Brisbane chiropractic care that starts with a proper look at your spine.
Vitalign has been part of West End since 2011. Start with a 30-minute Initial Assessment with Dr Matthew Schmerl, chiropractor: we find what’s likely driving the problem, explain your options, and you decide what’s right for you.
Most people arrive because something has started getting in the way.
A back that was fine for fifteen years and suddenly isn’t. A shoulder that keeps flaring. Pins and needles that won’t settle. Read about common concerns below; working out what’s driving yours is what the first visit is for.
Joints adapt to how they’re loaded.
Most people are told the changes showing up in their spine are just part of getting older. Wear and tear. Nothing to be done. We’ve never found that a satisfying answer.
How a joint is loaded over time affects how it feels, which is why pain can seem to arrive out of nowhere.
So the first question isn’t only what hurts. It’s how is this spine moving, and how has it been loaded over time? It takes a little longer to explain, and it’s a more honest picture of what’s going on.
Four things, under one roof
So a plan doesn’t mean being sent across town. Which of these you’d use, if any, depends entirely on what the examination shows, not everyone needs all four.
Chiropractic adjustments
Precise and specific to what the examination shows, not a routine applied to everyone.
Read moreSpinal decompression
Supervised sessions on the Chattanooga Triton DTS, after an assessment of whether it suits you.
Read moreCold laser therapy
Erchonia low-level laser, used alongside adjustments where it’s appropriate.
Read morePowerPlate exercise
Whole-body vibration training for the loading and strengthening side of care.
Read moreWhat actually happens when you come in
About 30 minutes, start to finish. You’ll meet Aoife or Erica at the front desk first: they handle bookings, health fund claims and any WorkCover or DVA paperwork so you don’t have to think about it.
History
What’s going on, how long it’s been there, what it’s stopping you doing, and what you’ve already tried. We listen properly before examining anything.
Examination
A thorough physical assessment of how the spine is moving and loading, not just where it hurts today.
A straight answer
What we found, what we’d recommend, and whether we’re the right people to help. If we’re not, we’ll point you somewhere more useful.
Dr Matthew Schmerl, Chiropractor
“I founded Vitalign to build the kind of practice I’d want to be a patient at: unhurried, clear about what’s happening, and honest about what a course of care can and can’t do.”
20+ years in practice, and in West End since 2011. Six years of study behind the way he examines a spine: a Bachelor of Science majoring in Anatomy at the University of Queensland, then a Master of Chiropractic at Macquarie University. The anatomy degree came first — three years learning how a spine is built before learning to treat one.
- BSc (Anatomy), University of Queensland — Dean’s Commendation for Academic Excellence
- Master of Chiropractic, Macquarie University, Sydney
- Ahpra registered chiropractor — CHI0000992555
- WorkCover Queensland and Department of Veterans’ Affairs provider
Getting here from around Brisbane
West Village sits on Boundary Street between Mollison and Jane Streets. The Eaves is the building on the Boundary Street side; we are Suite 3 on Level 1.
West End and Highgate Hill
Walking distance for much of the suburb.
South Brisbane and Southbank
A few minutes by car, or a short bus trip along Boundary Street.
Brisbane CBD
A few minutes across the river, which makes appointments before or after work practical.
Further afield
Two hours of free undercover parking beneath West Village makes driving in straightforward.
The Eaves at West Village
Address
Suite 3, Level 1, The Eaves at West Village
111 Boundary Street, West End QLD 4101
Phone
Parking
Two hours free undercover parking beneath West Village.
| Monday | 7:30am – 6:00pm |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 8:00am – 6:00pm |
| Wednesday | 8:00am – 6:00pm |
| Thursday | 7:30am – 6:00pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Common questions
Your first visit is a longer appointment, about 30 minutes, covering a full history, physical examination and an explanation of what we have found. Fees are set out when you book online, and all health funds can be claimed on the spot with our HICAPS terminal. Call (07) 3217 2473 if you would like the current fee before booking.
No. Chiropractic is a primary contact profession in Australia, so you can book directly. If you are claiming through WorkCover Queensland or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, different paperwork applies: we are a registered provider for both and can talk you through it.
Yes. Most of our patients come from West End, South Brisbane, Highgate Hill, Southbank and the Brisbane CBD, and plenty travel further. The free parking makes it practical to come from across the city.
Yes. There are two hours of free undercover parking beneath West Village, and we are a short walk from the Boundary Street entrance. The practice is Suite 3 on Level 1 of The Eaves.
We will tell you. Part of the first visit is working out whether what you have is something we can help with. If it is not, you will get a clear explanation and a recommendation about who to see instead.
About 30 minutes with Dr Matthew Schmerl, chiropractor: a full history, an examination, and a clear explanation of what we found and your options. If it is safe and suits you, you can be treated on the day. Fees are shown when you book online, so you see the cost before you confirm. X-rays are charged separately and only taken when clinically indicated.
No. After the assessment we explain what we found and your options, answer your questions, and you decide what is right for you. If chiropractic is not the right fit, we will tell you and suggest who to see.
Find out what’s driving it, and what your options are
A 30-minute Initial Assessment with Dr Matthew Schmerl, chiropractor: history, examination and a clear explanation of what we found. If chiropractic isn’t right for you, we’ll say so and suggest who to see.
Monday to Thursday, often the same day. We see a limited number of new patients each week so first visits aren’t rushed. Fees are shown when you book online. HICAPS on the spot, two hours free parking.