Adult chiropractor Mitcham, Adelaide
Helping Adults Move Better, Feel Better and Understand Their Spine
Whether you’re dealing with long-standing back pain, recurring headaches, persistent neck pain or a problem that hasn’t responded to previous treatment, our first priority is understanding what’s really going on.
What to expect on first visit
Why does my pain persist?
You’re More Than Your Symptoms
Pain tells us something isn’t right — but it doesn’t always tell us why.
Two people with pain in exactly the same area may have very different reasons for their symptoms. Previous injuries, movement patterns, joint function, muscle control, work demands, lifestyle and other health factors can all contribute to the bigger picture.
That’s why good care starts with listening.
We want to understand not only where you hurt, but how the problem began, what aggravates it, how it affects your life, what you’ve already tried and what you want to achieve.
The better we understand the problem, the better we can help you understand your options.
“Finding where it hurts is usually the easy part. Understanding why it hurts can be much more important.”
Problems We Commonly Help Assess
People come to see us with many different musculoskeletal problems — from a new episode of pain to symptoms that have persisted for months or years.
Back Pain
Lower back pain, stiffness and recurring episodes.
Neck Pain
Persistent, recurring or movement-related neck pain.
Headaches
Including headaches that may have a neck or musculoskeletal component.
Dizziness or Vertigo
Assessment of dizziness where neck function or movement may be relevant.
Shoulder Pain
Shoulder problems where neck, upper back or movement mechanics may contribute.
Jaw Problems
Discomfort, locking or clicking in the temporomandibular joint
Pins & Needles
Tingling, numbness and other symptoms requiring careful assessment.
Sciatica & Nerve Pain
Leg pain, nerve irritation and radiating symptoms. Disc bulges and tears.
Hip or Pelvic Pain
Hip or sacroiliac joint pain affecting movement and everyday activities.
Don't see your problem listed?
These are just some of the problems we commonly assess. If you’re unsure whether chiropractic care may be appropriate for your situation, you’re welcome to contact us.
Neck or lower-back pain?
A Thoughtful, Thorough Approach to Your Care
When you’re in pain — particularly if the problem has been present for a long time or previous treatment hasn’t helped — you want more than a quick examination and a generic treatment plan.
Our approach is built around understanding your individual situation.
Thorough Assessment
Understanding the problem comes before treating it.
We take the time to investigate your symptoms, movement and function before making recommendations.
Complex Cases Welcome
Not every problem is straightforward.
Many people who come to us have experienced persistent or recurring problems, sometimes despite trying several different approaches.
Experienced Care
More than 25 years in practice.
Dr Richard Mathers has been helping Adelaide adults and families since 1999.
Clear Explanations
You should understand what’s happening with your body.
We explain what we find, what we think it means and the options available to you — in language that makes sense.
Individualised Care
Your care should fit you.
There are no pre-set treatment plans. Recommendations are based on your individual findings, circumstances and goals.
Self-Care Matters
What you do matters too.
Where appropriate, we help you understand the exercises, movement strategies and lifestyle factors that may help you manage your problem and build greater resilience over time.
Good Care Starts With Understanding the Problem
1. Listening
What are you experiencing?
2. Understand your history
How did the problem develop?
3. Assess movement & function
How is your spine and body moving?
4. Perform clinical testing
Orthopaedic, neurological and other appropriate examination
5. Put the pieces together
What best explains the overall pattern?
6. Explain what we find
Helping you understand what’s happening
7. Discuss your options
Creating a management plan that fits your goals
Experience Matters — Especially When Problems Aren’t Straightforward
Dr Richard Mathers has been in full-time chiropractic practice since 1999 and holds three university degrees, including a Master of Science.
Over more than 25 years of practice, Richard has developed a particular interest in carefully assessing persistent, recurring and complex musculoskeletal problems.
His approach is thorough and evidence-informed, with an emphasis on helping patients understand their problem rather than simply telling them what to do.
Richard believes patients should have the information they need to make informed decisions about their health — including whether to have care, how long to continue and what they can do themselves.
Sore back, tight shoulders or sciatica?
What Happens When You’re Feeling Better?
One of the most common questions people have about chiropractic care is:
“Will I have to keep coming forever?”
No.
As your symptoms and function improve, we’ll discuss where things stand and what options make sense for you.
Some people choose to finish care once they’ve achieved their goals.
Others prefer to return only if a problem comes back.
Some choose occasional ongoing care because they feel it helps them maintain their mobility or manage a recurring problem.
There isn’t one right choice for everyone.
We’ll explain your options and give you our recommendations — but ultimately, how long you continue care is always your decision.
The choice is yours.
Not Sure What's Causing Your Problem?
You don’t need to figure it out yourself. A thorough assessment is the first step towards understanding what may be contributing to your symptoms and what your options are.
Fees and rebates chiropractic services
Claim Private Health on the spot with HICAPS or TYRO where your policy applies. GP Medicare referrals for chiropractic are accepted where eligible.
For complete information about fees, rebates and item codes, visit our Fees and Rebates page.
Our chiropractic policies
- Full payment is required at the time of treatment.
- If an appointment must be changed, 24 hours’ notice is appreciated.
- When less than 24 hours’ notice is given with a change or cancellation of appointment, a fee will apply. Read our Cancellation Policy here.
- Appointment reminders will be sent via SMS as a courtesy. They are not a substitute for remembering your scheduled appointments.
- If you have any questions or concerns about any element of your care (financial, clinical, other), please speak candidly to your Chiropractor.
- Please help our office run smoothly by arriving in our reception area a few minutes before each appointment. If you're running late, please call us so we can advise you on how to proceed.
- Our Privacy Policy.
- Our Child Safe Policy, and related feedback forms.
Frequently asked questions about adult Chiropractor in Adelaide
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Will chiropractic help me?
After hearing your goals, your Chiropractor will carefully assess you and provide an honest impression of whether chiropractic care is likely to benefit you. They will also give you an idea of how long it is likely to take, and how much progress you are likely to achieve.
Each case is treated as unique, and if your chiropractor is unsure or unable to assist, they will not hesitate to arrange further investigations or refer. See also ‘conditions helped’ list below.
Will the Chiropractor 'crack' or 'pop' my spine?
There are numerous ways to deliver spine treatment, many of which do not involve joint ‘popping’ or ‘cracking’. Our Chiropractor has an extensive skill set so if there is a type of treatment that you wish to avoid, or a kind that you are really looking for, simply let him know.
Regardless of the care you choose, your Chiropractor will explain everything as he goes and only proceed once you are completely comfortable.
If I start chiropractic care, will I need to keep coming?
Any ongoing care will depend on various factors, including your specific condition, your response to treatment, and your specific health goals.
In some cases, chiropractic care may provide immediate relief or resolve the issue after a few sessions, and no further treatment may be necessary. However, for some conditions, ongoing maintenance visits might be recommended to manage symptoms and prevent recurrence.
How Experienced is the Chiropractor?
Dr Richard Mathers has been in full time practice from 1999 and has been undertaking hours of ongoing professional training since. Learn more about Richard.
Can I use my Private Health cover?
Yes, if your family extras cover includes chiropractic. To determine how much you will get back, please contact your insurer or visit their website. Our chiropractic item codes include 1001 (initial), and 1005 (standard), 1006 (long), 1004 (re-exam).
Can I use Medicare for Chiropractic?
Medicare support for chiropractic care is possible if you have a chronic medical condition (or complex care needs) that has been present for at least six months or another condition meeting the “chronic” definition under the Medicare rules. You will need a referral from your GP.
What are the Fees?
See Fees and Item codes here