What Chiropractic Is
Chiropractic care centres on assessment and manual treatment of the spine and joints, most recognisably the adjustment — a quick, controlled movement applied to a specific joint. Many chiropractors also use soft-tissue work, mobilisation and exercise alongside it.
Approaches vary more between chiropractors than most people expect, from largely hands-on adjusting to practices that look much closer to rehabilitation. If a particular style matters to you, it's worth reading the practitioner's own page before booking rather than the clinic's.
What a Session Looks Like
Initial visits 30–45 minutes; adjustments often 10–20
The first appointment is a full intake — history, orthopaedic and neurological screening, and a discussion of findings before anything is treated. Later visits are short and targeted, which is why chiropractic schedules run in tight increments. You'll usually stay clothed; wear something you can move in.
Common Reasons People Book
- Neck and back pain
- Restricted or stiff movement in a specific joint
- Headaches with a neck component
- Ongoing maintenance for a recurring problem
- A flare-up that needs attention this week rather than next
Last reviewed 2026-10-04.