FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions does a chiropractor manage?
As a registered chiropractor with over 15 years of experience, I help people manage a range of musculoskeletal conditions including back pain, neck discomfort, headaches, and joint stiffness.
Is chiropractic treatment safe?
Chiropractic treatment is generally considered safe for most people. At the initial assessment, I will take a comprehensive health history so that I can create a management plan that is specific to your individual circumstances. This initial assessment helps me to understand if chiropractic will suit your condition and minimise any potential risk.
What happens during my first chiropractic appointment?
During your first visit, I will take a comprehensive health history using neurological, orthopaedic, and chiropractic specific tests, using the latest digital postural analysis.
One of the most common treatments I use is manual adjustment, which is done by hand. This involves gently moving a joint in your spine through its natural range of movement, followed by a light thrust. This technique may help improve the position of the joint and its function. You might hear a small ‘pop sound’. This is normal and is gas being released from the joint.
Depending on your individual health concern, I may also work on soft tissues using gentle techniques. Where appropriate, I might suggest specific exercises or stretches that could support your recovery and ongoing comfort.
How many chiropractic sessions will I need?
The number of sessions will be determined by your individual condition, how long you have been experiencing symptoms and how your body responds to chiropractic care.
At the initial health assessment, I will provide you with realistic expectations based on current evidence and your specific situation. I will always afford you informed consent and provide you with the relevant information on your health care plan.
Can pregnant women receive chiropractic care?
Yes, chiropractic care during pregnancy can be safe and beneficial for managing pregnancy-related back pain and pelvic discomfort. I use pregnancy-specific approaches and equipment designed for your comfort and safety.
Is chiropractic care suitable for children?
In 2012, I completed an academic course for the chiropractic care of children and as part of my continuing professional education, I completed a second course in 2023.
https://icpa4kids.com/training/diplomate-program/
Children can benefit from gentle, age-appropriate chiropractic care. The paediatric techniques I use are much gentler than those I use for adults. On children, the depth of pressure I use is similar to what I would use to check the ripeness of a tomato.
To address the community concern over paediatric chiropractic safety Safe Care Victoria conducted an independent review of spinal manipulation of children under 12. The panel included experts in paediatrics and musculoskeletal care, consumers, and representatives from the Chiropractic Board of Australia and Australian Chiropractors Association.
Key findings included
- Of approximately 300,000 visits to chiropractors each week, approximately 30,000 of these visits are children under the age of 18 years of age.
- 21,824 submissions were made – the largest of any public stakeholder engagement.
- 99.7% of submissions from the public reported a positive experience with chiropractic care of their children.
- 95.8% stated that they were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the information provided about the risk of treatment.
- In Australia, there has never been a serious adverse event reported in the literature or in insurance claims involving the care of a child by a chiropractor. This is despite the fact that there have been an estimated 12-15 million visits by children to chiropractors over the last 20 years.
- Of the 21,824 submissions 98% said that chiropractic care helped their child following treatment.
- 99.1% indicated that they were either “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with information provided by the chiropractor about the benefits of treatment.
- 68.9% reported that they had also consulted with their GP about their children’s medical concerns.
https://www.safercare.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-10/20191024-Final%20Chiropractic%20Spinal%20Manipulation.pdf
Will I need X-rays before treatment?
The initial comprehensive health history I conduct will determine whether x-rays are clinically necessary. If required, they can be helpful to guide me in developing your care plan.
As part of our academic training, Chiropractors study radiology and radiography at university, which allows us to hold radiation licences in Australia and New Zealand.
We are bound by stringent guidelines for x-ray referrals.
https://www.chiropracticboard.gov.au/Codes-guidelines/FAQ/Conduct-performance/Chiropractic-diagnostic-imaging.aspx
Can chiropractic care help with headaches?
If any part of your neck is subluxated, that is, misaligned or locked up, it may cascade, resulting in inflammation, protective muscle responses and a change in both nerve and blood flow.
This tension can present in several different patterns, however, the most common is the tension at the base of the skull making you feel like you need a shoulder massage to feel better. If the muscles continue to be placed under stress for periods, it can potentially result in tension around the temples, across the forehead and behind the ears.
Below are two recent studies that explore the impact of chiropractic care on headaches, particularly those related to neck tension or cervical spine dysfunction.
Systematic Review – Cervicogenic Headache
Fernandez, M., Moore, C., Tan, J., et al. (2020) “Spinal manipulation for the management of cervicogenic headache: a systematic review and meta-analysis” European Journal of Pain, 24(9), 1687-1702 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ejp.1632
Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis
Bini, P., Hohenschurz-Schmidt, D., Masullo, V., et al. (2022) “The effectiveness of manual and exercise therapy on headache intensity and frequency among patients with cervicogenic headache: a systematic review and meta-analysis” Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 30, Article 49 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12998-022-00459-9
Is chiropractic care covered by my health insurance?
If you have chiropractic as part of your extra’s package, then yes, your health insurance will cover a portion of your session.
Is chiropractic care covered under Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and WorkCover?
Yes, I do see patients clients or people who have been referred by TAC and WorkCover. You can claim the sessions via your case manager.
Michael F.
06:03 14 Jan 26
Dr Paul is a brilliant Chiropractor and has done amazing things with realigning my body, increasing strength and reducing back and neck pain and headaches. Thank you Dr Paul!
Moe H.
23:04 16 Dec 25
Highly recommend this Chiropractic Life. They’ve helped relieve my neck pain and headaches, and I’ve also improved my sleep and posture. Everything is explained clearly and in a way that’s easy to understand. I’ve seen great results since starting regular adjustments
Ali E.
23:42 08 Dec 25
Where's the option for a 6th star???
The guys at Chiropractic Life Brunswick are truly like no other clinic ive been to in the past.
Staff are very friendly and easy to get along with, Dr Paul has a plethora of knowledge, answering all questions i have.
The clinic is very well maintained and all those aches and pains are subsiding more and more, with each visit.
Thank you to Paul Portelli and his team for all of your help through my journey to feel better and stronger each week!
The guys at Chiropractic Life Brunswick are truly like no other clinic ive been to in the past.
Staff are very friendly and easy to get along with, Dr Paul has a plethora of knowledge, answering all questions i have.
The clinic is very well maintained and all those aches and pains are subsiding more and more, with each visit.
Thank you to Paul Portelli and his team for all of your help through my journey to feel better and stronger each week!
Angela P.
10:36 27 Nov 25
My husband and I have been going to this centre for a few years now. Staff are great, Dr Paul does great adjustments and gives helpful advice. Definitely recommend this practice 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rosemary N.
04:59 12 Nov 25
Dr Paul is a great chiropractor I've been seeing for many years following him from Keilor, Point Cook to now at Coburg. Dr Paul is very experienced & knowledgeable, always explains issues & offers advice. Dr Paul is very caring & friendly which is why my family & I have followed him for many years.
Camila G.
23:17 14 Oct 25
Paul is super nice and really knows what he’s doing. He’s been helping me with my mild scoliosis, which I didn’t even know much about before seeing him. He always explains things clearly and makes me feel comfortable every time. I already feel a big difference. He’s great at his job and honestly just a good person to see.
fatima E.
07:32 06 Oct 25
My husband and I have been seeing Dr Paul for years and have never turned back.
He is very knowledgeable and gives great advice on all things healing. I can’t recommend him enough 🤗
The receptionists are also amazing and very welcoming and love interacting with their clients
He is very knowledgeable and gives great advice on all things healing. I can’t recommend him enough 🤗
The receptionists are also amazing and very welcoming and love interacting with their clients