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Frequently asked questions
At Motiv Health we do things differently. All appointments are a minimum of 60 minutes for your initial appointment and a minimum of 30 minutes for a follow up, because we believe rushing treatment does not get results. Every treatment plan is built specifically around you, combining chiropractic care, remedial massage, dry needling and rehabilitation where needed. We do not believe in over-treating or creating long-term dependency. Our goal is to get you better and then step back.
We are located at Shop 2, 358-360 Galston Road, Galston NSW 2159, inside Galston Village. We are conveniently surrounded by other wonderful businesses including a butcher, bakery, post office, newsagent, chemist and an ALDI.
There is plenty of free kerbside parking available. We see patients from across the Hills District including Dural, Arcadia, Glenorie, Hornsby Heights, Mt Colah and beyond.
Yes there is plenty of free curb side parking available.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows for easy movement and gives access to the area being treated. We have patient gowns and shorts available if needed, so do not stress if you are coming straight from work.
Yes, chiropractic care can be beneficial for sports injuries and can also help improve athletic performance. Here's how chiropractic care can assist athletes:
Injury treatment and rehabilitation: We diagnose, treat and rehabilitate a wide range of sports-related injuries, including sprains, strains, nerve impingements, tendinopathy, bursitis and more. We aim to reduce pain, restore proper function, and promote healing.
Injury prevention: We work with athletes to identify and address biomechanical imbalances or weaknesses that may increase the risk of sports injuries. We can provide exercises, stretches, recovery techniques and recommendations for proper body mechanics and injury prevention strategies to help you reach and stay in top form.
Rehabilitation and sports-specific training: We will work with you to provide comprehensive rehabilitation programs and sports-specific training protocols no matter your chosen sport or activity
No. They use the same type of needle but are very different in approach and intent. Dry needling is grounded in Western anatomy and neuromuscular science. It targets trigger points, which are tight knots in the muscle, to release tension and restore normal muscle function. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice based on restoring the flow of energy along meridians in the body. We offer dry needling as part of your broader treatment plan at Motiv Health.
The needling itself is generally not painful, though you may feel a brief, dull ache or a twitch sensation when the needle reaches a trigger point. This is completely normal and a sign the treatment is working. After the session, the treated area may feel sore and heavy for up to 48 hours, similar to the feeling after a good workout. This settles quickly and is a normal part of the process.
Trigger point deactivation: Dry needling targets trigger points, which are tight bands of muscle fibers that can cause pain and restricted movement. By inserting a needle into these trigger points, it can help release tension, relax the muscle fibers, and deactivate the trigger point, providing pain relief.
Improved blood flow: Inserting needles into the muscles can stimulate localised microcirculation and improve blood flow. This increased blood flow can enhance the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the area, promoting healing and reducing pain.
Release of endorphins: Dry needling may trigger the release of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving chemicals produced by the body. Endorphins can help reduce pain perception and create a sense of well-being and relaxation.
Modulation of the nervous system: The insertion of needles into specific points may lead to the release of neurotransmitters that can modulate pain signals and promote pain relief.
Neurophysiological effects: Dry needling can have neurophysiological effects on the muscles and surrounding tissues. It may help restore normal muscle tone, decrease muscle spasms, and improve muscle function, leading to reduced pain and improved movement.
Evidence-based chiropractic means every technique and treatment decision we make is grounded in the best available current research, combined with clinical experience and your individual preferences. It means you will not be sold on unnecessary treatments or outdated approaches, just care that is proven to work.
No. Chiropractic adjustments/manipulations are just one of many tools we use, and we only use them when they are clinically appropriate. If you are not comfortable with adjustments, that is completely fine. There are many effective alternatives including soft tissue massage, dry needling, and joint mobilisation. We will always get consent before we use these techniques, but if you are unsure let us know and we will tailor your treatment accordingly.
You can book online 24/7 directly through our website at motivhealth.com.au. You can also call us on (02) 7253 8288 or start with a free no-obligation check-in call if you would like to chat before committing.
The free check-in call is a short phone call with our practitioner before your first appointment. It is your chance to explain what is going on, ask any questions, and find out whether we are the right fit for you, with absolutely no pressure to book. We offer it because we would rather you feel confident coming in than uncertain.
Your first appointment runs for 60 minutes and includes a thorough health history, an examination of your pain, and a clear explanation of our findings in plain language. If appropriate, treatment will begin at this first visit. We will also give you an honest outline of what we think you will need going forward, with no vague commitments or pressure.
No referral is needed. You can book directly with us online or by phone.
Yes. We accept all major health funds including Medibank, Bupa, HCF, NIB, and HBF. We process your claim on the spot via HICAPS so you only pay the gap on the day, with no paperwork or waiting.
This depends entirely on your individual condition, how long it has been going on, and your goals. We will give you an honest, clear treatment plan from your very first appointment. We do not believe in open-ended treatment. We set goals, track your progress, and aim to get you better as efficiently as possible.
We treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions including:
•      Back pain and sciatica
•      Neck pain and headaches
•      Jaw pain and TMJ dysfunction
•      Disc injuries
•      Sports injuries and muscle strains
•      Shoulder, elbow and wrist pain
•      Hip, knee and ankle pain
•      Pregnancy-related pain and pelvic girdle pain
•      Postural pain from desk work
•      Repetitive strain injuries
Similarly to physiotherapists, chiropractors are specifically trained in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal pain and injuries, using hands-on adjustments, soft tissue work, and rehabilitation in a private setting (rather than a hospital). It has been described that the way that we treat here at Motiv Health lies somewhere in the middle of the spectrum between physiotherapy & chiropractic. We combine joint manipulation and mobilisations, remedial massage, dry needling, and rehabilitation under one roof, giving you a comprehensive, integrated approach without needing multiple referrals, and most importantly tailoring the appropriate treatment to you.
Yes. Chiropractic care is safe at all stages of pregnancy. Throughout pregnancy, hormonal changes cause ligament relaxation, and the physical demands of carrying a baby can lead to lower back pain, pelvic pain, and sciatica. We use gentle, pregnancy-specific techniques and positioning, including a belly pillow so you can lie comfortably on your tummy, to treat your pain and help prepare your body for labour. If you have any questions before booking, please reach out or start with a free check-in call.
Yes, chiropractic care may help with your pregnancy related pain no matter what stage of your pregnancy you are at. Throughout the course of your pregnancy many changes are happening in your body, for example certain hormones are released throughout your pregnancy that encourage the relaxation of ligaments and soft tissues. This allows for your body to adapt and grow with the baby and ultimately to aid in birth. While this process is normal and useful, the changes can sometimes relate to various musculoskeletal pain including lower back and pelvic pain. This along with the physical changes of carrying extra weight from the baby/belly and other pregnancy related changes like altered sleeping positions can often lead to some aches and pains.
Chiropractic treatment is safe throughout pregnancy and aims to treat and manage your musculoskeletal pain and aid in prepping your body for labour and beyond. We are able to modify treatments depending on how far along you are, including a belly pillow to allow you to lie on your tummy for treatment. If you have any questions about receiving treatment while pregnant, don't hesitate to ask your practitioner!
Yes. The postpartum period brings its own set of physical challenges, from birth recovery and feeding positions to carrying and lifting a newborn. We provide hands-on treatment and progressive rehabilitation to help new mothers rebuild strength and recover comfortably after birth.
Remedial massage is a clinical treatment that begins with an assessment of your posture, movement, and soft tissue before any hands-on work begins. Techniques are selected specifically for your condition and may include deep tissue work, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, and stretching. It is targeted and therapeutic. A relaxation massage uses lighter, flowing techniques designed primarily for stress relief and general wellbeing, not to treat a specific complaint.
Yes. If you have remedial massage cover on your private health fund, remedial massage is claimable with most major health funds at Motiv Health. We process your claim on the spot via HICAPS.
Cupping uses suction cups placed on the skin to lift and decompress the underlying muscle and soft tissue. This increases local blood flow, releases deep tension, and helps break down adhesions that are difficult to reach with conventional massage. At Motiv Health we offer both static cupping, where cups are held in place, and dynamic cupping, where the cup is moved across the skin in a gliding motion.
It is completely normal to see temporary redness or circular marks on the skin after cupping. These are not bruises - they are caused by blood and fluid being drawn to the surface and typically fade within a few days. The darker the mark, the more tension or stagnation was present in that area.
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