FAQ

Have questions about chiropractic care in Waikanae or Wellington?
Whether it’s your first time seeing a chiropractor or you’re looking for ongoing wellness care, we’ve answered some of the most common questions our patients ask. At Dixon St Chiropractic, we provide gentle, personalised care for all ages - right here in Waikanae and Wellington.

1. What happens at a chiropractic visit?

• At your initial consultation (about 30 minutes), we’ll discuss your health history, check how your spine and nervous system are working, and run any necessary movement, posture, orthopedic, or neurological tests. If it’s safe and appropriate, you’ll receive your first adjustment that day.

• At your follow-up visit (about 15–20 minutes), we’ll go over your findings, explain your personalised care plan, and answer any questions you have. You’ll also receive your adjustment and any home care advice, such as stretches or lifestyle tips.

• For regular visits (about 10 minutes), adjustments focus on keeping your body moving well, supporting ongoing healing, and helping to maintain optimal function.

2. How long will it take to get better?
Recovery time varies for each person. Acute symptoms may improve within 6–8 weeks, while chronic concerns can take longer, depending on factors such as duration, injury type, lifestyle, and overall health. Consistently following your home care advice, attending regular adjustments, and supporting your body with healthy habits are key to progress. Chiropractic care is about more than short-term relief - it’s focused on restoring function, supporting the nervous system, and maintaining long-term health.

3. Will I notice results straight away?
This varies from person to person. Some experience relief, improved movement, or a sense of lightness after their first adjustment, while others - particularly those with long-standing concerns - may take longer. Chiropractic care is not a quick fix; it focuses on removing interference so your body can heal and function at its best. Healing takes time, and care plans are often refined as underlying stress or compensation patterns are identified. Many patients notice positive changes within a few weeks, but our focus is on restoring proper function and supporting long-term wellness, not just providing temporary relief.

4. Will I need follow-up visits?
Yes - follow-up visits are essential for recovery and long-term results. They help maintain correct alignment, support proper healing, and allow your nervous system to function at its best. Meaningful change takes both time and consistency - much like going to the gym. Most people notice significant improvement around 6–8 weeks, which reflects normal muscle and tissue healing times. Without consistent care, muscle memory can pull joints back out of alignment, but regular adjustments retrain your body to hold correct alignment. Over time, this helps your body adapt, stabilise, and function optimally.

5. What is “wellness” or “maintenance” care?
Wellness care is ongoing chiropractic support that helps maintain the health of your spine and nervous system once you’re functioning well. Like brushing your teeth to prevent cavities, periodic visits keep your body in balance and address changes before they become symptomatic. Symptoms often appear late, after nervous system changes or muscle fatigue have caused compensation patterns and strain elsewhere. Our focus is on restoring and maintaining optimal function, reducing the risk of injury, and keeping you symptom-free so you can continue doing what you love.

6. Does a chiropractic adjustment hurt?
Not usually. You’ll feel a sensation of movement in the joint, often accompanied by a cavitation or “pop” sound, which is simply gas releasing from the synovial fluid in the joint space. If the surrounding muscles are already tender to touch, there may be a brief moment of discomfort as we apply pressure. Any soreness is usually mild and temporary. Some people experience delayed onset muscle soreness - similar to the day after a good gym workout - which can last about 24 to 48 hours, the normal recovery time for muscles to recover after a change. This is simply a sign your body is adjusting, healing, and recovering, and is a completely normal response.

7. Do I need x-rays?
Whether x-rays are required is determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on your health history, examination findings, and specific presentation. If you already have x-rays, please email them to us before your appointment so we can review them in advance. We can also refer you for new x-rays if they are needed to assist in accurately assessing your condition and guiding your care plan.

8. Do you take ACC claims?
Yes. We can apply for ACC on your behalf or use your existing claim number. If you’ve seen another chiropractor, please let us know how many visits you’ve had under that claim. If you’ve only seen a different provider (e.g., physiotherapist), you’ll still receive the full chiropractic treatment allocation under ACC - typically up to 16 visits or one year from the date of injury, whichever comes first.

9. Do you accept Southern Cross EasyClaim?
Yes. We can process Southern Cross EasyClaim in the clinic. If you are with another health insurer, we can provide you with a receipt so you can submit it to your provider for reimbursement.

10. How much does it cost?
You can see our current fees here.

11. Do I need a referral from my GP?
No - you can book directly online or by phone.