Australian chiropractors have a wide range of methods for diagnosing musculoskeletal issues, such as practical clinical examination and diagnostic imaging, like x-rays or MRIs. These and other diagnostic techniques are used to determine when chiropractic treatment is appropriate. FAKTR, pronounced “factor”, is an acronym that stands for Functional and Kinetic Treatment with Rehabilitation. It is a comprehensive approach to the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries that combines manual therapy with specific rehabilitation exercises.
Unlike other forms of treatment, FAKTR addresses the underlying cause of the injury, not just its symptoms. Chiropractors use skill, not strength or strength, to make specific chiropractic adjustments. Various types of manual therapy and low-strength interventions are also used when appropriate. Survey response rates were calculated compared to the number of chiropractors in professional associations and the number of chiropractors in Australia.
The diversified technique was reported to be the most commonly used technique system among Australian chiropractors. Most Australian chiropractors offer a therapeutic approach to care that incorporates a variety of manual therapies that may include spinal adjustment, but also include mobilization, muscle and soft tissue techniques, along with electrotherapy, exercise prescription, rehabilitation, nutritional recommendations and lifestyle advice. The survey results indicate that Australian chiropractors often include exercise prescription and soft tissue therapy in their treatments, but rarely use electrophysical therapies. Differences in the first choice of treatment (in%) between chiropractors who practice less than 10 years and those who practice more than 10 years were also observed.
The objective of this research was to provide information on what treatment approaches Australian chiropractors use most frequently to treat musculoskeletal conditions of the spine. The surveys were distributed through emails from the two main Australian chiropractic associations and it's impossible to know how many chiropractors actually received and read the emails. Data from registered chiropractors indicate that 34% of Australian chiropractors practice in New South Wales, 27% in Victoria and 50% are under 40 years of age. More experienced Australian chiropractors use more activator and soft tissue therapy and a less diversified technique compared to their less experienced peers.
It is unknown how many chiropractors are members of both professional associations, so the total number of chiropractors who received the email is likely to be less than 3700. To find a chiropractor, use the “Find an external member/link” tool from Chiropractic Australia or the “Find an external link to a chiropractor” tool from the Australian Chiropractic Association.
