What is a Chiropractor?

Are Chiropractors Doctors? Is chiropractic safe?

Back pain and spinal problems are very common in Hong Kong. Doctors of chiropractic (registered chiropractors) provide an alternative treatment option beyond Traditional Chinese and Western medicine. Chiropractors mainly offer conservative treatment recommendations to patients without the use of medication and surgery.

Is chiropractic adjustment the same as just cracking joints?

Doctors of chiropractic (registered chiropractors) are qualified medical professionals whom have undergone extensive studies and training before providing care to our patients. Adjustments or other treatments and advices given by a chiropractor are based on a comprehensive examination and diagnosis of the patient. A chiropractic adjustment is specific and purposeful as we aim to correct spinal subluxations found in assessment. This is different from “cracking joints” techniques performed by unqualified and non-registered/ licensed individuals. When choosing a service provider, patients MUST consider the credibility of such personnel due to potential safety and risk concerns of receiving such treatment and advice.

What is chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a form of alternative therapy that treats various musculoskeletal conditions. The spine protects our central nervous system which connects to the peripheral nervous system. A subluxation occurs when a spinal joint causes nervous interference to the body. Chiropractors correct subluxations through manual techniques without the use of medication and surgery.

According to the “Code of Professional Conduct for Registered Chiropractors”, Doctors of chiropractic (registered chiropractors) have a statutory medical professional status in Hong Kong and all chiropractors must be registered with the Chiropractors Council in Hong Kong.

Understand the professional background of chiropractors

According to the guidelines of the Department of Health, individuals practicing chiropractic in Hong Kong must apply for registration with the Chiropractors Council. Failure to do so can be considered as an offense and may be fined HK$50,000 and imprisonment for 1 year.

Applicants must meet the following qualifications:

Graduate from a college recognized by the Board of Chiropractic
A declaration of competency and professionalism as a chiropractor
Not subject to disciplinary sanctions or investigation by an inquiry committee
No criminal record or professional misconduct
Approved medical accountability insurance (Indemnity)

If you meet the above registration qualifications, you can officially become a Doctor of Chiropractic (registered chiropractor) in Hong Kong.
For details, please visit: https://www.chiro-council.org.hk/

Chiropractic Treatment

Doctors of chiropractic (registered chiropractors) are first-line health care professionals (referral not required) who are trained to diagnose and treat various musculoskeletal conditions. Chiropractors mainly focuses on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of static and dynamic spinal dysfunctions as well as pain syndromes and neurophysiological conditions of the human body (especially the spine and pelvis).

Service scope covers:

Diagnosis of spine problems
Dynamic palpation examination
Spinal thermography (Nervoscope)
Radiology imaging (X-ray and MRI) and laboratory testing
Chiropractic treatment
Provide dietary or nutritional supplement recommendations
Public health education

After diagnosis, if the chiropractor determines that the patient requires a follow-up with another specialist, he may also refer the patient directly to an appropriate healthcare provider.

Chiropractor's Diagnostic Process

Before providing appropriate treatment suggestions, the chiropractor will first inquire about the patient’s past medical history, conduct a series of comprehensive full spine and physical examinations, spinal thermography (Nervoscope) and diagnostic imaging (if applicable). For details, please visit “The Respine Way”.
The World Health Organization (WHO) published a “Guidelines for Basic Training and Safety in Chiropractic” in 2005, stating that chiropractors must make good use of different clinical diagnostic approaches in order to accurately assess the patient’s condition:

Gait and postural analysis
Static and dynamic palpation of the spine
Soft tissue condition and function assessments
Laboratory testing
Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, ultrasound and MRI

*An initial consultation appointment allows a direct interaction with the chiropractor which can give an insight to the chiropractor’s professionalism and treatment methods. It is also an opportunity to evaluate whether you and the chiropractor are compatible.

How to choose the right chiropractor

Choosing the right chiropractor in Hong Kong is an important decision. You can find a suitable chiropractor for yourself and your family by evaluating the chiropractor’s qualifications and educational background, treatment methods and his reviews. An initial consultation with the chiropractor can also give you a better insight to his professionalism.

Considering the geographic location and accessibility of the clinic in Hong Kong is also crucial for treatment visits. If regular treatment is needed, choosing a nearby chiropractor can save travel time and related inconveniences. Additionally, the clinic building’s accessibility features are factors also worth considering.

List of chiropractors in Hong Kong

As of June 2024, there are more than 400 registered chiropractors in Hong Kong.

The Chiropractors Council has a registry that lists the names, addresses, qualifications of all registered chiropractors which is available to the public.
*The Chiropractors Council website has uploaded an electronic version of the list.

Chiropractic Conduct and Discipline

Doctors of Chiropractic (registered chiropractors) are responsible for clearly and accurately recording the patients’ medical histories, physical examination results, tests, treatments, and clinical progress, and for properly storing relevant files to ensure that unauthorized individuals cannot access them, in order to prevent the improper disclosure or alteration of patient privacy.

Before conducting examinations or treatments, chiropractors must clearly explain the patient’s condition and treatment plan, and only provide services with the patient’s consent.

Is spinal adjustment safe?

All Doctors of chiropractic (registered chiropractors) in Hong Kong are regulated by Hong Kong laws and the Department of Health. The Chiropractic Council has also established rigorous professional codes to ensure that chiropractic is a healthcare option with legally recognized professional standards and a certain level of safety assurance.