Chiropractors in Australia are a nationally registered and a regulated health care profession. Chiropractic is a drug and surgery free modality of treatment concerned with the diagnosis, management and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system; this includes the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health. It is based on the teachings of Galen and Hippocrates and the premise that the body can respond appropriately to its environment provided that the nervous system is free of interference. This was further developed by Palmer which lead to a focus on the spinal column and its functioning. In summary, chiropractors focus on the detection and correction of aberrant spinal function and its subsequent effect on how the nervous system controls and coordinates the body in response to its environment.
In Australia, chiropractors are educated in the University sector at an under-graduate and post-graduate level and there is a growing research and evidence base not only in Australia but through international federations. As with other healthcare professions, there are internationally and nationally recognised standards of qualification to enable practice in Australia and this is part of the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme.
Source: Chiropractic Association of Australia
http://chiropractors.asn.au/about-chiropractic/chiropractic-and-you

Chiropractors provide patient-centred care and work in partnership with the consumers of chiropractic services. This includes using shared decision making through the informed consent process and using communication strategies that are tailored to the needs and preferences of the patient. Good clinical decision making takes account of patients’ preferences and values, clinicians values and experiences to provide treatment that maximises benefit with minimum risk of harm. This includes referral to other healthcare providers when indicated to ensure the best and most appropriate treatment and health outcome.
The typical chiropractic care of infants and young children involves the use of low-force low-amplitude techniques in contrast to those used on the adult population that typically involve more high velocity, low-amplitude thrust in combination with a variety of low-force low-amplitude treatment procedures.
Published studies and reports through the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme show that chiropractic is a low risk health modality that is safely practiced. Similar techniques by other practitioner groups who have the ability to practise restricted acts as defined by law, also demonstrate low risk and harm.
Chiropractors are educated to modify spinal manual therapy to suit the age and presenting condition of a patient.
Source: Chiropractors Association of Australia
http://chiropractors.asn.au/about-chiropractic/chiropractic-and-you

A chiropractic adjustment is the skill of using a specific force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that is fixated, “locked up”, or not moving properly. This adds motion to the joint, helping the joints to gradually regain more normal motion and function.
There are many ways to adjust the spine. Usually the chiropractor’s hands or a specially designed instrument delivers a brief and highly-accurate thrust. Some adjusting methods are quick, whereas others require a slow, constant or indirect pressure.
After years of university training and clinical experience, each chiropractor becomes highly skilled in the delivery of a variety of adjusting approaches.
Source: Chiropractors Association of Australia
http://chiropractors.asn.au/membership/membership-benefits/item/146#Adjustment

Chiropractors are registered by the Chiropractic Board of Australia and like all other registered health care providers, must adhere to National Law and profession specific codes of conduct and guidelines. An October 2015 Position Statement by the Board acknowledged that chiropractic paediatric management education is provided by all accredited Australian Universities, this incorporated an understanding of risks where identified and emphasised established clinical best practice guidelines for the treatment of children. There are gaps in the knowledge base in relation to the chiropractic care of children and more research is needed. What remains unchanged is that chiropractic care for children and is delivered by educated, regulated healthcare professionals. In addition, given the patient-centric nature of chiropractic care, there is high expressed satisfaction by parents/guardians seeking care of their children. The profession is committed to ensuring evidence informed care is provided to patients.
Chiropractors are five year university trained, government regulated and government registered healthcare professionals. Government established chiropractic registration boards – whose regulations chiropractors must strictly adhere to in order to maintain registration to practice – exist in all Australian states and territories to ensure increased public safety for the Australian population. The Chiropractic Board of Australia is responsible for maintaining the highest standards for all practitioners.
Source: Chiropractic Association of Australia
http://chiropractors.asn.au/about-chiropractic/chiropractic-and-you

Chiropractors are required to adhere to strict and extensive educational requirements and standards to become registered health professionals in Australia.
Australian chiropractors are five year university trained, and are government registered and government regulated health professionals.
To become a registered chiropractor in Australia you must have studied an accredited 5-year chiropractic program conducted at a University within Australia, or have completed an accredited program overseas that satisfies the requirements set by the Chiropractors Board of Australia.
After entering practice, all registered chiropractors must complete continuing professional development courses and seminars regularly to upgrade and improve their skills and to stay current on the latest scientific research.
Source: Chiropractors association of Australia
http://chiropractors.asn.au/caa-at-a-glance-1/associated-organisations-1/item/145-chiropractic-qualifications

This will be determined after a full history and physical examination. If deemed clinically necessary we will refer you to x-ray facilities nearby or of your choice.
X-rays are largely covered by Medicare rebates.
Children will not require x-rays in most cases unless they show significant trauma or postural deviations. Please bring previous x-rays or scans to your first appointment so we can review them.

Chiropractors are primary contact, primary healthcare practitioners – as such, no form of referral is required as a prerequisite to visit a chiropractor.