As a chiropractor at in Victoria, over the years I often find myself getting patient questions with recurrent themes, and also giving advice that I keep reaching for time and time again. But don’t let their simplicity fool you — these pearls of wisdom can make a significant difference in how your body feels and functions.
In the spirit of sharing what really matters (and what I get asked most often), here are my Top 3 Questions I’m Asked as a Chiropractor and my Top 3 Pieces of Advice.
The Top 3 Questions I’m Asked as a Chiropractor
1. “How many treatments will I need?”
This is probably the question I hear most often. The answer depends on your unique situation — the nature of your condition, how long it’s been there, your overall health, and your goals, and your level of participation in your recovery.
My approach is to get you feeling your best as efficiently as possible while teaching you how to stay that way. The goal is always empowerment: helping you understand your body, recognize early warning signs, and know when to come in for help.
For some people this is a single session, where they respond quickly and are keen to start working through their active rehab. Others need a handful of treatments while learning the steps they can take at home. Some patients are managing symptoms that have been ingrained for years, and also might not have the capacity at this time to make any changes to how they move and use their body; these situations often not only take a longer time, but usually benefit greatly from incorporating or disciplines, like physio, massage, or even counselling.
2. “Do adjustments hurt?”
No — chiropractic adjustments shouldn’t hurt. They’re typically movement that are within your normal range and adapted to your comfort level. Some patients hear or feel a small “pop,” which is a temporary gas formation occurring within the joint, not bones cracking. Many people find adjustments relieving, but for those who prefer a different approach, effective low force joint mobilization techniques are also available.
3. “Should I stop exercising or working while I’m in pain?”
100% rest with minimal movement (going to the bathroom, finding something to eat) can sometimes make recovery progress slower. In most cases, gentle, pain-free movement helps establish a baseline of ‘safety’ for your body to start from. I often work with patients to modify their activities so they can stay mobile without aggravating their symptoms. It’s all about balance — the right amount and type of movement can make all the difference.
My Top 3 Pieces of Advice
1. Pain is a normal part of life.
Our bodies are designed to move and adapt and deal with what life throws at them. Pain is your body’s (only) way to communicate with you to express fear, danger, or stress is pain. Experiencing muscle soreness or stiffness is normal, especially after exercise or new activities. Pain can also result from injury, repetitive strain, or other body-related stress.
While it’s never fun, pain is your body’s way of asking for attention, not punishment. Sometimes that pain means “you’ve damaged something“, but other times that pain means “Whoa… that was scary. You didn’t wreck anything, but be careful, let’s not get hurt!” Addressing the cause of pain and supporting your recovery through treatment, movement, and self-care helps your body return to balance.
2. Movement is medicine.
Movement is one of the most powerful tools we have for healing. It increases blood flow, supports joint health, reduces inflammation, helps to reestablish a safety baseline, and improves mood and resilience.
Movements that don’t cause pain or symptoms are generally safe. The movements that do cause pain, open the door to look at understanding what’s happening, how we can modify them, or if we should take a break for now. Finding your unique “sweet spot” for movement is key, and I love working with patients to figure out what is happening and helping patients discover how to keep their bodies active, strong, and pain-free in daily life.
3. Consistency creates results.
Consistent care is what leads to meaningful, lasting change. Chiropractic adjustments can improve mobility, reduce discomfort, and restore function, but it’s not just about the treatment — it’s about what you learn along the way. Each visit is an opportunity to understand your body better and build tools for long-term well-being.
My goal isn’t to keep you coming back for endless treatments — it’s to help you identify strategies and tools that work for your life so you can live pain-free and not need ongoing care. But I’ll always be here if you ever need some extra support.
Chiropractic Care in Victoria
At Acacia Health, our chiropractic team provides evidence-based care focused on movement, education, and long-term well-being. Whether you’re managing pain, recovering from an injury, or simply want to move better, we’re here to help you build strength and confidence in your body.
Curious to learn more? You might enjoy reading some of our other chiropractic articles:
- Understanding Headaches
- TMJ Pain Explained: Causes, Symptoms, and Chiropractic Solutions
- What does chiropractic REALLY do?
If you’re looking for a chiropractor in Victoria who takes a personalized, evidence-based approach — combining hands-on care with education and movement strategies — we’d love to help. You can learn more about our chiropractic services at Acacia Health or book an appointment online.
