Chiropractic

Chiropractic provides a natural ‘hands on’ approach to musculoskeletal complaints and treats a wide range of structural problems that can include joints, ligaments, muscles, fascia and other biomechanical structures.

All of these structures can give pain or dysfunction, and may present as a range of complaints. Using expert evaluation, diagnosis and a large variety of hands-on techniques, our Chiropractors can ascertain critical types of dysfuntion in your body and successfuly improve spinal, joint, muscular, tendon and ligament problems with manual therapy. Chiropractors may use soft tissue massage, mobilisation, manipulation, stretching, dry needling as well as other gentle techniques. The treatment aims to improve the mobility of the joints and increase muscular balance, thus promoting correct nervous system function and contributing to optimal body health.

Our Chiropractors additionally take the time to help you to understand your injury or complaint and view it in the context of your entire body. We always endeavour to provide respite from your pain but also enjoy helping you to understand why it occurred and how to prevent it from happening again.

This often includes the provision of exercises (stretching, neuromobilisation, balance or sport specific), postural retraining, advice on work ergonomics, stress management, correct lifting techniques. And we also work with your GP and other health professionals if needed.

We are equipped to look after people at all times of their life including babies and toddlers, school children, university students, sports people (this includes our weekend warriors), mums and dads as well as the grandparents in the family – so irrespective of your age we are able to assist!

All of our chiropractors are registered with AHPRA, members of ATMS, qualified in dry needling and also perform far more continuing professional education than required because they love what they do.

Meet our Chiropractors

Alex Boakes (Chiropractor)

B.Chiro.Sc.M.Chiro (Macquarie University)

Alex Boakes (Chiropractor)

B.Chiro.Sc.M.Chiro (Macquarie University)

Alex is an enthusiastic and committed chiropractor who completed his Bachelor of Chiropractic Science and his postgraduate Master of Chiropractic at Macquarie University.

At Macquarie, he was fortunate to be mentored by many of the most respected chiropractors in Australia. As a practising chiropractor, Alex continues his professional development at every opportunity. Alex provides his patients with high quality care, which includes needling, soft tissue work, adjustments, and rehabilitation as part of his treatments and is particularly interested in treating people with sports injuries and prevention of further injuries.

Alex has always resided on the Northern Beaches, is a keen sportsman and a great fan of sporting participation and involvement for people of all ages. With his own sporting experience in rugby league, rugby union, soccer and basketball, Alex has a deep understanding of the impact of sporting injuries on one’s everyday life. Most importantly, Alex knows the long term benefits of chiropractic care in the treatment of sporting injuries and the maintenance of a healthy body functioning at an optimal level.

Alex’s motivation to become a chiropractor stems from his own experience with a significant sporting injury to his lower back. After seeking treatment, without success, from a range of health professionals, Alex ‘discovered’ chiropractic. With excellent chiropractic care, Alex was able to return to competitive sport with his body moving optimally. He was inspired by the positive outcomes and the great benefits of chiropractic. It is these benefits that Alex seeks to provide to his own patients so that they can enjoy optimal health and well-being.

To book an appointment with a Chiropractor call 02 9453 3046 or book online here

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take?

Please arrive 5-10 minutes early to fill in some paperwork and allow up to one hour for your initial visit.

What should I bring?

Please bring any relevant previous scans (xrays, CT scans or MRIs) and your health insurance card if you would like to claim on the spot with our HICAPS facility.

What will happen during the first visit?

Your osteopath or chiropractor will ask you a range of questions about your complaint and general health. They will then perform an assessment and provide you with an explanation of what may be going on. They will suggest a plan of action for how to manage the complaint, prevent further recurrences and how to help you live your healthiest and best life. They will then usually provide some ‘hands on’ treatment and recommend when you return for your next session.

What should I wear?

We often require you to change into a provided gown with your underwear or you may choose to wear a loose fitting pair of shorts. We will ensure you are warm and comfortable.

How many consultations are usually required?

There is no set answer as every person is different and every complaint presents slightly differently. For most complaints three or four visits are sufficient to reduce pain, improve mobility, provide education and give advice on reducing aggravating factors and improve overall health and well-being.
For more chronic conditions, complex injuries or where pre-existing health issues determine a slower healing time, perhaps more treatment will be required.

Will I require ongoing treatment?

For most people, once the injury has healed or the health complaint improved no ongoing treatment is required. However we live in a less than ideal world. Our lives are often either sedentary or the complete opposite; there are physical and emotional demands that exceed our body’s capacity. Therefore a ‘tune up’ or ‘check up’ is a great way to maintain good health. The frequency of these ‘tune-ups’ will depend on a number of factors and can be discussed with your osteopath or chiropractor. There is no obligation for ongoing treatment.

Will I need to have scans?

Generally no. However, if there is a concern about your complaint or more information is required to make a diagnosis, then sometimes you will be advised to have further imaging. Your osteopath or chiropractor may be able to provide you with a referral, however sometimes you will need to see your GP to obtain further tests, imaging or referral to a specialist.

Is Osteopathy and chiropractic covered by private health insurance?

Yes, if you have Extras cover, however the rebate will depend on the type of cover and the fund you are with. Bring your private health fund card and we can process your health fund payment at the time of consultation with HICAPS.

Do you treat Work Cover Injuries?

Yes. You will need to see your doctor and have Osteopathy or Chiropratic stated as part of your management/treatment on your Work Cover Medical Certificate. Please speak to your GP or call us to find out more information.

Do you treat Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries?

Yes. You will need to see your doctor, register the claim and have Osteopathy or Chiropratic stated as part of your management/treatment plan. Please speak to your GP or call us to find out more information.

Do you treat Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) patients?

Yes. You will need a referral from you doctor. Treatment is entirely covered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. You will need to bring your DVA card with you for osteopathic or chiropractic treatment.

Is Osteopathy or Chiropractic covered by Medicare?

Not generally, however there is a government initiative called the Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) Program. This allows someone with chronic pain or a chronic condition to have five (5) osteopathic, chiropractic, or other approved allied health service consultations a year when referred by their doctor. A Medicare rebate covers some (but not all) of the fee. Please speak to your GP or call us to see if you might be eligible.

Body of Life Health Centre is a provider of excellence in health services and education,
servicing the Northern Beaches and North Shore.

We exist to equip you to live your healthiest and best life. We are a multidisciplinary team of health practitioners that provide a range of services to you, your family and the local community.

Book in to see an Osteopath, Chiropractor, Psychologist, Massage Therapist, Hypnotherapist, Acupuncturist or Dr of Chinese Medicine with us because we can support you to make the changes you need to feel your best!

We inspire, equip, educate and support our clients on the Northern Beaches and North Shore to make the changes they need to feel their best!