Chiropractic Care for Older Adults: What to Expect
Updated: 5 hours ago
Many older adults want to stay active and independent for as long as possible. As we age, everyday movements such as walking, climbing stairs, gardening or getting out of bed can become more challenging because of joint stiffness, reduced flexibility and muscle tension. These changes are common, and they don't necessarily mean giving up the activities you enjoy.
This article explains what to expect if you are thinking about a chiropractic assessment, what chiropractic care can and can't do, and when to speak to your GP first.
Why Staying Mobile Matters
Staying physically active is one of the most important parts of keeping your independence as you get older. Good mobility makes it easier to:
Do everyday tasks with confidence
Keep up the activities you enjoy
Stay independent at home
Joint stiffness, previous injuries and changes in posture can gradually limit movement and make everyday activities harder. Your GP is a good first point of call for anything that is affecting how you move.
What Chiropractic Care Involves
A chiropractor assesses how your spine and joints are moving, and adjusts joints that aren't moving the way they should. At Chadstone Chiropractic we use the Gonstead system. It has seven steps: history, visualisation, instrumentation, static palpation, motion palpation, neurological and orthopaedic tests, and radiographic analysis. The principle behind it is "find it, fix it, leave it alone."
Results vary from person to person and can't be guaranteed. If care isn't helping, we will tell you and talk through other options, including referring you on.
How Care Is Adjusted for Older Adults
Many people assume chiropractic care always involves forceful adjustments. For older adults, we adjust the technique and the amount of force to suit the person, based on their history, their comfort and what the examination finds. If you have a concern about any part of care, tell us. You can always say no to any part of it.
What Chiropractic Care Can and Can't Do
Chiropractic care does not cure arthritis or reverse the changes that come with age, and it is not a substitute for medical care. It is one option among several, alongside exercise programs, physiotherapy and medical care. If you have a diagnosed condition, keep seeing your GP or specialist and let them know you are thinking about chiropractic care.
Staying Steady on Your Feet
If you are worried about falls or balance, speak to your GP first. They can arrange an assessment and point you towards programs designed for balance and strength. Chiropractic care is not a falls-prevention program.
What Are the Risks?
Like any treatment, chiropractic care carries some risk. Mild, short-lived soreness after an adjustment is common; serious complications are rare. The largest review of the evidence, covering 76 studies and nearly 12,000 people, found no serious adverse events, while noting that not every study recorded them. Older adults can have other health conditions that need to be taken into account, which is why we ask about your health before any hands-on care.
Before starting care, your chiropractor will review:
Your medical history
Your current medications
Any previous surgeries
Your bone health
Any existing medical conditions
Whether X-rays are clinically appropriate, as part of our detailed Gonstead assessment process
If chiropractic care is not appropriate for you, your chiropractor will say so and recommend alternative care or refer you to another health professional.
When It Is Worth Booking an Assessment
If stiffness or discomfort is getting in the way of things you want to do, an assessment is a reasonable step. If you have had a fall, or you have sudden or severe pain, new numbness or weakness, or any change in your bladder or bowel control, see your GP or go to an emergency department first.
Not sure what to expect on your first visit? Our team will walk you through the process, from your initial consultation onwards. Read more about what happens during your appointment.
About Chadstone Chiropractic
Chadstone Chiropractic is in Oakleigh East, and the practice traces back to The Chadstone Clinic, founded in the mid-1970s. Dr Joshua Free has been principal chiropractor since 2004, working alongside Dr Nadia Hamdan and Dr Pieter Hart. All three are members of the Gonstead Chiropractic Society (Australia). Onsite digital X-rays are available when clinically appropriate. We are open Monday to Saturday, with early-morning and evening appointments. Call (03) 9568 0155 or book an appointment with Chadstone Chiropractic.
In Summary
Chiropractic care is one option for older adults who want to keep moving comfortably. It is not a cure for age-related changes, results can't be guaranteed, and it works alongside, not instead of, advice from your GP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chiropractic care suitable for older adults?
It depends on the person. We take a full health history first, adjust our approach to suit you, and refer you on if chiropractic care isn't appropriate.
Can chiropractic care cure arthritis?
No. Chiropractic care does not cure arthritis. If you have arthritis, keep seeing your GP or specialist, and let them know if you are considering chiropractic care.
How often would I need to visit?
It varies with the person and with what the assessment finds. Your chiropractor will explain what they recommend and why, and you can ask questions at any time.
Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor?
No referral is needed to book a first appointment. If you have a GP chronic condition management plan, you are welcome to bring it.
What should I expect at my first appointment?
Your first visit typically includes a detailed health history, a physical examination, and a discussion of your concerns and your options. Onsite X-rays are usually taken during the first consultation if clinically appropriate. Read more about what happens during your appointment.
Comments