How to Choose a Chiropractor in Melbourne's North-East
Choosing a chiropractor is easier when you know what to check. Here are eight practical things to look for – from registration to what your first visit should involve.
At a Glance – Choosing a Chiropractor: When choosing a chiropractor in Melbourne’s north-east – Eltham, Greensborough, Montmorency, Rosanna, Templestowe and the wider Diamond Valley – check that they are registered with AHPRA, that they take a proper history and examination before treating, that they explain your options clearly, and that exercise and self-management are part of your plan. Practical details matter too: health fund claiming, parking, opening hours and access to X-ray if you need it.
Most people don’t go through the process of choosing a chiropractor very often, so it can be hard to know what good care looks like. This guide was written by the team at Bodyline Health in Lower Plenty to help you make a confident choice – whichever clinic you end up seeing.
8 Things to Check When Choosing a Chiropractor
1. They are registered with AHPRA
Every chiropractor practising in Australia must be registered with the Chiropractic Board of Australia through AHPRA, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. You can search any practitioner’s name on the public AHPRA register in under a minute. It shows their registration status and whether any conditions apply to their practice.
2. They assess you before they treat you
A first appointment should start with questions about your pain, your general health and your goals, followed by a physical examination – movement, posture, strength and, where relevant, reflexes and sensation. Treatment should be based on what they find, not a one-size-fits-all routine.
3. X-rays are used only when they’re needed
X-rays can be very useful, but not everyone needs one. A good chiropractor will explain why imaging is or isn’t appropriate for your situation. At Bodyline Health, onsite digital X-ray is available when clinically indicated, so you don’t need a separate trip to a radiology clinic if imaging is required.
4. They explain your options clearly
You should leave your first visit understanding what is likely going on, what the plan involves, roughly how long it is expected to take and what it will cost. You should feel comfortable asking questions – and comfortable saying no.
5. Your plan is reviewed against your progress
Care plans should be reassessed regularly and adjusted to how you respond. Be cautious about committing to a large number of pre-paid visits before you have had a chance to see how you respond to care.
6. Exercise and self-management are part of the plan
For most back and neck problems, staying active and doing the right exercises matters as much as hands-on treatment. Look for a chiropractor who gives you things to do at home and aims to make you independent. Dr Phil Mifsud at Bodyline Health is both a chiropractor and an exercise physiologist, so exercise is built into care from the start.
7. They refer you on when it’s the right call
Not every problem is a chiropractic problem. A good practitioner will tell you when you would be better served by your GP, a physiotherapist, a podiatrist or another health professional – and help you get there.
8. The practical details suit your life
- Health fund claiming: Is HICAPS available so you can claim on the spot?
- Referrals: You don’t need a GP referral to see a chiropractor in Australia.
- Hours: Can you get an appointment before or after work, or on a Saturday?
- Access: Is the clinic easy to reach, with parking and step-free entry?
What Your First Chiropractic Visit Should Involve
Whoever you see, a first visit will usually include:
- A conversation about your symptoms, health history and goals
- A physical examination
- Imaging, only if it is clinically indicated
- A clear explanation of the findings and a proposed plan
- Treatment if appropriate, plus advice or exercises to start at home
Bring a list of your medications and any previous scans or reports, and wear comfortable clothes you can move in.
When to See a GP or Go to Hospital Instead
Choosing a chiropractor is not the right first step for every kind of pain. Seek urgent medical care if back or neck pain comes with any of the following:
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the groin or buttocks
- Weakness in a leg or arm that is getting worse
- Fever, unexplained weight loss or a past history of cancer
- Pain after a significant fall, car accident or other trauma
- Chest pain, or severe pain that doesn’t change at all with position or rest
If you are unsure, call your GP or the clinic and ask – we would much rather you checked.
Choosing a Chiropractor Near Eltham, Greensborough and the Diamond Valley
If you live in Melbourne’s north-east, Bodyline Health is at 17 Main Road, Lower Plenty – a short drive from Eltham, Greensborough, Montmorency, Rosanna, Viewbank, Templestowe Lower and Templestowe. Here is how we work through the checklist above:
- Dr Phillip Mifsud, BAppSc (ClinSci, Chiro, HumMove) – chiropractor and exercise physiologist with more than 25 years’ experience
- Onsite digital X-ray when clinically indicated
- HICAPS on-site, and no referral needed
- Open six days: Mon–Thu 8am–7pm, Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 8am–2pm
- Free parking and a fully accessible clinic
- Physiotherapy, myotherapy, remedial massage and podiatry under the same roof if you need a different kind of care
Read more about chiropractic care at Bodyline Health, or see our guides to lower back pain, sciatica and desk-work neck pain. When you’re ready, you can book online or call (03) 9017 4784.
Choosing a Chiropractor: Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor?
No. You can book directly with a chiropractor in Australia. A GP referral is only needed if you want to use a GP management plan for a Medicare rebate – see our Payments & Funding page.
How do I check if a chiropractor is registered?
Search their name on the public AHPRA register at ahpra.gov.au. Every practising chiropractor in Australia must be registered with the Chiropractic Board of Australia.
Will I need an X-ray at my first visit?
Not necessarily. X-rays should only be taken when they are clinically indicated. At Bodyline Health, onsite digital X-ray is available if your chiropractor decides imaging is needed.
Can I claim chiropractic on my private health insurance?
Many extras policies include chiropractic. Bodyline Health has HICAPS on-site so you can claim on the spot – check your level of cover with your fund.
How many chiropractic visits will I need?
It depends on your problem, how long you have had it and how you respond. Your plan should be reviewed regularly against your progress rather than fixed in advance.
What should I look for when choosing a chiropractor in Melbourne’s north-east?
Check AHPRA registration, a thorough assessment before treatment, clear explanations, exercise-based care, willingness to refer on, and practical details such as HICAPS, hours and parking.