Most chiropractic adjustments are not painful. Sometimes, you may feel temporary discomfort—similar to the sensation of doing a new stretch or movement—but this usually passes quickly. Many patients actually find adjustments relaxing, with a noticeable reduction in tension and stress. Different gentle techniques are available, tailored to suit all ages and needs, ensuring both comfort and results.

Applied Kinesiology chiropractors undergo additional training in muscle testing, which helps assess your body’s structure and function more accurately. This approach allows me to pinpoint specific issues and see real-time improvements as they’re corrected, giving patients instant feedback and greater insight into their health.

While chiropractic care focuses on the spine and nervous system, other areas like the hips, knees, shoulders, and ankles are also vital to overall function. I’m trained to assess and treat both spinal and limb conditions, considering your body as a whole.

This is an old way of describing chiropractic adjustments. Today, we know it’s more about improving the movement and alignment of vertebrae, rather than “putting bones back.” Adjustments help restore a natural range of motion, correcting dysregulated patterns and supporting healthy movement. The “popping” sound you might hear is simply gas and fluid moving within the joint.

Chiropractic adjustments reduce nerve interference, which enhances communication between your brain and body. This improved connection may lead to benefits beyond pain relief, such as better muscle strength, joint stability, energy levels, digestion, sleep, and even mood. In short, aligning your spine supports your nervous system’s role in keeping your whole body functioning well.

While we aim to help all patients, chiropractic care may not be the best solution for everyone. If your condition needs a different approach, I’ll refer you to another practitioner who may better address your needs.

Yes, absolutely. Chiropractic is a regulated profession in Australia under the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). To become a chiropractor here requires at least five years of university-level study, often including a double degree or master’s level qualification.

Yes, chiropractic care is typically covered by private health insurance under Allied Health. Your coverage will depend on your level of insurance; if your plan includes services like physiotherapy or dental, chiropractic is likely covered as well. We also offer on-site claim processing with HICAPS for added convenience.

It’s Your Choice.

This is a common misconception. At Michael Powderly Chiropractic, we begin with a series of initial adjustments, followed by a re-evaluation to see what’s changed. After discussing our findings, I’ll make a recommendation, but ongoing care is entirely up to you.

Maintenance Option

Many patients feel great after initial care and choose to continue with regular adjustments for maintenance—much like you would with personal training or dental check-ups. This can help prevent stress buildup and keep your spine and nervous system in top shape.

No Pressure.

If you decide ongoing care isn’t for you, that’s perfectly fine. My goal is to provide the information you need to make an informed decision, and I fully respect whatever choice you make.

I use a variety of specialized techniques to provide personalized care for each patient, including:

• Applied Kinesiology Chiropractic

• Activator

• Sacro Occipital Technique

• Neural Organization Technique

• Diversified Technique

• Neuro Emotional Technique

First Visit

The first priority is to determine if I can help you. I never make assumptions, but I am always eager to find out if chiropractic care is the right solution for your needs. My mission is to quickly identify the root cause of your issue and assess whether chiropractic treatment can be effective.

Your initial consultation begins with a detailed discussion of your medical history to gather all the necessary information. This is followed by an in-depth examination, including orthopaedic and neurological assessments to evaluate how well your nervous system is functioning. If necessary, X-rays may be requested from a local radiology provider to provide additional insights.

If together we determine that chiropractic care is not suitable for your situation, I will guide you towards the appropriate treatment or specialist to ensure you get the care you need.

Return Appointment

After your initial consultation, we will schedule a follow-up visit as soon as possible. This visit, known as the "report of findings," involves reviewing the results of your examination, including any X-rays.

During this appointment, I will explain whether chiropractic care can help, what the recommended treatment plan entails, and details such as the duration and cost of care.

We will also discuss our expectations, including the expected timeline and the level of improvement we anticipate. If you decide to proceed with care, you will receive your first adjustment during this visit, which typically lasts around 30 minutes.

Throughout the entire process, I will explain each step to ensure you are fully informed and comfortable. After observing your response to the initial adjustment, I will outline a care plan based on my findings and your specific health goals.

Continued Assessment

After 12 visits, we will conduct a reassessment to compare your current condition with the initial findings, tracking your progress and making any necessary adjustments. We will review your initial concerns to understand what has improved and what still needs attention. Our goal is to leave no stone unturned in your care.

You will receive an update based on these new findings during your next visit, and this process will continue throughout your care to ensure we are meeting your health goals effectively.

At each phase of your treatment, you’ll receive an updated plan tailored to your progress and needs. Once you achieve your goals, you may choose to continue with maintenance care to help you stay in great shape and maintain the improvements you've achieved.