FAQs

All patients are required to have an initial assessment where they will be thoroughly assessed for suitability and checked for any contraindications. To see conditions which are most likely to be suitable for the treatment go to the ‘Why NSSC’ tab.

Yes. Patients are encouraged to have a walk before getting straight back into their car, but it is quite OK to drive yourself home. Those people coming from a long distance away may find that taking public transport is more comfortable as you can move around rather than sitting in the one position. Our clinic is immediately opposite the Hawthorn train station and the tram from Flinders Street.

For long standing chronic disc issues in the lower back, patients usually have multiple treatments per week spread over several weeks. All back conditions are different, and some patients may feel a symptomatic improvement after a few sessions however best results are usually gradual and take a number of weeks rather than appearing after one or two sessions.

For conditions such as compressed or pinched nerves the gentle stretches need to be increased to the point where either the compressed disc has the opportunity to retract away from the nerve or a pinched nerve can be released.

For more recent conditions or conditions associated with the neck, fewer treatments may be required.

Treatment sessions are 30 minutes with the actual time on the decompression table being 20 minutes.

Yes, you stay fully dressed and remain lying down throughout. Most patients find the session comfortable and many relax or fall asleep.

Typically not. Some patients may experience a temporary soreness/stiffness after decompression treatment which is a sign that muscles have been worked in a new way. This feeling is usually relieved by walking for a short distance immediately after the treatment.

Serious side effects are uncommon. The most frequently reported effect is temporary muscle soreness or stiffness after a session, which usually settles quickly. Treatment is not suitable for everyone, which is why every patient is screened for contraindications at assessment. We strictly monitor any changes during your course of treatment.

Some patients find that as musculoskeletal pain improves they are able to reduce their use of pain medication. Any change to medication is a decision for your prescribing doctor.

Yes. Depending on the type of surgery, provided the procedure was not within the previous six months (to allow for complete healing) and there are no surgical implants. Individual cases will be thoroughly assessed for suitability.

Apart from an initial pulling sensation, which you quickly get used to, it is very relaxing – in fact many people fall asleep.