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Informed Consent to Care

Informed Consent to Care

Purpose

This document provides general information regarding the care that may be provided at Wholistic Health Centre, associated risks, alternative options, and patient rights. It is intended to support informed decision-making and works in conjunction with the New Patient Intake Form and the Privacy Policy.

Before commencing any treatment or introducing a new treatment technique, your practitioner will discuss the proposed treatment, expected benefits, material risks, available alternatives (where appropriate), and answer any questions you may have. Treatment will only proceed with your informed consent.

Nature of Care

Wholistic Health Centre provides chiropractic care, remedial massage therapy, and other allied health services. Treatment approaches may include, but are not limited to:

  • Joint mobilisation and manipulation
  • Soft tissue therapies
  • Exercise and rehabilitation programs
  • Shockwave Therapy
  • Therapeutic Ultrasound
  • TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
  • Dry Needling
  • Cupping Therapy
  • Electromagnetic and other therapeutic technologies

These techniques are widely recognised as safe and effective for a range of conditions when applied appropriately.

Not every treatment modality listed above will be appropriate for every patient or every consultation. Your practitioner will recommend only those treatments considered clinically appropriate for your condition. You may accept or decline any treatment at any time.

Dry Needling

Dry Needling involves the insertion of sterile, single-use needles into muscles or other soft tissues to assist in the management of pain, muscle dysfunction and movement disorders.

Your practitioner will explain why Dry Needling is recommended, discuss the expected benefits and potential risks, and answer any questions before treatment is performed.

Risks and Potential Complications

As with all healthcare procedures, there are risks and potential complications associated with treatment. These are uncommon, but may include:

  • Temporary muscle or joint soreness
  • Dizziness or nausea
  • Aggravation of existing conditions
  • Disc or nerve irritation
  • Skin or tissue reactions to certain therapies
  • Rib or vertebral fractures (rare, more likely in individuals with bone-weakening conditions such as osteoporosis)

Additional risks associated with Dry Needling may include:

  • Temporary discomfort during treatment
  • Minor bleeding
  • Bruising
  • Temporary aggravation of symptoms
  • Fatigue
  • Fainting (vasovagal reaction)
  • Infection (rare)
  • Nerve irritation (rare)
  • Pneumothorax (collapsed lung) when needling around the chest, upper back or shoulder region (extremely rare)

In exceedingly rare cases, cervical (neck) manipulation has been associated with injury to a blood vessel that may result in stroke or stroke-like symptoms. Published estimates suggest this risk is extremely low. Screening procedures are used to reduce risk; however, no screening method is 100% predictive.

Treatment of Sensitive Areas

Some musculoskeletal conditions may require assessment or treatment of anatomically sensitive areas, including but not limited to the gluteal region, hip, pelvis, chest wall or upper inner thigh.

These areas will only be assessed or treated where clinically indicated, after discussion with you and with your consent. Appropriate draping will be maintained throughout treatment to protect your privacy and dignity.

You may decline treatment to any area or request treatment cease at any time.

Modified or Alternative Care

If you have known medical conditions (such as osteoporosis or other bone or vascular conditions), treatment techniques may be modified to reduce risk. Alternative approaches may include low-force techniques, mobilisation, soft tissue therapy, exercise-based care, or referral to another provider where appropriate.

You are encouraged to discuss any concerns or preferences with your practitioner before or during care.

No Guarantee of Outcome

Individual responses to care vary. While treatment is delivered with professional skill and care, specific outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

Patient Responsibilities

You are responsible for:

  • Providing accurate and complete information about your health history
  • Informing your practitioner of any changes to your health status
  • Asking questions if you do not understand any aspect of your care
  • Inform your practitioner immediately if you experience discomfort, wish to stop treatment or withdraw your consent.

Failure to disclose relevant health information may affect treatment decisions and outcomes.

Voluntary Consent and Withdrawal

Your participation in care is voluntary. You may withdraw your consent to treatment at any time without penalty. Your consent is an ongoing process and applies to each consultation. Your practitioner will discuss any new treatment techniques or significant changes to your care before they are performed.

Common Law Rights

This consent does not waive or limit your common law or statutory rights. It serves solely to document that you have been informed of the nature of care and associated risks.

Communication and Clinic Policies

Details regarding appointment reminders, cancellations, payments, and communications are outlined in the clinic’s Communication and Cancellation Policy, available on the Wholistic Health Centre website.

Questions

You are encouraged to ask questions regarding any proposed treatment, including its purpose, expected benefits, possible risks and available alternatives. Your practitioner will answer these questions to assist you in making an informed decision about your care.

Acknowledgement

By signing the New Patient Intake Form, you acknowledge that:

  • You have read, or have had the opportunity to read, this Informed Consent to Care document.
  • You understand the nature of the services that may be provided.
  • You understand that not every treatment listed in this document will necessarily be used.
  • You understand that your practitioner will explain the treatment proposed at each consultation before it is performed.
  • You have had the opportunity to ask questions.
  • You understand that you may accept, decline or withdraw consent for any treatment at any time.