Chiropractic in New South Wales & Queensland

Chiropractic is an AHPRA-regulated allied health profession focused on the assessment, diagnosis, and management of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system — particularly the spine, joints, and associated soft tissues. In Australia, all practising Chiropractors must complete a minimum five-year university degree (Bachelor/Masters pathway) and hold current AHPRA registration. This is a legal requirement: you can verify any Chiropractor’s credentials on the AHPRA public register at ahpra.gov.au.

All CAHC Chiropractors are also members of Chiropractic Australia (CAA) — the peak national professional body — which upholds clinical, ethical, and continuing education standards across the profession.

The primary technique Chiropractors use is spinal manipulation — also called spinal adjustment. This is a hands-on technique applied to the spine or joints that is used to assess and manage musculoskeletal conditions. Depending on your presentation, your CAHC Chiropractor may also use soft tissue therapy, dry needling, exercise prescription, postural advice, and rehabilitation exercise as part of a personalised care plan developed with you at your first appointment.

Within CAHC’s multi-disciplinary model, Chiropractic sits alongside Physiotherapy, Exercise Physiology, Occupational Therapy, Psychology, and six other clinical disciplines — all under the one network. This means your Chiropractor can refer you directly to a Physiotherapist, Exercise Physiologist, or other CAHC practitioner if your care plan calls for more than one discipline, without additional referrals or administrative burden for you.

No referral is required for a private Chiropractic appointment at CAHC. Any adult can self-refer and book directly online or by phone. A GP referral is required to access Medicare CDM rebates (for eligible chronic conditions) and DVA funding. WorkCover and CTP require insurer approval before commencing treatment — our Free Insurance Claims Advisory can assist with this process at no charge. If you are unsure whether you need a referral for your specific funding type, contact your nearest CAHC clinic and our team will guide you.

The cost of a Chiropractic appointment at CAHC depends on your funding stream. For self-funded appointments, please contact your nearest CAHC clinic or check online for current fee information. Patients with private health Extras cover may be able to claim a rebate on the spot via HICAPS, rebate amounts vary by fund and level of cover. Under a Medicare CDM plan, a rebate applies to eligible sessions. Rebate amounts are subject to change — confirm current rates with your GP or the clinic. DVA Gold Card holders pay no out-of-pocket cost for eligible treatments.

The number of sessions needed varies from person to person and depends on your specific condition, how long you have had it, your overall health, and your goals for treatment. Your Chiropractor will discuss an expected care plan at your first appointment — including an anticipated number of sessions and how your progress will be reviewed. CAHC’s approach is patient-centred, meaning care plans are reassessed and adjusted as your condition evolves. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, and your Chiropractor will not recommend more sessions than are clinically appropriate.

Yes, in certain circumstances. Chiropractic is an eligible allied health profession under the Medicare Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan. Patients with a chronic condition lasting six or more months can access up to five allied health sessions per calendar year with a GP referral. This is not the same as bulk billing — a gap payment may apply depending on the clinic’s fee structure. Rebate amounts are subject to change — confirm current rates with your GP or the clinic before your appointment.

Chiropractic is a regulated allied health profession in Australia. All practising Chiropractors are legally required to hold current AHPRA registration, which means they have completed a minimum five-year university degree and meet ongoing continuing education and professional standards. Chiropractic care is generally considered safe when performed by a registered practitioner. As with any form of healthcare, it is important to disclose your full medical history before treatment begins — including any medications (particularly blood thinners), osteoporosis, previous spinal surgeries, or other relevant health conditions. If you have concerns about the suitability of Chiropractic care for your specific circumstances, discuss them with your Chiropractor before treatment commences. Your Chiropractor will not proceed with any technique without your informed consent.

Both Chiropractors and Physiotherapists are AHPRA-registered allied health professionals who work with musculoskeletal conditions, but they have different primary focuses and training. Chiropractors complete a five-year degree and specialise in the assessment and management of spinal and musculoskeletal conditions, with spinal manipulation as a key tool. Physiotherapists complete a four-year degree and focus on the rehabilitation of injuries and physical conditions affecting movement and function — including post-surgical rehab, neurological conditions, and chronic disease management. Both disciplines are available at CAHC. If you are unsure which is more appropriate for your needs, our integrated model allows practitioners to help guide your decision and refer across disciplines within the same network.

Most major Australian health funds cover Chiropractic under their Extras or Ancillary cover. The rebate amount varies by fund and the level of cover you hold — check your policy or call your fund before booking. HICAPS on-the-spot claiming is available at all CAHC clinics, so your rebate is processed immediately at the time of payment. Health funds accepted at CAHC include Bupa, HCF, Medibank, Westfund, HBF, and nib — confirm the current list with your clinic. Annual limits and per-visit caps apply, so it is worth checking your remaining annual benefit before your appointment.

Chiropractic may be accessible under NDIS Capacity Building funding in some circumstances. Eligibility depends on your individual NDIS plan goals — speak with your support coordinator or contact us to confirm whether Chiropractic is included in your plan. CAHC is an experienced NDIS provider across nine allied health disciplines, and our team can help you understand your options and access the right services within your plan.

CAHC offers home visits for a range of allied health services across Greater Sydney & Queensland. Please contact your nearest CAHC clinic to discuss home visit options for Chiropractic care specifically, as availability may vary by location and practitioner. You can find more information about CAHC’s home visit services on our Home Visits page.

People commonly seek Chiropractic care for a range of musculoskeletal conditions. At CAHC, these include lower back pain, neck pain and stiffness, sciatica, thoracic (mid-back) pain, posture-related discomfort, disc-related conditions, tension-type and cervicogenic headaches, shoulder pain, hip and knee pain, and sports-related joint injuries. Chiropractic is a musculoskeletal discipline — it is not within scope to manage organ-system diseases or conditions outside the musculoskeletal system. If you are unsure whether Chiropractic is appropriate for your condition, contact us or speak with your GP.

Please bring any relevant imaging you have (X-rays, MRI or CT scans — even if they were done some time ago), your Medicare card, your health fund card if applicable, and a referral letter if you have one (required for Medicare CDM and DVA appointments). Wear or bring comfortable clothing that allows your Chiropractor to access your back and neck area. Arriving a few minutes early to complete any intake paperwork will help your appointment run smoothly.

Chiropractors in Australia are able to see patients of all ages. Parents or legal guardians must be present for all appointments involving a minor. If you are considering Chiropractic care for a child, we recommend contacting your nearest CAHC clinic directly to discuss the specific circumstances and the child’s medical history, and whether Chiropractic is the most appropriate allied health pathway for their needs. Your child’s paediatrician or GP is also a valuable first point of contact.