Your Chiropractic Care Plan Explained | Kings Park Chiropractic

How many chiropractic visits will I need?

The number of visits depends on your specific condition, how long you have had it, and how your body responds to treatment. Acute problems — for example, a recent lower back strain — often respond well within 4 to 6 visits. Chronic or long-standing conditions typically require more visits and more time between improvements.

Dr. Brian will give you a specific recommendation at your first visit. He will also reassess your progress regularly and update the plan if the expected response is not occurring. You are always free to ask questions about the plan or discuss any concerns about the recommended frequency of visits.

What are the phases of chiropractic care?

Chiropractic care plans typically follow three phases, though not every patient goes through all three.

Relief care focuses on reducing your pain and improving function. Visits are more frequent — often 2 to 3 times per week — because regular treatment builds on each previous session and prevents the spine from reverting to its restricted state between visits.

Rehabilitative care occurs once your pain has reduced significantly. The focus shifts to stabilising your spine, strengthening the supporting muscles, and correcting the underlying movement patterns that contributed to the problem. Visit frequency reduces to once weekly or fortnightly.

Maintenance care (optional) is a personal choice some patients make once they are symptom-free. Research suggests periodic chiropractic care can help sustain the gains achieved during active care, particularly for patients with recurrent or degenerative conditions. This is entirely optional and never pressured.

How does Dr. Brian measure whether my treatment is working?

Progress is assessed at regular intervals throughout your care. Dr. Brian tracks changes in your pain levels, range of motion, functional ability (for example, how long you can sit, stand, or walk without discomfort), and any relevant clinical measures from the initial assessment.

He will typically conduct a formal reassessment every 6 to 8 visits and talk through the findings with you. If your progress is not matching the expected trajectory, the plan will be adjusted — this might mean modifying technique, adding exercises, referring for imaging, or co-managing your care with your GP or another practitioner.

Can I use Medicare or private health insurance for my care plan?

Yes. If your GP has provided a Medicare CDM (Chronic Disease Management) referral — sometimes called an EPC referral — you are entitled to a Medicare rebate on up to 5 allied health visits per calendar year. This includes chiropractic visits. Bring your referral to your first appointment.

Private health insurance rebates are available through HICAPS, which is available on-site. You can claim your rebate immediately at the end of each visit using your health fund card. Workers’ compensation (WorkCover), CTP, and DVA patients are also welcome — please call reception before your first visit to confirm the paperwork requirements.

When am I ready to be discharged from care?

Discharge is the goal. Dr. Brian aims to get you out of pain, back to full function, and independent — not to keep you coming back indefinitely. You are typically ready for discharge when your presenting complaint has resolved, your range of motion and function have returned to normal or near-normal, and you have the tools (exercises, postural habits, activity modifications) to manage your own health going forward.

Some patients choose to continue with periodic maintenance visits after discharge; others prefer to return only if a problem recurs. Both approaches are valid, and Dr. Brian will discuss the options with you at the appropriate point in your care.