FAQ’s

Chiropractic is a healthcare profession that focuses on the relationship between the spine, joints, muscles and nervous system, and how these systems influence movement and overall function.

At S.A. Chiropractic, your Stellenbosch Chiropractic practice, we look beyond simply treating a painful area. We assess the way your body is functioning as a whole, with particular attention to the spine, posture, movement and nervous system. Chiropractic adjustments are used to improve spinal and joint movement and function, where appropriate.

Our approach is individualised. Different techniques may be used depending on your age, condition, needs and preferences.

People often consult Dr Chris Muller for a wide range of musculoskeletal problems, particularly those affecting the back, neck and joints.

Chiropractic care may be helpful for problems such as:

• Back and lower back pain
• Neck pain and stiffness
• Pain radiating down arms and legs
• Headaches & migraines
• Joint and muscle discomfort
• Sports-related injuries
• Postural and movement-related problems
• Stiffness and reduced mobility
• Alignment, optimal performance and recovery
• Recurring aches and pains associated with everyday activities

Chiropractic care is not appropriate for every condition. During your consultation, we assess your individual circumstances and determine whether chiropractic care is suitable for you. If we believe another healthcare professional would be more appropriate, we will tell you and refer you accordingly.

Your first visit is about getting to know you, understanding your health concerns and determining whether we can help.

You will first complete a health history, followed by a consultation with Dr Chris Muller. If chiropractic care appears appropriate, a thorough assessment may include posture, range of motion, orthopaedic and neurological testing, weight distribution and spinal assessment.

We explain what we are doing and why, and discuss our findings with you before recommending a care plan.

Your first consultation is approximately 30 minutes, and we recommend allowing an additional 10 minutes for completing your health history if you have not done so beforehand.

If we don’t believe chiropractic care is appropriate for you, we will tell you and recommend that you consult the appropriate healthcare professional.

For most people, a chiropractic adjustment is not painful. You may feel a gentle pressure, movement or stretching during the adjustment.

Some people experience mild, temporary soreness or stiffness afterwards, particularly when their body is responding to a new type of movement or treatment.

There are also several different chiropractic techniques. We can adapt the approach according to your age, condition, comfort and individual needs.

A chiropractic adjustment is a specific, controlled movement applied to a joint or area of the body with the aim of improving its movement and function.

Depending on the technique used, an adjustment may involve a quick, gentle impulse or a slower, more controlled movement. Some techniques produce an audible popping or clicking sound, while others do not.

At Stellenbosch Chiropractic office, Dr Chris Muller uses a range of adjusting techniques, including Diversified, Gonstead, Sacro Occipital Technique, Thompson and Activator. The technique selected depends on the individual patient and our clinical assessment.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer.

The number and frequency of visits depend on factors such as your reason for seeking care, how long you have had the problem, your overall health, your physical demands and how your body responds to care.  Generally, for acute cases, 2 – 4 visits to feel better.

After your assessment, we will explain what we recommend and why. Your care plan may change as your condition and function improve.

Our goal is not simply to keep you coming back. We want you to understand your body, participate in your recovery and make the lifestyle changes that can support your long-term health.

Both chiropractors and physiotherapists are healthcare professionals who work with the musculoskeletal system, and there can be some overlap in the care they provide.

Physiotherapy often places a strong emphasis on rehabilitation, therapeutic exercise, movement retraining and recovery following injury or surgery.

Chiropractic places particular emphasis on the assessment and management of the spine and joints, including the use of specific adjustments and other manual techniques.

The two approaches are not necessarily alternatives. Depending on your circumstances, chiropractic care, physiotherapy, exercise and other forms of healthcare may complement one another.

Not necessarily.

Imaging is not routinely required for every person with back or neck pain. A thorough history and physical examination can often provide important information about what is happening and whether further investigation is necessary.

If your history or examination indicates that imaging or another medical assessment is appropriate, we will explain why and refer you accordingly.

The decision to request imaging should be based on the individual patient and clinical findings rather than simply being a routine part of every chiropractic visit. Clinical guidelines similarly recommend against routine imaging for uncomplicated acute or subacute lower back pain in the absence of warning signs.

Chiropractic care should not be viewed as a guarantee against injury or illness. However, taking care of your spine, movement, strength, posture and general lifestyle can form an important part of maintaining physical health.

At S.A. Chiropractic, we encourage a proactive approach rather than waiting until a problem becomes severe. Regular physical activity, good sleep, appropriate exercise, healthy lifestyle choices and attention to posture and movement are all important components of maintaining health.

For some people, periodic chiropractic visits may form part of their broader approach to maintaining mobility and function. The appropriate frequency of care will depend on the individual.

Dr Chris Muller brings more than 20 years of experience with his practice in Stellenbosch. He believes healthcare should be about the person, not just the symptom.

When you come to our practice, our first priority is to understand you, your health history, your concerns and what you want to achieve.

We take the time to:

• Understand the factors contributing to your problem
• Perform a thorough assessment
• Explain our findings clearly
• Recommend care that is appropriate for you
• Help you participate actively in your recovery
• Give you practical information to support your health beyond the consultation room

We also recognise that no two people are the same. That is why we use a range of chiropractic techniques and adapt our approach to the individual.

Our philosophy is not simply about providing relief when something hurts. We want to help you understand your body and take a more proactive approach to your health and wellbeing.

Your health is important to us. Our goal is to help you move, function and live well.

Yes. Most medical aids provide benefits for chiropractic treatment, depending on your specific plan and available benefits. The practice will provide you with the necessary treatment codes and documentation so that you can submit your claim directly to your medical aid. Please note that the practice does not submit claims on behalf of patients.

Yes. Dr Chris Muller works closely with his own trusted team of healthcare professionals, including medical specialists, neurosurgeons, spinal specialists and physiotherapists. When a referral is needed, he will guide you to the team member best suited to your needs.