Dr Hamilton Mack

Chiropractic is a regulated health profession focused on assessing, diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the spine, joints, muscles and nervous system. Chiropractors use hands-on techniques, exercise advice and evidence-informed care to support movement and manage pain. In Australia, chiropractors are university-trained and registered with AHPRA.

Chiropractors commonly manage musculoskeletal conditions, including:

• Back and neck pain
• Headaches related to the neck or posture
• Sciatica and nerve-related symptoms
• Joint pain and stiffness
• Sports and activity-related injuries
• Postural and movement-related discomfort

Both professions manage musculoskeletal conditions, but the emphasis differs. Chiropractors tend to focus on spinal and joint function using hands-on techniques; physiotherapists tend to emphasise exercise-based rehabilitation. The two are often complementary, and some people see both. Brunswick Health has chiropractors and physiotherapists in the same clinic, so care can be coordinated without a new referral.

Both are AHPRA-registered professions that work hands-on with joints, muscles and movement, and there is more overlap between them than most descriptions suggest. The broad difference is emphasis: chiropractic training centres on the spine and on specific joint adjustment, while osteopathy takes a whole-body view and leans more on soft-tissue work and stretching. Plenty of problems respond to either, and which one suits you often comes down to the individual practitioner rather than the label on the door. Osteopathy is not part of the current line-up at Brunswick Health — what you will find here is chiropractic and physiotherapy, working in the same practice, so you can start with one and move to the other without a new referral or a new waiting list.

Chiropractic care is considered a low-risk, conservative treatment when provided by a qualified, AHPRA-registered chiropractor following appropriate assessment. Most people experience little to no side effects. Some notice mild soreness or stiffness afterwards, similar to starting a new form of exercise, which usually settles quickly. Your chiropractor will discuss any risks relevant to your circumstances before treatment begins.

Chiropractic treatment is generally well tolerated. Some people experience mild soreness or stiffness after a session, similar to the feeling of starting a new exercise, and it usually settles within a day or so.