Chiropractic Care in Mackay | Align Health Co.
Evidence-Based Chiropractic Treatment Focused on Long-Term Results
Chiropractic Care in Mackay | Align Health Co.
Evidence-Based Chiropractic Treatment Focused on Long-Term Results
At Align Health Co, our chiropractors provide thorough assessment and treatment for people dealing with spinal pain, movement restrictions, and musculoskeletal injuries. We take an evidence-based approach that looks beyond symptoms to identify what’s actually causing your discomfort.
Treatment is always tailored to you. Depending on your presentation and preferences, care may include spinal adjustments, dry needling, soft-tissue therapy, and rehabilitation exercises. Our goal is to help you move better, function with greater confidence, and maintain those improvements over time.
How We Approach Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic at Align Health Co starts with understanding your body, your history, and what you’re dealing with right now. We take time to assess how you’re moving, what might be contributing to your symptoms, and what treatment options are most appropriate for your situation.
Every person receives an individualised treatment plan. We don’t use the same approach for everyone who walks through the door. Your care is guided by clinical assessment, informed consent, and clear communication at every stage.
Treatment may include:
- Spinal manipulation and adjustments
- Gentle mobilisation techniques
- Instrument-assisted adjustments (activator, drop-piece tables)
- Mechanical blocking
- Soft-tissue release and trigger point therapy
- Dry needling for muscular tension
- Exercise rehabilitation and movement coaching
For people who prefer not to be adjusted or “cracked,” we offer gentle alternatives that can still produce meaningful results. Treatment options are always discussed before we proceed, so you feel comfortable and informed.
Rather than rushing through appointments, we focus on thorough assessment, clear explanations, and treatment that addresses the root of your issue. This approach takes more time up front but tends to produce better long-term outcomes.
What Sets Our Chiropractic Care Apart
Mackay has plenty of chiropractors. What makes Align Health Co different comes down to how we practice and what we prioritise in every appointment.
Clinical reasoning guides everything we do. We don’t apply a template or rely on gadgets to do the work. Each treatment decision is based on assessment findings and what your body is telling us. If we’re unsure about something, we’ll say so and explore further before proceeding.
You’re in control of your care. We explain what we’ve found, discuss your options, and respect your preferences. If you don’t want a particular technique, we work with alternatives. Consent isn’t just a formality here—it’s how we operate.
We look for the cause, not just the symptoms. A sore lower back might stem from hip restriction. Shoulder pain could be related to neck mechanics. We take the time to figure out what’s driving your discomfort, which often means better results that last.
Treatment happens on your first visit. After assessment, we’ll do something to help—whether that’s hands-on treatment, rehabilitation exercises, or a combination. You won’t leave with just advice and a follow-up booking.
Honesty matters. If we don’t think we can help, we’ll tell you. If you need imaging or a referral elsewhere, we’ll organise that. We’d rather give you accurate information than make promises we can’t keep.
Our team has deep roots in Mackay. Dr Jacob was born, raised, and trained here. That local connection matters when you’re trusting someone with your health.
Dry Needling as Part of Your Chiropractic Treatment
Dry needling is one of the techniques we use regularly at Align Health Co, particularly for people dealing with muscular tightness, trigger points, and movement restrictions that don’t respond well to manual therapy alone.
It involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific areas of muscle to address tension and support better movement. When combined with chiropractic care and rehabilitation, dry needling can be effective for conditions like sciatica, chronic back pain, shoulder dysfunction, and sports injuries.
Not everyone needs dry needling, and it’s not applied routinely. It’s one tool among several that may be appropriate depending on your presentation.
Common Reasons People See Our Chiropractors
People visit Align Health Co for all sorts of movement-related concerns.
While every case is assessed individually, some of the more common presentations we see include:
Spinal conditions:
- Low back pain and stiffness
- Sciatica and referred leg pain
- Neck pain and restricted movement
- Thoracic spine discomfort
- Postural issues from desk work or physical labour
Extremity complaints:
- Shoulder pain and frozen shoulder
- Hip pain and restricted hip mobility
- Knee dysfunction
- Ankle and foot problems including plantar fasciitis
- Elbow pain (tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow)
Headaches and jaw problems:
- Tension headaches and migraines with musculoskeletal involvement
- TMJ dysfunction and jaw pain
Injury-related presentations:
- Workplace injuries (common in mining, trades, and machinery operation)
- Sports injuries across all levels of activity
- Motor vehicle accident injuries
- Lifting injuries and acute strains
Chronic or recurring problems:
- Long-standing pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments
- Recurrent injuries
- Movement restrictions affecting daily function
We also see people who’ve had mixed experiences with other practitioners and are looking for a more thorough, individualised approach.
If you’re uncertain whether chiropractic is appropriate for your situation, our team can discuss your concerns and help you decide on your next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor?
No. Chiropractors are primary contact practitioners, which means you can book directly without a referral from a GP or specialist.
What happens on my first appointment?
Your initial visit includes a thorough assessment of your condition, medical history, and movement patterns. We’ll explain what we’ve found and discuss treatment options before proceeding. Treatment is provided on the first visit wherever appropriate, so you don’t leave empty-handed.
Do you bulk bill or accept private health insurance?
Your initial visit includes a thorough assessment of your condition, medical history, and movement patterns. We’ll explain what we’ve found and discuss treatment options before proceeding. Treatment is provided on the first visit wherever appropriate, so you don’t leave empty-handed.
We’re registered HICAPS providers, which means if you have private health insurance with chiropractic cover, we can process your rebate on the spot. We don’t bulk bill through Medicare for standard chiropractic appointments.
We do accept:
- DVA patients
- Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plans with a small gap fee
- WorkCover and third-party insurance claims
What if I don't want to be "cracked"?
Not a problem. We offer gentle alternatives including instrument-assisted adjustments (activator), mobilisation, mechanical blocking, and soft-tissue techniques. Many of our patients prefer these approaches and still achieve excellent results.
Will I need X-rays?
Not everyone needs imaging. If we assess that X-rays would be clinically useful, we can refer you for bulk-billed imaging at a local radiology clinic. For some presentations, we may recommend an MRI, though this involves an out-of-pocket cost.
We don’t order imaging routinely—only when it will genuinely inform your treatment or rule out something that needs attention.
How many appointments will I need?
This depends entirely on your condition, how long you’ve had it, and how your body responds to treatment. Some people feel significantly better after two or three visits. Others with chronic or complex presentations may need ongoing support.
We’re honest about what we think is realistic. Our goal isn’t to keep you coming indefinitely—it’s to help you improve to the point where you can manage independently or only need occasional maintenance care.
Can you help with sports injuries?
Yes. We work with athletes across a range of sports including rugby league, basketball, netball, golf, and tennis. Treatment often involves a combination of chiropractic care, dry needling, and rehabilitation to help you return to training and competition safely.
Do you treat children or pregnant women?
We see both paediatric patients (including newborns) and pregnant women. Treatment is always adapted to be safe and appropriate for the individual.
Pregnancy chiropractic focuses on managing musculoskeletal discomfort that commonly arises during pregnancy, including lower back pain, pelvic discomfort, and postural changes.
What's your cancellation policy?
We ask for at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to reschedule or cancel an appointment. This allows us to offer that time to someone else who may need care. Late cancellations or no-shows may incur a fee.
Still have questions?
If you’d like to discuss your specific situation before booking, our team is happy to help. Give us a call on 07 4829 4364 and we’ll talk you through your options.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you’re dealing with a new injury, chronic pain, or simply want to move better, our chiropractors are here to help. Book online or contact our Mackay clinic to arrange your first appointment.
Or call us: 07 4829 4364
Align Health Co
6 Discovery Lane, Mount Pleasant
Mackay QLD 4740