Chiropractic FAQs

Before you arrive

After you book, you'll get a confirmation email with a secure link to your intake forms. They take up to 10 minutes — set aside 20 so you're not rushed. This helps us understand your health story before you arrive, so your visit can focus on you. If you have medical reports or imaging, bring them along.

When you arrive

Text us when you get here. Look for the door marked "Chiropractor" with the black spine model on it.

During your visit

We'll talk through your health history, goals and concerns. Then we'll do a thorough examination — spinal and postural assessment, neurological tests and movement analysis. If imaging (such as an X-ray) is needed, we'll explain why and refer you. Everything is explained in plain language — no surprises, no jargon.

Your care plan

Your care plan comes at your report visit (your second visit). We walk you through what we found in plain language and share a plan handcrafted around your goals, lifestyle and pace. It may include adjustments, posture guidance, and practical tools for movement and breathing.

Patients aged 16 and under need a parent or guardian with them to give consent.

First Visit fees

$120 regular. $90 for ACC and concession patients. Payment is due on the day — cash or card.

ACC

If you've been injured in New Zealand, ACC may help cover your care. You don't need a GP referral — you can book with us directly, and we'll lodge the ACC claim for you. ACC covers part of each visit; a co-payment applies. If ACC declines a claim, you pay the difference between the co-payment and the regular fee.

Private health insurance

Some insurers cover chiropractic — check your policy with your insurer. You pay at your appointment and receive an emailed receipt with everything your insurer needs to process your claim.

Cancellations

Please give 24 hours' notice. Late cancellations and no-shows incur a fee.

Not sure if your injury qualifies for ACC? Ask us — we're happy to explain your options.

The honest answer

It depends. Some people feel a difference within a few weeks; others take longer. It depends on what's going on in your body, how long it's been there, and how consistently you follow your care plan. We assess your situation and build a plan from what we find — not guesswork.

Relief vs. lasting change

Pain often eases first. That isn't the same as lasting change. Better mobility and less day-to-day tension take time and consistency.

Your part

The people who get the most out of care tend to show up consistently and do the work between visits. Like any new habit, change comes with repetition. We can't promise a set result, but we can promise to work with you and keep you informed at every step.

What people usually think

Chiropractors fix back pain by putting vertebrae "back into place."

How we see it

Pain is often a signal, not the whole problem. When your body is in protective mode, you may notice braced muscles, shallow breathing and stiffness. Chiropractic adjustments aim to restore movement and help your body ease out of that protective state.

At Handcrafted

We look at the whole picture — trauma, function, structure, breath and awareness — and how your body got stuck. You're not a spectator: you'll learn why your body got stuck and what you can do about it. Our care is trauma-informed — you're always in control of what happens.

What it is

An adjustment is a precise, controlled technique to restore movement in a joint or spinal segment that isn't moving well.

During your adjustment

You'll lie comfortably on a chiropractic table. We apply a controlled, specific movement — by hand or with an instrument — to the targeted area. You might hear a small "pop," which is just gas releasing from the joint. Some sessions also use low-force techniques instead. We always check you're comfortable, and you can ask us to stop at any time.

What people notice

You've been bracing for so long it feels normal. You wake up already tired. Your shoulders live up near your ears, and your jaw is tight by mid-afternoon. You stretch, it helps for an hour, then it's back. You can't remember the last time your body properly switched off. Sound familiar? Most people come in for a sore back or a stiff neck — and that's a good place to start. Our aim is to help you move more freely and feel more at ease in your body. Everyone responds differently.

Understanding regulation

Regulation is your body's ability to move smoothly between activity and rest — between "fight-or-flight" and "rest-and-digest." It helps you respond to everyday stress without getting stuck in tension.

Signs your body may be holding on

Tight muscles that never quite let go, shallow breathing, feeling "wired but tired," or a sense your body never fully switches off.

Where chiropractic fits

Our focus is how your spine moves and how your muscles and joints respond. Alongside adjustments, we teach breathwork and practical tools you can use at home to help your body settle.

Know when to see your GP

If you're dealing with anxiety, low mood or ongoing sleep problems, talk to your GP. We're happy to work alongside your GP and other health providers.

Want a quick check-in? Take the Nervous System Regulation Quiz.

The basic connection

Your brain coordinates everything — breathing, heartbeat, movement. Signals travel through your spinal cord to every part of your body. Your spine protects that pathway.

When things get stuck

Tension, injury, stress and posture can all affect how your spine moves. When movement is restricted, your body may respond with pain, tightness or guarding.

Where chiropractic fits

Our role is to restore movement to your spine so your body can move more freely.

What they are

When a joint in your spine loses its normal movement, we call it a restriction. It may feel stuck, or move differently than it should.

Why they matter

Your body tends to respond to restricted areas by guarding — tightening muscles and staying in protection mode. Over time this can contribute to pain, tension and stiffness.

What can contribute

Falls and accidents, long hours sitting, sleeping positions, repetitive movements, stress and everyday wear. We assess your situation and build a plan from what we find.

Your body's built-in repair system

You don't think about healing a cut — your body just does it. Your body is always adapting and repairing.

Why support helps

When your body is stuck in protection — holding tension, bracing, staying on alert — recovery can feel slower. Our job is to help with the movement and tension side of things, so your body is in a better position to recover.

Relief vs. healing

Pain can ease quickly. Building strength and better movement habits takes longer — that's why ongoing care focuses on the foundation, not just chasing pain.

Early on

Pain relief is often the first focus. Then we work on the foundation.

Over time

With consistent care, many people find they move more freely and carry less tension. Results vary from person to person.

What we work towards

You understand your body well enough to notice small things early, and you have tools to look after yourself between visits.

Common everyday stressors

Long hours of sitting, an unsupportive mattress or pillow, a poor workstation set-up, high heels, dehydration, lifting badly, and high stress. We can help you spot your own triggers.

Habits that support your spine

Move regularly. Prioritise sleep. Eat nourishing food. Stay hydrated. Practise breathwork or meditation. Look after your emotional health — stress often shows up as muscle tension.

If something flares up

Life still happens — knocks, falls, stressful seasons. If something flares up, coming in early is usually easier than waiting. Whether ongoing check-ins suit you is something we'll talk through together — no pressure.

How we see you

You're not a collection of broken parts. You're a whole person — your spine, breath, thoughts and movement all work together.

What that means for your care

We don't just chase pain. We work with how your body moves and responds, and help you build habits that support you long term.

Your role

You're a partner in your care. You learn why your body got stuck, how to look after it, and how to keep up the foundation we build together.

Hours

Monday 10am – 5pm
Tuesday 12pm – 6:30pm
Wednesday 10am – 5pm
Thursday 10:30am – 5pm
Friday 8am – 1pm

Contact

Email: handcraftedchiro@gmail.com
Phone: +64 21 136 0736
Address: 6 Waddon Place, Māngere, Auckland 2022

Book

Ready to start? Book your First Visit online. Questions first? Call, text or email — we're happy to help.