Chiropractor mid-adjustment — Fortitude Chiropractic & Wellness, Paddington QLD
Paddington, QLD · Est. 2014

Move better. Feel like yourself again.

Warm, body-positive chiropractic care in Paddington. We treat the root cause of your pain — not just the symptom — so it stays fixed.

186 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington
10+Years in Paddington
3,800+Patients treated
4.9★Google rating
AHPRARegistered chiropractors
Is this you?

Common reasons people come to us

Most of us put up with pain far longer than we should. If any of these sound familiar, we can help — and it usually takes less time than you think.

Neck pain & stiffnessFrom years of desk work, poor sleeping posture, or an old injury that never fully resolved.
Lower back painAcute or chronic, the most common reason Australians visit a chiropractor — and one of the most treatable.
Headaches & migrainesOften directly linked to cervical spine dysfunction and upper trapezius tension. Frequently overlooked.
Sciatica & nerve painPain, numbness, or tingling radiating through the glutes or down the leg — often originating at L4 or L5.
Shoulder & upper back tensionRestricted range of motion, clicking, or a constant ache from overhead work or prolonged sitting.
Poor posture & tech neckForward head carriage and rounded shoulders building over months of screen use. We correct the pattern.
Sports & activity injuriesJoint strains, overuse injuries, and muscular tears across all sports and activity levels.
Pregnancy-related discomfortPelvic, lower back, and hip pain during and after pregnancy. Gentle, safe, effective.
Not seeing your issue? Call 0412 847 631and let’s talk
Your care journey

Simple, clear, no surprises.

We believe understanding your treatment makes it more effective. Here’s what to expect from your first visit.

Consultation & Assessment

We listen to your story, assess your posture and movement patterns, and identify the root cause — not just where it hurts.

Your Personalised Plan

You receive a clear care plan with realistic goals and timeframes. No vague commitments — just an honest roadmap.

Hands-On Treatment & Exercise

Precise adjustments plus take-home exercises and lifestyle guidance to reinforce your progress between visits.

About the practice

Care that fits around your life — not the other way around.

Fortitude Chiropractic was founded by Dr Emma Hartley in 2014, after a decade working in sports medicine clinics across Brisbane and London. Emma wanted to build a practice that felt different from the typical high-volume chiro model: unhurried consultations, honest timeframes, and treatment that's actually explained.

Today the clinic sees patients of all ages from Paddington and the surrounding suburbs. Whether you're a tradie with a bad back, a new mum recovering from pregnancy, or a desk worker who's been ignoring neck pain for years — we've likely treated someone just like you.

“We treat the whole person, not just the scan.”Dr Emma Hartley, Principal Chiropractor & Founder
Dr Emma HartleyPrincipal Chiropractor & Founder16 years experience
Dr James OkaforSports & Remedial Chiropractor9 years experience
Dr Priya MenonPregnancy & Paediatric Specialist7 years experience
Manual therapy treatment of the lower back
Patient stories

What patients in Paddington say

I'd been putting up with lower back pain for two years before finally coming here. Dr Hartley found the root cause in the first consultation. Four visits later and I feel like a different person.

Honest, no-fuss care. Emma told me exactly how many sessions I'd need, what to expect, and why — none of the vague 'come back forever' approach I'd experienced elsewhere. Highly recommend.

Talia came here during her second pregnancy for pelvic and hip pain. Dr Menon was brilliant — gentle, thorough, and genuinely knowledgeable. It made a huge difference to the third trimester.

I've played football my whole life and this is the first chiro I've seen who actually watches me move before adjusting anything. The sports-specific approach is night-and-day compared to my old chiropractor.

Where we see patients

Serving inner-west Brisbane

PaddingtonRosalieAuchenflowerMiltonToowongBardonRed HillKelvin GroveSpring HillBrisbane City
Before your first visit

Questions answered.

Do I need a GP referral to see a chiropractor?
No — you can book directly. Many patients come to us first after an injury or when they notice recurring pain. If we think you need further investigation (imaging, specialist referral), we'll be upfront about it.
Is chiropractic covered by private health insurance?
Yes. Chiropractic is covered under most Extras policies. We're registered with all major Australian health funds and process HICAPS on-site, so you only pay the gap. Bring your health fund card to your first appointment.
Will the adjustment hurt?
Most patients experience mild muscle soreness for 24–48 hours after their first session — similar to how you feel after trying a new exercise. The adjustment itself is not painful. We explain every technique before using it, and you're always in control.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on how long the issue has been building and your overall health. Acute injuries often resolve in 3–6 visits. Chronic problems may need an ongoing maintenance schedule. We give you a realistic estimate at the end of your first consultation — not vague open-ended commitments.
What should I wear or bring to my first appointment?
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows movement — activewear is perfect. Bring any relevant X-rays, scans, or medical reports you have. Arrive 10 minutes early so you can complete your intake form without rushing.
Ready to feel better?

Ready to feel like yourself again?

Call us directly or send an email — we'll find a time that suits. New patients always welcome, no GP referral needed.

Call 0412 847 631