Your first visit
If you are new to chiropractic care or looking for a new approach to ongoing care, our process is the same. To meet you where you are at and see how we can support you to get to where you want to go. Everyone has different goals and our process is designed to align with your specific goal for your health irrespective of where you are coming from.
Before you arrive
What to wear
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing works well. Your comfort is most important to us. You do not need to undress -- we work through clothing for most techniques. Should we require a more in-depth assessment, we will discuss that with you and ensure the appropriate privacy process is followed.
What you may bring
- Any imaging you already have (X-rays, MRI reports) -- even if they are old, they can be useful context
- Supplements or prescription medications you may be taking
- A GP referral if you are on a CDM plan for Medicare-subsidised visits. Some GPs email them -- just let us know
If imaging is required we will refer you, either direct to radiology or via your GP.
How long it takes
Your initial consultation is approximately 60 minutes. That gives us time to listen properly, assess thoroughly, explain what we find, and begin care if appropriate.
Follow-up visits are typically 20 to 30 minutes.
Step 1: We listen
We start by asking about what brought you in. What hurts, when it started, what makes it better, what makes it worse. We will also ask about your broader health history -- previous injuries, surgeries, medications, and anything else that helps us understand the full picture. This is not a five-minute tick-box exercise. We want to understand fully what got you into the position you are currently in so we can best support you to where you need to be.
Step 2: Physical assessment
Annica will do a complete assessment:
Posture and gait
Assessment and spinal range of motion measurement
Orthopaedic tests
Targeted tests to identify the source of your symptoms
Neurological screening
Reflexes, sensation, and muscle strength
Chiropractic examination
Spine and nervous system
Palpation
Spine and related muscles to find areas of restriction and/or tenderness
Vascular checks
Blood pressure and peripheral pulses where clinically appropriate
This helps us determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate for you, and whether anything else might be going on that needs further investigation. If we find something that needs medical attention or imaging, we will discuss this and support you in the appropriate direction.
Step 3: We explain what we found
This is the part many people tell us they appreciate most. We sit down and explain -- in plain language, not clinical jargon -- what we think is going on. We will cover:
- What we found in the assessment and what it means
- Whether chiropractic care is likely to be helpful for your situation
- What our recommended approach would involve
- A realistic timeframe -- how many visits over a specific time, and what the objective goals are to track your progress
You are welcome to ask questions, take time to think it over, or get a second opinion. We pride ourselves on clarity and being reasonable in our expectations. The body has a remarkable capacity to heal when given the right support -- our role is to facilitate that process. Recovery has its own timeline, and our success in serving you is very much in proportion to your commitment to the process, following advice, and keeping on schedule. It usually works really well.
Step 4: A plan that makes sense
If chiropractic care is appropriate for you, we outline a clear plan. A clear and structured approach with defined phases:
Initial phase
The focus is on your current pain and improving how you function day to day.
Stabilising phase
Once you are feeling better, we work on the underlying factors that may have contributed, to reduce the chance of it coming back.
Performance care
Some people choose periodic check-ups, especially if they have a physically demanding life. This is always your choice, never an obligation.
The goal is your independence. We want you to understand your body well enough to manage it yourself — being attuned to how you feel physically, and knowing when to seek care for more ease in day-to-day life.
Step 5: Your first treatment
If safe and appropriate, we begin care during your first visit -- with your informed consent and at your pace. If you are nervous, that is completely fine. We explain everything before we commence as part of the consent process.
We use a range of techniques depending on what suits you and your condition:
Manual adjustments
The traditional chiropractic approach
Low-force mobilisation
A low-force alternative if you prefer not to hear or feel a "click" or a "pop" -- this is actually just gas releasing in the joint
Soft tissue therapy
For tight or tender muscles
Exercise and movement
Advice you can start using straight away
Supportive care
Exercise, ice packs, heat packs, or a supplement
With full consent based on understanding and respect we can start your journey with us with a tailor-made approach that is specific for you and your needs.
Who you will see
Your chiropractor is Annica Larsdotter MSc (Chiro), DC, DICCP, member of Chiropractic Australia and registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). She graduated in 1999 with a Master of Chiropractic Sciences (MSc) and Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) from the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic in affiliation with the University of Portsmouth. She holds a Diplomate of the International College of Chiropractic Paediatrics (DICCP).
Before arriving in the Huon Valley, Annica ran a practice focused on paediatric musculoskeletal care in Sydney for 16 years. She has lectured at the New Zealand College of Chiropractic, as well as practised and run several practices in the UK. She brings considerable skills and clinical experience to a small-town setting.
Annica is committed to ongoing professional development. In 2026, she is incorporating HRV biofeedback and cardiac coherence training -- self-regulation tools supported by peer-reviewed research in psychophysiology (McCraty & Shaffer, 2015) -- into her clinical practice. Annica also collaborates with the local GPs and allied health practitioners in the Huon Valley, and consults alongside the GP team at Gore Street Medical in Hobart on Wednesdays.
Chiropractors in Australia complete a minimum five-year university degree and are regulated by the same federal agency that oversees medical practitioners, dentists, physiotherapists, and nurses.
Fees
Your initial consultation is $170. We process private health fund claims on the spot via HICAPS, so you only pay the gap. We also bulk bill all DVA card holders. Concession rates are available for pensioners, students, and children.
From uncertain to informed
Your first visit is the step from not knowing what is wrong to having a clear picture and a plan. That shift -- from uncertainty to understanding -- is where things start to change.