Your First Visit to Back To Front Chiropractic

Your first chiropractic visit at our Brisbane clinic includes a short questionnaire, a consultation about your complaint and health history, and a physical examination to work out whether chiropractic care suits your problem and what the likely cause is. If you’ve never seen a chiropractor before, it’s normal to wonder whether they’ll actually listen or just rush you through, and whether you’ll be talked into something before you understand what’s going on. Here’s exactly how getting started works at Back To Front Chiropractic in East Brisbane, step by step, so there are no surprises.

We’ve kept the process to two visits since chiropractor Travis West opened the clinic in 2006. The first is about understanding your problem. The second is about explaining what we found and what we recommend.

Our East Brisbane clinic is a short drive from the Brisbane CBD and inner-south Brisbane suburbs, so it’s an easy option whether you live nearby or work in the city.

How Long Your Appointments Take

Appointment lengths depend on the type of visit. Your first visit is usually the longest, because it includes time to fill in the questionnaire as well as your consultation and examination. Your second visit includes time to go through your Report of Findings, and regular visits after that are shorter. Our team will tell you how long to allow for each visit when you book.

Before You Arrive: Booking, Forms and What to Bring

You can book online 24/7 or call our team on 07 3393 2201. You don’t need a referral from your GP. If your visit relates to a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan, a work injury, a car accident, or a DVA card, please mention it when you book.

When you arrive, we’ll give you a short pre-interview questionnaire to fill in. It helps your chiropractor understand your reasons for coming in before you start talking. It’s worth bringing:

• Your private health fund card, if you have extras cover

• Any recent X-ray, CT or MRI images and reports

• A list of your current medications

• Any referral letter from your GP, if you have one

• Details of any work injury or car accident claim

Arriving a few minutes early gives you time to complete the form without feeling rushed.

Common Conditions Our Chiropractors Assess

Our chiropractors assess a range of musculoskeletal conditions, including lower back pain, neck pain, sciatica, tension-type and cervicogenic headaches, jaw and TMJ concerns, joint stiffness from arthritis, pregnancy-related back and pelvic discomfort, and sport and work injuries. Not every condition suits chiropractic treatment, and some conditions need a medical assessment before anything else. If you’re unsure whether your concern suits chiropractic care, ask our team before your appointment.

Visit One: Your Consultation and Examination

The consultation helps your chiropractor answer two key questions: is this a problem that suits chiropractic care, and what’s the most likely cause? The examination then helps narrow down where the problem is coming from and why it may have happened.

Your chiropractor will also ask about things that may not seem connected at first, such as your sleep, stress, work setup, exercise, previous injuries, and general health. These can all affect how pain behaves and what’s likely to help. They’ll also check for warning signs that suggest you should see a doctor first. If anything is uncomfortable during the examination, tell your chiropractor, and they’ll change what they’re doing or stop. You’re welcome to ask what each test is for. Some people find it helpful to jot down a few notes before the appointment, like when the pain started, what makes it better or worse, and what you’ve already tried, so nothing gets forgotten on the day.

If those questions are answered and you’re comfortable to go ahead, your care may start on the first visit. If not, it starts on your second visit, once any further information is in.

When X-Rays or Other Imaging May Be Needed

You might expect X-rays as standard, but most back and neck problems don’t need them. Australia’s Low Back Pain Clinical Care Standard (2022) says imaging has a limited role and should be kept for when it’s likely to change your management. Scans also pick up age-related changes that are common in people without any pain, which can cause unnecessary worry.

We only refer you for an X-ray, or ask your GP to arrange a CT or MRI, when we need more information to answer those two key questions, or to rule out something that needs medical care. If we do refer you, we’ll explain why. Imaging is done at a separate radiology provider and isn’t included in our fees.

Your Consent and Your Choices

Nothing happens without your informed consent. Before any treatment, your chiropractor will explain what they’re recommending, why, any relevant risks, what other options exist (including not having treatment), and roughly what it will cost. You can ask questions at any point, ask for a different technique, ask to stop, or take time to think it over. If you’d like someone with you during the appointment, you’re welcome to bring them.

Visit Two: Your Report of Findings

At your second visit, your chiropractor gives you a folder containing your Report of Findings. It includes a summary of your examination and any imaging results, your recommended plan, our fee schedule, posture advice, and stretches.

Your plan is a recommendation, not a fixed contract. It’s based on your clinical needs, goals, budget, and schedule, and it’s reviewed as you go, because how many visits you need depends on how you respond. We can’t guarantee a particular result, and we’ll tell you if things aren’t progressing as expected. You can also share your Report of Findings with other health professionals you see, such as your GP, physiotherapist or massage therapist.

If chiropractic care does go ahead, it may include spinal adjustments or gentler mobilisation, soft tissue techniques, exercises and advice on movement and daily habits. Your chiropractor will explain what they’re planning before they start and check how you’re feeling as they go. Your chiropractor will talk you through any possible side effects, such as soreness after treatment, and what to do if you have any concerns.

Chiropractic Techniques Explained

Chiropractic techniques vary, and the choice depends on your assessment and comfort. Spinal adjustments, also called spinal manipulation, are quick, controlled movements applied to a joint, and you may hear a clicking sound as gas releases within the joint. Mobilisation uses slower, gentler movements. Soft tissue techniques work on the muscles around the spine, neck and shoulders. Exercises and advice on daily movement are usually part of the plan as well.

Common side effects of spinal techniques are mild and short-lived, such as soreness or stiffness for a day or two. Serious complications are rare, but they can occur, and our chiropractors will discuss the risks with you before any treatment. You can always ask for techniques that don’t involve spinal manipulation.

Chiropractor or Physiotherapist?

People often ask whether to see a chiropractor or a physiotherapist first. Both are registered health professions in Australia, regulated by their own national boards through AHPRA, and both assess and manage many of the same musculoskeletal problems, such as back pain, neck pain and sports injuries. Chiropractic care often includes spinal manipulation and mobilisation alongside exercise and advice, while physiotherapy often places more emphasis on exercise-based rehabilitation, though there’s a lot of overlap.

What matters most is a thorough assessment, a clear explanation and a plan you understand. If your assessment suggests physiotherapy would suit you better, for example for post-surgical rehabilitation, vestibular problems or a structured exercise program, we’ll say so and refer you. Some people see both, and with your consent we can share findings so your care fits together. If you’re claiming on private health insurance, check your extras, as chiropractic and physiotherapy limits can differ.

What If Chiropractic Care Is Not Right for You?

Sometimes the most useful thing we can do is tell you that chiropractic isn’t the right fit. If your assessment suggests a medical cause, or another health professional is better placed to help, we’ll explain why and refer you to your GP, a physiotherapist, a podiatrist or another appropriate practitioner.

If you have new bladder or bowel problems, numbness around your groin, worsening leg weakness, a sudden severe headache, or pain after a serious accident, please seek urgent medical care instead of booking with us. In an emergency, call 000.

How Long Appointments Take and What to Wear

See the appointment times above, and ask our team how long to allow when you book. Wear loose, comfortable clothing you can move easily in, such as activewear, as your chiropractor will need to see how you move. If you have any questions about what to wear, just ask when you book.

Remedial Massage Therapy

We also have an in-house remedial massage therapist. Remedial massage therapy focuses on muscles and soft tissue, and you can arrange massage on its own or alongside chiropractic treatment. Some people find massage eases muscle tension in the neck, shoulders and back, although results vary and we can’t promise a particular outcome. Rebates for massage therapy depend on your fund and level of cover.

If your back is your main concern, mention it when arranging massage so the session can focus on your back, hips and shoulders. Massage therapy pressure can be adjusted, and you can ask your massage therapist to change the approach or stop at any time. Some people prefer massage therapy for general back tightness rather than a specific complaint, and that’s fine too.

Support Before and After Your Appointment

You’re welcome to bring a support person to any appointment. After treatment, some people notice mild soreness or stiffness for a day or two. If your pain gets worse rather than settling, or you notice any new symptoms, call the clinic or see your GP. Our team can also support you with questions about appointment times, fees and claims.

Pain, Conditions, and Realistic Expectations

Pain can come from many different conditions, and the same kind of pain can respond differently from one person to the next. Chiropractic treatment may be one option for some musculoskeletal conditions, usually alongside exercise and staying active, and it isn’t a substitute for medical treatment of conditions that need it. Our role is to assess, explain and support you, and to refer you when another approach suits your pain better.

Our chiropractors don’t assume that all pain needs treatment. Some pain settles on its own with time and activity, and our chiropractors will tell you if that’s likely in your case. Massage can be a useful addition to treatment for some people with muscle-related pain, but massage isn’t the right fit for everyone. Our chiropractors and massage therapist can discuss whether it suits your pain and your treatment plan.

Chiropractic and Massage Under One Roof in Brisbane

Having chiropractic treatment and massage in one Brisbane clinic means fewer trips to fit into your week. Massage sessions are available in different lengths, and the fees are listed on our Fees and Cost Guide page. If you’d like massage support while you work through a chiropractic treatment plan, let our team know. Patients come to us from across Brisbane’s inner south and the CBD.

Fees and Health Fund Claims

Our full fee schedule is on our Fees and Cost Guide page, including the reduced regular visit fee for full-time school students and children under five. Our team can confirm your fee when you book.

HICAPS is on site, so you can claim your private health insurance extras on the spot and just pay the gap. Your rebate depends on your fund and level of cover. Payment is on the day by cash, EFTPOS or credit card. Medicare doesn’t usually cover chiropractic, but if you have a chronic condition, ask your GP whether a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan could help.

Parking and Getting to Our East Brisbane Clinic

We’re at Unit 4, 32-36 Hampton St, East Brisbane QLD 4169, with off-street parking at the front of the building. We’re a short drive from Kangaroo Point, Woolloongabba, Coorparoo, and the CBD. We open from 7:30 am on weekdays, with evening appointments until 7 pm on several days and Saturday mornings from 8 am to 12 pm.

Questions to Ask Your Chiropractor

A good chiropractor will welcome your questions. You might ask:

1. What do you think is causing my pain?

2. Is chiropractic the right option for this, or should I see someone else?

3. Do I need any imaging, and why?

4. What will treatment involve, and are there any risks for me?

5. How many visits do you expect, and when will we review progress?

6. What can I do at home to help?

Booking Your First Appointment

If you’re booking for a child or teenager, please let us know when you book. For babies and toddlers, the Chiropractic Board of Australia advises chiropractors not to use spinal manipulation on children under two, and we follow that advice. If you’re pregnant, please mention it too, so we can plan positioning and techniques around your pregnancy.

When you’re ready, booking takes a couple of minutes. Book online 24/7, call our team on 07 3393 2201, or send us an email through our contact form. We’ll help you find a time that fits around work and family.