Every patient has individualised care, selected from a wide range of therapeutic approaches. For a healthier you – we do a lot more than just treat the symptoms.

 

Qualifications

Dr Jerome Dixon is a graduate of the Bachelor of Applied Science [Major in Chiropractic] at RMIT University.

Furthermore he has completed a Bachelor of Science with a double major in Biochemistry & Microbiology at La Trobe University; and has also completed key components of the undergraduate program in Dietetics at Deakin University.

Dr Dixon is the Editor of www.headache.com.au a head pain information site and Victorian Government BetterHealth content channel partner and is a member of Chiropractic Australia.

Methods

Dr Jerome Dixon and Associates use a considered approach to each individual patient, this has evolved over 15 years of clinical experience.
Therapeutic approach is dependent upon the History, Diagnosis and severity of the condition, as well as any contraindications to care.
A number of modalities have been refined over time: including SOT (Biomechanical wedges ‘Blocks’), Activator, Mobilisation & Stretches, Soft tissue therapy, Trigger Point therapy, Cox Flexion distraction-specialized traction table, and gentle-specific spinal Adjustments and manipulation.
These techniques are selected according to the patient; ranging from elderly people with Osteoarthitis and Osteoporosis, to Sports people to infants.

Types of Care.

There are generally 3 types of care:

1. Acute/Relief Care:

Pain relief and restoration of capacity (basic movements) is the priority. Symptoms may subside quickly over a couple of visits, or over a few weeks- depending upon severity and chronicity.

2. Rehabilitation:

This is where we restore better function/flexibility/ movement so that a relapse is less likely, and healing is optimal. Rehabilitation takes time, weeks and often months depending how advanced problems or degeneration is.

3. Supportive/Preventative Care:

This is highly recommended to patients with Chronic (long term) problems/ a history or recurrent relapses/ or simply a desire for prevention or maintaining optimal flexibility. Patients often elect to receive supportive or preventative care because it makes sense- why wait for the next relapse or allow degenerative issues to progress unchecked. The Arthritis Foundation’s logo is “move it or loose it”, for obvious reasons- its important to maintain flexibility and stability.

Techniques

Activator

A light ‘tapping’ instrument that provides a small defined pressure over a stiff area or joint- to assist unlocking/restoration of normal movement.

SOT-Blocks

A gentle non-manipulative approach to ‘untwist’ or unlock tight areas and restore better- uses Biomechanical wedges, pressure points and traction approaches.

Soft Tissue Techniques

Massage, trigger point therapy, cross friction, stretches

Flexion-Distraction

A specialized traction table to stretch spinal regions with degeneration or disc problems ( especially when manipulation is best NOT used)

Drop-Piece

Treatment tables with moving sections that allow a very gentle:specific pressure in a specific direction to assist unlocking of stiff areas and joints.

Adjustments

Commonly known to the lay person as ‘manipulation’, Chiropractors have the most refined methods, techniques and screening procedures for the application/ or non application of techniques which has an exceptionally high rate of pain relief- for the patient; and are safe and gentle when applied by experienced practitioners. The ‘popping’ sound often reported has been demonstrated as the release of nitrogen gas from compressed synovial fluid in a stiff/locked/compressed joint- the relief is almost always instant; but needs to be applied (or not applied) once the patients examination and history findings have been carefully assessed.

Postural / Lifestyle / Exercise / Dietary advice

Most patients need to be assessed and shown how to sit better/ lift better/ better sleep posture. Exercises are often prescribed to assist stabilization and strengthening. Dietary and lifestyle advice are always helpful- especially to those with poor habits.

In general, Chiropractors undertake a 5 year full time University degree: involving almost all of the Medical sciences, including Pathology, Radiology, Physiology, Embryology, Neurology. Additional emphasis is given to Anatomy (including NeuroAnatomy) and BioMechanics and the Diagnostic Sciences. A key difference with the undergraduate course in Medicine is the Chiropractors dont study as much Pharmacology, but study more Biomechanics (how the body moves). Diagnostic, Anatomical and Neurological undergraduate training is very similiar, with thousands of hours of practical hands on and theory classes, including dissection. For more information refer to RMIT School of Chiropractic course information.

FAQs.

Here are some Common Questions & Answers we regularly provide:

1.What is the Diagnosis?

This is always our priority. A Comprehensive History followed by Postural assessment, Orthopaedic tests, Range of motion analysis, motion and static Palpation, Neurological testing, Xrays when necessary. The more accurate the diagnosis, the more targeted the treatment.
The 1st treatment usually defines the diagnosis and allows us to provide some treatment and treatment tolerance evaluation.

2.Does the treatment hurt?

Treatment usually relieves pain and is gentle but effective- so it usually feels good. In other words we work within the tolerance of the patient and ensure they are comfortable. We also ensure that the treatment is appropriate and that the patient gets maximum benefit with little or no discomfort. Generally for most new patients we commence treatment that is very light and involves no manipulation, simply traction, mobilisation, stretches, biomechanical wedges, activator etc..Read More-

3.Whats the difference between Chiropractors and Physiotherapists?

Chiropractors study a 5 year full time University degree specialising in the Biomechanics and Anatomy of Muscles and Joints and how problems can relate to the nervous system. Chiropractors are experts at diagnosing and rehabilitating proper movement and function, especially of joints and especially in the spine, using a range of techniques.
Physiotherapy evolved within the hospital system, therapists to rehabilitate patients after surgery or severe trauma. Physiotherapists study a 4 year full time University degree- they are especially good at modality & exercise based rehabilitation in sports and hospitals.

4.What are my Chiropractor’s credentials?

See above.

5.How often do I need treatment?

Treatment frequency depends upon how long you’ve had the problem and how severe it is. Remember its Rehabilitation not Surgery!
Generally speaking our priority is to get you out of pain asap. Appointments may be close together until you are more comfortable and the pain is less severe, then the focus shifts more to ‘function’- in other words restoring normal movement and flexibility so that a relapse is less likely (this usually involves less frequent but regular checkups 1-2 weekly)
Finally, in cases where relapses are frequent or inevitable- it often makes sense to get a regular checkup to prevent tightness or poor function causing a relapse. Regular checkups are often a logical approach to longer term issues and chosen by the patient- typically appointment frequency varies from 4 to 6 weekly treatment visits, with lifestyle, postural and exercise advice.

6.Should I get a periodic check up?

If you have a history of relapse, severe degenerative problems, recurring injuries- then yes it makes sense to be preventative and try to stop relapses.
Periodic checkups can also minimise progression of degeneration and repetitious injuries, because it assists to normalise joint and soft tissue function and mobility. Conversely, you wouldn’t bother with a periodic check up in the case of good musculoskeletal health/ function and a one-off injury that was rehabilitated.

7.Do I need to disrobe or wear a patient gown?

No. Patient comfort and modesty is a high priority, so all patients are consulted in normal clothes. Occasionally it may be appropriate to shift clothing to view a scar or skin markings, but thats usually all that is required.