Health Practitioners Registration




15 SEPTEMBER 2004 NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE, No. 120 2899

(1) (a) In the process of forming a differential diagnosis, diagnosis or clinical impression a chiropractor may:

• elicit a case history and conduct appropriate components of a routine physical examination.

• perform a comprehensive functional spinal assessment.

• take or order x-rays as an analytical tool used in the detection, location, evaluation, reduction, correction and monitoring of spinal and / or non-spinal articulations, dysfunctions, and to determine structural integrity, anomalies, mobility / immobility, and contraindications to chiropractic care.

• utilise other diagnostic modalities consistent with chiropractic practice including by way of example and not by way of limitation: neurocalometry, thermography, surface electromyography (sEMG).

• order or make recommendations for other such diagnostic or analytical tests consistent with chiropractic practice including by way of example but not by way of limitation: bioanalytical laboratory tests, diagnostic musculo-skeletal ultrasound, radiology, computerised axial tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), radio-isotope bone scan, invasive electromyography and nerve conduction studies.

(2) In the process of delivering chiropractic care, a chiropractor may:

• utilise chiropractic adjustment(s) and / or manipulation(s) in order to address:

(i) dysfunctions or disorders arising from the structures or functions of the spine and the effects of those dysfunctions or disorders on the neuro-musculo-skeletal system; commonly referred to by chiropractors as the vertebral subluxation complex (VSC);

(ii) dysfunctions or disorders arising from the structures or functions of the non-spinal articulations.

• manage dysfunctions or disorders arising from: environmental, physical, psychological and nutritional irregularities which can impact on the neuro-musculo-skeletal system and the well-being of the person.

• utilise adjunctive or supportive procedures and advice including by way of example but not by way of limitation: myofascial trigger point therapy and other soft tissue techniques, application of heat / ice, taping, bracing, stretching, strengthening exercises, dietary advice, nutritional supplementation, ergonomic assessment and guidance, psycho-social support, physiological therapeutics (e.g. ultrasound) and other healthful living practices.

• recommend and deliver chiropractic care as determined by chiropractic analytical procedures, even in the absence of subjective symptoms.

• recognise the need for activity based rehabilitation incorporating a cognitive behavioural approach and either provide or refer patients as required for activity based rehabilitation.



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Online Sources for this page:

VUW Te Waharoa PDF NZ Gazette 2004, No 120


Gazette.govt.nz PDF NZ Gazette 2004, No 120





✨ LLM interpretation of page content

🏥 Registration of Health Practitioners under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (continued from previous page)

🏥 Health & Social Welfare
Chiropractic Practice, Diagnostic Procedures, Spinal Assessment, Chiropractic Adjustment, Adjunctive Procedures