FAQ

  • Why don’t you offer discounted prepaid treatment plans?

    We believe that healthcare decisions should be based on your recovery progress, not a sales contract. We find prepaid concession cards unethical because they often "rope" patients into treatments they may not actually need. At Velca, you pay for the care you need today, and we stop treatment the moment you are back to doing well.

  • Will I have to keep coming back forever?

    Absolutely not. Our goal is to "fire" you as a patient. Unlike some clinics that rely on indefinite maintenance care, our objective is to fix the issue, empower you with the tools to manage your own health, and discharge you. We measure success by how quickly we can get you back to your life, not by how many times we see you.

  • Do you work with other medical professionals?

    Yes. We operate within a wider medical network. We regularly communicate with and refer to GPs, medical specialists, podiatrists, and dentists. If your condition requires intervention outside of our scope, we will ensure you get to the right person immediately. We believe in integrated care, not isolated care.

  • What is the Biopsychosocial Model?

    This is the gold standard in modern musculoskeletal (MSK) healthcare, and it is the foundation of how we treat you. It means we don’t just look at your "broken part" (Biology); we also consider your mindset and stress (Psychology) and your lifestyle and work environment (Social) and how your injury may effect them. Considering all three aspects ensures a better recovery that is right for you.

  • Will you tell me exactly what is wrong before treating me?

    Yes, to the best of our ability. However, you may require imaging or a specialist referral before a diagnosis can be made. If we cannot explain what the problem is and why it is happening, we have no business treating it. You will leave your initial consultation with a clear understanding of your roadmap for recovery.

  • Are you an ACC provider?

    Yes, Velca is an ACC-registered clinic. We can lodge your injury claim directly at the clinic—you do not need to see a GP first. We are also affiliated with the Careway program (providing fully funded care for specific injuries) and are a Southern Cross Easy-claim provider for members with appropriate cover.

  • What makes your multidisciplinary team different?

    Many clinics rent rooms to different therapists who never speak to each other. At Velca, our Chiropractors, Physiotherapists, and Massage Therapists work collaboratively on your case when needed. We have weekly meetings where patient cases are shared so that we can ensure you get the best care available. You benefit from the combined expertise of different disciplines working together to solve your problem.

  • Do you X-ray every patient?

    No. We follow strict clinical guidelines regarding radiology. We only refer for X-rays if your history and physical examination indicate they are clinically necessary to rule out pathology or fracture. We do not use X-rays as a sales tool to "scare" patients into treatment plans.

  • Do I have to get my neck or back "cracked"?

    Not if you don’t want to. While spinal manipulation (the "crack" or cavitation) can be effective for certain conditions, it is just one tool in our toolbox. We offer a variety of gentle, low-force techniques, soft tissue work, and mobilization. We tailor the treatment to your comfort level and safety requirements.

  • Do you treat conditions other than back pain?

    Yes. While we commonly see back and neck pain, we successfully treat a wide range of issues including migraines/headaches, sciatica, rotator cuff (shoulder) injuries, knee pain, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow and more. If you’d like to learn more then click here.

  • Will I be given exercises to do at home?

    Yes, if appropriate for your situation. Passive treatment (us doing things to you) provides relief, but active treatment (you doing things for yourself) provides a cure. We prescribe tailored rehabilitation exercises to strengthen the area and prevent the injury from returning.

  • How long is a standard appointment?

    Depends on the practitioner you see. We prioritize quality over volume and therefore our appointments are a littler longer than other clinics. Our appointments are structured to allow enough time for a reassessment, hands-on treatment, and rehabilitation advice. We do not have open rooms with other patients in them; you get dedicated one-on-one time with your practitioner.

  • Can I see a Physiotherapist and a Chiropractor at the same time?

    Absolutely. In fact, for many complex injuries, this is the most effective approach. For example, a Chiropractor may work on joint mobility to restore range of motion, while the Physiotherapist focuses on muscle loading and stability. We coordinate this care in-house so you don't get conflicting advice.

  • Do you treat children or the elderly?

    Yes, we treat patients of all ages. Our techniques are modified significantly depending on the patient. For infants or the elderly (who may have osteoporosis or arthritis), we use very gentle, non-invasive methods to ensure safety and comfort.

  • Is there parking available at your Auckland clinic?

    Yes. We know that when you are in pain, the last thing you want to do is walk long distances. We have plenty of convenient parking available to ensure your visit is as stress-free as possible.

  • What if treatment isn't working?

    Because we measure outcomes, we know quickly if a treatment isn't working. Unfortunately we cannot fix everything. If you aren't improving within the expected timeframe, we don't just keep treating you. We stop, re-evaluate, and refer you to a specialist or for further imaging. We are committed to finding the solution, even if that solution isn't us.

  • Do you offer corporate or workplace health advice?

    Yes. A massive portion of the pain we see is caused by poor desk ergonomics and sedentary work habits. We provide advice on workstation setup and posture to help you avoid "office worker back" and repetitive strain injuries.. If you’d like us to do an assessment at your work then please contact our reception here.

  • Why don’t you have an X-ray machine on-site?

    We made a conscious decision not to install an X-ray machine at Velca.

    In many clinics, having expensive imaging equipment on-site can create a subconscious (or financial) pressure to use it on every patient to cover the costs. By removing that financial incentive, we ensure that our clinical judgment remains unbiased.

    If we refer you for an X-ray, it is because your specific history and physical exam indicate it is medically necessary for a safe diagnosis—never because we need to justify a fee or "sell" you on a treatment plan. If you do need imaging, we refer you to a specialist radiology clinic where you will receive the highest standard of imaging and a report from a specialist radiologist.