Your first visit
Everything you need to
know before you arrive.
Starting somewhere new can feel uncertain. This page is here to take the guesswork out of it — so you can walk through our door feeling prepared, not apprehensive.
Your first appointment is about understanding you, not rushing you. We'll take the time needed to get it right from the beginning.
Your initial consultation
What happens on the day.
Your first appointment runs 45 to 60 minutes. Here is exactly how that time is used — from the moment you arrive to walking out with a clear plan.
01
Arrival & Paperwork
We'll have you complete a short intake form covering your health history, current medications, and the primary reason for your visit. If you'd prefer to do this ahead of time, we can email it to you before your appointment — just ask when you book.
5–10 min
02
Full Case History
We begin by listening. You'll have time to explain what's been happening in your own words — how it started, what makes it better or worse, what you've tried, and what matters most to you in terms of getting back to normal. Musculoskeletal issues are rarely straightforward, and context matters.
10–15 min
03
Physical Examination
Depending on your presentation, this includes orthopaedic and neurological testing, movement assessment, postural analysis, and hands-on palpation. We're not just looking at the painful area — we're looking for the pattern behind it. Pain location is frequently misleading.
15–20 min
04
Diagnosis & Discussion
We take the time to explain what we've found — in plain language, not jargon. You'll understand what's happening, why it's happening, and what the realistic path forward looks like. If further imaging or specialist referral is needed, we'll discuss that clearly and honestly. We don't oversell treatment.
10 min
05
First Treatment
In most cases, we begin treatment at your first visit. Your care plan is built around your specific presentation, your goals, and your preferences. This might include manual therapy, fascial manipulation, spinal adjustments, dry needling, or a combination — all discussed with you beforehand.
10–15 min
06
Your Care Plan
Before you leave, you'll have a clear picture of the recommended plan — how many visits, at what frequency, and what we expect to achieve at each stage. There's no pressure to commit to anything upfront. We work at a pace that makes sense for you.
5 min
Before you arrive
What to bring with you.
Nothing complicated. Here's what makes your first appointment run as smoothly as possible.
Any relevant imaging
If you have recent X-rays, MRI, CT scans, or ultrasound reports, please bring them along or have them sent ahead. Digital copies on your phone are fine. We won't repeat imaging that's already been done.
A list of current medications
Including supplements, if relevant. Some medications affect presentation and management decisions. A photo of your blister pack or a printed list both work well.
Comfortable clothing
You'll be asked to move through various positions and may need to partially undress for the examination — typically shorts and a singlet are ideal. We have gowns available if preferred.
A support person (optional)
You're welcome to bring a family member or support person to your appointment. Some patients find it helpful to have someone present to help recall information discussed during the consultation.
Your Medicare or health fund card
We accept most major private health funds. If you're claiming through a GP Management Plan (Team Care Arrangement), please bring your referral form. HICAPS is available for on-the-spot claiming.
Any questions you have
Write them down beforehand if you tend to forget under pressure. There are no silly questions. We'd rather you leave with everything answered than uncertain about any aspect of your care.
Our examination approach
We look at the
whole picture.
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Movement AssessmentWe assess which movements you find easy, difficult, or painful — both globally and at specific joints. Movement limitation gives vital clues to the underlying source of your problem, which is often not where you feel the pain.
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Orthopaedic TestingSpecific physical tests to help identify the structure or structures involved — disc, joint, ligament, muscle, or nerve — and to determine whether further investigation or specialist referral is warranted.
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Neurological ScreeningWhere indicated, we assess reflexes, sensation, and muscle strength to identify any nerve involvement and determine the appropriate course of action, including whether urgent referral is needed.
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Fascial AssessmentUsing the Stecco Fascial Manipulation methodology, we systematically assess the fascial system — the connective tissue network that links your entire body — to identify densification patterns contributing to pain and restricted movement.
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Postural & Load AnalysisUnderstanding how you carry yourself and what loads your body is regularly exposed to — at work, in sport, or in daily life — informs both diagnosis and management, particularly for recurring or long-standing conditions.
Our philosophy
"Pain location is frequently misleading."
A sore lower back might have its root cause in restricted hip mobility, fascial tension through the lateral chain, or a pattern of loading that's been building for years. Treating only the painful site is why so many people find temporary relief but keep coming back with the same problem.
Our assessment takes longer than a brief palpation and manipulation. It's designed to give us — and you — a genuine understanding of what's happening and why, so we can make rational decisions about your management rather than educated guesses.
If we find something that requires imaging or specialist input, we'll tell you clearly and refer appropriately. We don't over-treat, and we don't keep people coming indefinitely if the evidence doesn't support it.
Tailored to you
Your care plan could include
any of the following.
Treatment is never one-size-fits-all. What we use is determined by your presentation, your goals, and what the evidence supports for your condition.
Precise, targeted manual therapy applied to specific points in the fascial system. Effective for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, particularly complex, recurring, or poorly understood pain patterns.
Specific, controlled manipulation of spinal and peripheral joints to restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve neural function. Applied only where clinically indicated and appropriate for your presentation.
Exercise Prescription
Targeted rehabilitation exercises to restore strength, mobility, and movement patterns. Designed to be practical and realistic for your life — not a generic handout, but a specific program for your specific problem.
Education & Load Management
Understanding your condition changes how you live with it. We explain what's happening in your body and guide you on activity modification, ergonomics, and load management to support recovery between visits.
Co-management & Referral
When appropriate, we coordinate care with GPs, physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, and specialists. Good outcomes often require a team approach — we're not precious about keeping all care in-house.
Nutritional Support
Where the research supports it, we discuss nutritional factors that may aid recovery — such as magnesium for migraine and muscle cramps, or hydrolysed collagen for tendon and connective tissue healing. Not prescriptive; always evidence-informed.
Common questions
Things new patients
often ask us.
Do I need a GP referral to see a chiropractor?
No referral is needed to book directly with us. However, if you have a current GP Management Plan (Team Care Arrangement), you may be eligible for Medicare rebates on a limited number of allied health visits per calendar year. Bring your referral form if this applies to you.
Do you accept private health insurance?
Yes. We accept most major private health funds and have HICAPS available for on-the-spot gap claiming. The amount you receive back will depend on your specific policy and level of cover — we'd recommend checking with your fund ahead of your first visit if you're unsure.
Can a chiropractor help with pregnancy-related musculoskeletal pain?
Pregnancy commonly brings musculoskeletal changes — pelvic girdle pain, low back pain, rib discomfort, and postural loading through the thoracic spine are among the presentations we regularly see. These often respond well to manual therapy and movement guidance. Examination and treatment techniques are modified throughout each stage of pregnancy to suit changing anatomy and positioning needs. Please mention your pregnancy when booking so we can allow appropriate time and preparation.
How many visits will I need?
This depends entirely on your condition, how long it's been present, and how your body responds to treatment. After your initial assessment we'll give you an honest estimate — typically a range, not a fixed number. We reassess regularly and adjust the plan based on progress.
Will the treatment be painful?
Some techniques — particularly deep fascial work or treatment of active trigger points — can be uncomfortable in the moment, but should not be acutely painful. We always work within your tolerance and ask for feedback throughout. Mild post-treatment soreness for 24–48 hours is normal and typically means the tissue has responded. We'll let you know what to expect before we begin.
How long does the first appointment take?
Initial consultations run 45–60 minutes. This includes a full history, movement and palpatory assessment, an explanation of findings, and treatment — which typically begins at the first visit. Follow-up appointments are generally 30–45 minutes. If you have relevant imaging or previous reports, bring them along.
What's the difference between a chiropractor and a physiotherapist?
In practice, the overlap is significant — both are university-trained, AHPRA-registered practitioners who treat musculoskeletal conditions using manual therapy, exercise, and education. The main distinctions are in training emphasis: chiropractors have a stronger focus on spinal biomechanics and neurological function, while physiotherapy has traditionally emphasised rehabilitation. At Elevate, our additional training in Fascial Manipulation is an approach used by practitioners across both disciplines.
Ready to take
the first step
toward feeling better?
Same-week appointments are often available for new patients. Book online in under two minutes, or call us if you'd prefer to speak with someone first.
Book your initial consultation
Book online now →
Or call (03) 9787 0600
No referral needed — book directly
Treatment begins at your first visit
Private health fund rebates available
Free parking at the clinic