Final year chiropractic students from Murdoch University will be providing free assessments and treatments to the Geraldton community from next week.

Three groups of fifth year students will work alongside physiotherapy and other allied health students in the Western Australian Centre for Rural Health’s EdSim facility from Monday 9 April to Friday 4 May.

Members of the public can book free appointments with the chiro students by calling 0429044299. Drop ins are also welcome.

Clinical supervisor Dr Christopher Hodgetts from Murdoch’s School of Health Professions said the sessions would provide the students with invaluable clinical experience.

“The students will be exposed to a large variety of conditions including musculoskeletal complaints of the back, neck, arm, leg, shoulder, hip and knee,” Dr Hodgetts said.

“Working alongside their colleagues in allied health will also provide them with the opportunity to break down inter-professional barriers and gain an understanding of the other professions.”

The students will also have the chance to visit the Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service (GRAMS), and observe other health professions in action.

In August, a fourth group of chiropractic students will travel to Tom Price, Paraburdoo and the local Indigenous Wakathuni community in the Pilbara to provide assessment and chiropractic care to people who are normally unable to access these services.

Over the past 13 years, Murdoch University has facilitated chiropractic students gaining invaluable experience in various locations in the North-West WA.

Dr Hodgetts said they have consistently been popular with students and the communities they visit.

“Our students are encouraged to undertake a broad range of clinical experiences prior to graduation and these placements help them to reach their goals,” he said.

“For many of our students, this might be the first time they deliver care to Indigenous people. Students on previous trips have said the experience has been life changing for them.

“A key purpose of the visits is to continue the long-term relationships with local Aboriginal people in delivering ongoing care.”

All visits and treatments will be supervised by Murdoch’s experienced chiropractic staff.