macq) · AHPRA registered

$69

Initial consultation

Choose a time that works for you

  • $69 first visit
  • Weekdays 7am-7pm
  • Saturday mornings
  • Free parking
  • All major health funds

Prefer to call? (08) 8297 5277

All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary. The decision is always yours.

New patientsHow the first visit works FAQsFirst-visit and after-care answers Our teamMeet Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) Contact and locationMarion Road, Plympton Park
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Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor)
Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor), B.Chiro.Sc (Macq), M.Chiro (Macq), is the Principal Chiropractor and Clinic Director at Stapleton Chiropractic in Plympton Park, Adelaide. He provides evidence-informed chiropractic care with a focus on musculoskeletal health, spinal movement, and functional improvement. Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) works with adults, older adults, and families across all stages of life, supporting concerns such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, and postural issues. He is committed to clear communication, personalised care planning, and long-term patient outcomes.
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