Author Archive for Paula Stacey

Chiropractic Practices

The regulated health industry  environment in which Chiropractic is practised has changed substantially since it’s inception. At The Chiropractic Domain we pride ourselves on providing an exceptional health service in a caring environment, providing safe, effective Chiropractic care for all ages. We have always kept detailed clinical notes and endeavoured to adhere to the Chiropractic Board of Australia Guidelines and we have always passed any audits that we had had to go through.
sEMG Scan resultChanges to the Chiropractic guidelines over time have lead to various changes of how we operate, including the introduction of posture reviews, sEMG scanning technology and digital x-rays of which all of you will have experienced in our clinics.
We have always kept clinical records, however Private health insurance companies are actively looking of ways to reduce the claims made by clients, therefore our record keeping and clinical justification needs to be very clear.

What does this mean for Chiropractic Practices?

  • We will need to provide slightly altered clinical records each appointment
  • We will be re-assessing each client more regularly in adherence to the Chiropractic Guidelines
  • Chiropractors will be regularly audited randomly to ensure they are doing the right thing, by the Board and by private health funds.
  • Chiropractors will continue to develop their skills
  • We may be a little slower in our record keeping for the time being as we alter our long held habits, we ask that you be patient as these changes are being made

What does this mean for YOU as a client?

Chiropractic Care

  • Even as a regular ongoing patient you will need to have a reassessment every 6 months or as pertinent to your care.
  • If you have not been to our clinic for more than 6 months you will need to have a re-assessment
  • A re-assesment appointment will be will be up to 30 minutes  and cost $75 or $70 for concession or U18.
  • This will allow you more time with your Chiropractor on a regular basis to make sure that we are providing you with the best care possible
  • These appointment must be scheduled at least every 3-6 months or every 8 visits in the initial phase of care. This will provide us with appropriate time and documentation that the care you are receiving is adequate for your case

So, What Now?

  • If you haven’ been in for 6 months or more, as per our usual practice you will be re-assessed at a long consult.
  • If you think you may be due for a re-assessment (previously called a posture review) ask us to schedule one before July 1st 2016 for the regular fee of $51.00

For the latest news for the Chiropractors Assocation go to chiropractors.asn.au/resources/latest-news

Prevent Injury & Gain Strength with Chiropractic

Want to prevent injury when training?

A Macquarie University study shows that semi-elite athletes were 13% less likely to suffer hamstring injury and 24% less likely to experience lower limb muscle strain when under the care of a Chiropractor.

 

Those receiving Chiropractic treatment also had significant reductions in non-contact knee injuries, low back pain and improvements in physical components of health.

 

Want to tap in to that extra 10% when strength training?

Recent studies show that Chiropractic adjustments to the cervical spine can improve grip and arm strength by 10% – 16%!

 

 

Athletic performance improved through Chiropractic care

 

 

References
1. Botelho, Marcelo and Bruno Andrade. “Effect of Cervical Spine Manipulative Therapy on Judo Athletes’ Grip Strength. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapies. 2011; 35(11): 38-44.
2. Hoskins W, Pollard H. The effect of a sports chiropractic manual therapy intervention on the prevention of back pain, hamstring and lower limb injuries in semi-elite Australian Rules footballers: a randomized control trial. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2010;11:64.

120 Years of Chiropractic

September 18th 1895 – The first Chiropractic Adjustment

D.D Palmer

D.D. Palmer was a “magnetic Healer” in Iowa. Harvey Lilard mentioned to D.D. Palmer that years before, while lifting a heavy weight, he felt something “snap” at the base of his neck. It was several weeks later that his hearing started to fade.

After feeling and examining (What we now call palpation) Harvey Lilard’s thoracic spine and noticing a misalignment D.D. Palmer pushed the joint back into position.

D.D. Palmer rejected the widely popular belief that “germs” caused all disease and death. He  asked “how it was that 2 brothers could work in the same shop, eat the same food, sleep in the same bed, and one would succumb to a disease, while the other one would not?”

Harvey Lillard

He formed the argument that it was not the “seed” (or germ) which was the cause, but that the “soil” (our body) was functioning abnormally.

Naming the Practice

D.D. Palmer asked a patient and friend, Rev. Samuel Weed, to help him name his discovery.

Rev. Samuel Weed

He suggested combining the words cheiros and praktikos (meaning “done by hand”) to describe Palmer’s treatment method, creating the term “chiropractic.”

1896 – Teaching others

In 1896 D.D. Palmer began teaching at what would become the Palmer School of Chiropractic (PSC, now Palmer College of Chiropractic.) Of the first graduates of his school, his son B.J. Palmer went on to develop the Chiropractic Technique.

1906 – B.J Palmer re-develops Chiropractic

B.J Palmer

D.D. Palmer’s student and son, B.J. Palmer, assumed control of the Palmer School in 1906, and promoted professionalism and formal training in chiropractic, expanding enrollment to a peak of above 1,000 students in the early 1920s.The next 15 years saw the opening of 30 more chiropractic schools. Each school attempted to develop its own identity, while B.J. Palmer continued to develop the philosophy behind his father’s discovery.

Chiropractic Care Today

Since 1895 Chiropractic has been a topic of controversy. Thankfully we now have clear evidence that Chiropractic is both safe and effective. Across 120 years new techniques have formed and as new understanding of the body is discovered Chiropractors have endeavored to promote good health practices in conjunction with Chiropractic to prevent dis-ease, pain and maintain good spinal alignment.

Chiropractic care is effective, safe, government registered and regulated. Chiropractors use skill, not force or strength to conduct safe, effective adjustments. In relation to the treatment of neck and back pain, studies have shown that a course of chiropractic care was 250 times safer than a course of anti-inflammatory drugs1.

Staff Changes at The Adelaide Chiropractic Domain

New Faces in Goodwood

Good news! Dr Paula has found an Associate Chiropractor

Emily Ferguson is a keen graduate simply aching to start practice and immerse herself on the local community. Originally from South-western Victoria, she has grown up in Warrnambool before moving to Melbourne to pursue her long term goal of becoming a Chiropractor. We look forward to her joining us for her clinical placement later this month and then officially commence her position in December. We hope you all get a chance to meet this lovely and smart young lady very soon as so goes through her training and induction with me. It will mean in 2016 I can focus more once again on being a part of the Goodwood community and my family, both of which have had to share my attention this year while I have been working in Mount Gambier.

Emily Ferguson

Emily Ferguson

Talia, Lisa, Paula, Jolande, Sarah and Simone

Talia, Lisa, Paula, Jolande, Sarah and Simone

Lucy, Paula and Debbie in Mt Gambier

Lucy, Paula and Debbie in Mt Gambier

At the end of the month, our lovely Chiropractic Assistant Sarah is moving on to a new and exciting full-time travel management position with her previous employer. Having done a degree in tourism and being offered her dream job…..bit hard to say no to! We wish her all the best in her new position and she promised to not be a stranger so you may see her about the clinic from time to time when she comes in for adjustments.

As luck would have it, one of our Mt Gambier assistant’s Lucy is moving up to Adelaide to support her partner in the Barossa. Mt. Gambier clinic’s loss is Goodwood clinic’s gain as she will step into a role to help us here, along with Jolande and Simone. So from October you will see a new face about the clinic.

Royal Adelaide Show 2015

It’s that time of year again; Show Time!

Every year when the Royal Adelaide Show sets up and excitement washes over Goodwood road. The posters are up, there are radio competitions and entries are closing for entering your cooking, artwork or performance. It’s fun!

But with all the fun and excitement the same problem presents itself each year; PARKING!

Parking restrictions will be in place from Friday the fourth of September until Sunday the 13th of September but with the show comes more public transport options.

As you know we are very conveniently located just a minute from the Goodwood tram stop and a number of bus stops along Goodwood road. See Adelaide Metro for more information.

If you do need to bring your car and can’t walk, ride or catch public transport to your Chiropractic, massage or Naturopathy appointments between September 4th and 13th, we ask that you allow yourself extra time to find parking either in the Goodwood community centre or along the side streets near the clinic.

If you are attending the Show this year we hope that you have a fun and wonderful time! Don’t forget to book a massage or Chiropractic appointment after some of those rides though.

Book Now

 

Short Clinic Closure

 

Stephanie, Jack and Darcy

 

 

Dear lovely patients,

After traveling between Goodwood and Mt Gambier for the past nine months, I will be taking a much needed break between August 17th and 23rd with my little rascals and husband.

During our time away you can still book online via our Facebook page or website.

I look forward to coming back revitalised and ready to adjust in Goodwood from Monday the 24th of August and Mt Gambier from Thursday the 27th of August.

Much love and health,

Dr Paula

 

 

Celebrating 17 Years in Business

Hello lovely clients,

This week I am celebrating 17 years in business. Yay!!

It all started long ago one cold July day with one room in Mount Barker and one room in the house I was sharing with my sister in Millswood…with the laundry as my waiting room.

Yes, very humble beginnings!!!

I had lots of help from family and friends to get set up and started and that’s where most of my early patients came from….who referred others…and some of you!!

Later we sold Mount Barker and bought the Mount Gambier practice…..exactly 8 years ago in fact!

Anyhow, here we all are!  It’s been quite a journey…..with various fabulous team members along the way helping me to serve you all.

There’s been various accolades and awards of which I am proud and humbled.

However, the biggest compliment you each have given me…is the trust in placing you and your family under my care!

The second biggest compliment is when you have referred someone else for me to care for!

I am still passionate about providing high quality Chiropractic care to you and any other you send my way – thank-you!

At present I am consulting:

  • All day Mondays ,Wednesdays and Tuesday afternoons in Goodwood and
  • All day Thursday, Fridays and alternative Saturday mornings in Mount Gambier.

I look forward to getting some extra help in Mount Gambier soon so life is not quite so crazy at home !!

Lots of Chiropractic love,

Paula

 

What do Chiropractors do?

Chiropractors adjust the spinal joints and muscles to minimise pain and increase proper movement of the spine, it also allows the body to heal and the nervous system to work at it’s optimum level.

Do you need a referral from a GP?

A referral from a GP is not necessary to see a Chiropractor. Some GP’s may refer to Chiropractors via the Enhanced Primary Care Program (EPC).

If you would like us to correspond with your GP about your Chiropractic care with us, please ask.

What are the Noises During Chiropractic Adjustments?

Many noises during Chiropractic adjustments at the Adelaide Chiropractic Domain may be heard.
Firstly, Dr Paula may use the ‘Dr Graeme General Purpose Massager’ that uses vibration to massage, helping the muscles relax for a more comfortable adjustment.

Secondly, Dr Paula uses adjusting tables with segments that lift and drop. What is most commonly heard is the table dropping back in to place during your adjustment.

Thirdly, a popping sound is sometimes heard from your spinal joints. This is simply a gas release from between the joints allowing them to move more freely.

Do Chiropractic Adjustments Hurt?

Chiropractic Adjustments are gentle and low force, so in most cases they do not hurt. Some patients have tender spots after injury that may be uncomfortable when beginning Chiropractic treatment. Chiropractors use skill, not force to conduct a safe and effective adjustment. 

What is a Chiropractic Adjustment?

A Chiropractic adjustment uses a gentle force in a specific direction applied to joints. This helps to allow joints to move more freely and gradually regain normal motion. Ultimately, Chiropractic adjustments to the spine aim to allow proper joint movement and improved spinal function, helping the nervous system to work at its optimum level for your health.

Is Chiropractic Care Safe?

Studies have shown that Chiropractic treatments are a safe, non-invasive, natural approach to health. In the words of the New Zealand Government’s Inquiry, chiropractic care is “remarkably safe.”

In relation to the treatment of neck and back pain, studies have shown that a course of chiropractic care was 250 times safer than a course of anti-inflammatory drugs.1

So, Is Chiropractic Care Safe? Simple answer; Yes

Can Chiropractic fix me?

In my over 16 years of practice “Can you fix me?” or “Can Chiropractic fix me?” certainly is the most common question followed by: “How long will it take?”

Honestly, I don’t like to use the word ‘fix’ as I think it gives people unrealistic expectations, instead I will tell a person if I believe Chiropractic can help them after I have assessed their situation.

Fortunately, the majority of the time the answer is “Yes, I can help you”. However, how much I can help and how long it takes depends on a number of factors:

  • The length of time the problem has been apparent
  • The age of the person and whether there is any spinal deterioration or scar tissue
  • The person’s occupation or daily duties
  • The relative well-being and lifestyle choices of the person
  • The attitude , optimism and willingness of the person to help themselves to get well.

The most successful clients are those who not only follow our recommendations but participate in their own care and doing what they can themselves to assist their own healing! The journey to well-being is a partnership between the practitioner and the client.