Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about chiropractic and sports care at Shannon Clinic, Melbourne CBD.
📍 220 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 📞 (03) 9041 9783 🕐 Mon-Fri
Location & Hours
Finding us and booking in
Where is Shannon Clinic located?
Shannon Clinic is located at Suite 9.16, Level 9, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 inside the iconic Manchester Unity Building in the heart of the CBD. We are easy to reach by tram, train, or on foot from across the city.
How do I get to Shannon Clinic by public transport?
Multiple tram routes stop directly on Collins Street, right at our door. Flinders Street Station and Melbourne Central Station are both an easy walk away. If you are driving, Wilson Parking at 222 Collins Street and secure parking at 230 Collins Street are the closest options.
What are Shannon Clinic’s opening hours?
- Monday: 8am – 6pm
- Tuesday: 8am – 6pm
- Wednesday: 8am – 6pm
- Thursday: 8am – 6pm
- Friday: 8am – 1:30pm
There is appointment availability on weekdays before work, during lunch breaks and after work hours, making it straightforward to book a time that suits when you are in the CBD.
Is Shannon Clinic taking new patients?
Yes. Shannon Clinic is currently accepting new patients. Same-week appointments are often available. You can book online at any time or call us on (03) 9041 9783.
About Dr. Shannon
Qualifications, experience, and expertise
Who is Dr. Nicholas Shannon?
Dr. Nicholas Shannon is one of Australia’s most qualified sports and exercise medicine chiropractors. He holds a chiropractic double degree from RMIT University in Melbourne and a postgraduate diploma in sports and exercise medicine from the University of Otago, New Zealand. He has completed enrichment programs in sports medicine at the University of Minnesota and the University of Pennsylvania, and holds the American College of Sports Medicine Team Physician qualification.
Dr. Shannon is a Sports and Exercise Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Chiropractic Education (AICE), has served as chiropractic provider at the Australian Open for nearly a decade, and has co-authored peer-reviewed research on sports medicine and chiropractic topics with leading sports medicine physicians including internationally recognised concussion expert Dr. Jon Patricios. He also serves as a peer reviewer for the Current Sports Medicine Reports journal.
What elite sports has Dr. Shannon worked in?
Dr. Shannon has worked across a wide range of elite sporting environments, including:
- Australian Open Tennis — nearly a decade as chiropractic provider
- IRB Hong Kong Rugby 7s — covered in The Age and Sydney Morning Herald
- Kowloon Rugby Fest and International Youth Tournament
- Macau Grand Prix
- Wanaka Ironman
- Medical officer for Supercars and GT Enduro teams
Has Dr. Shannon published academic research?
Yes. Dr. Shannon has co-authored peer-reviewed research on sports medicine and sports chiropractic topics, contributes regularly to Australian chiropractic publications, and reviews journal paper submissions for the Current Sports Medicine Reports journal. He also co-authored a tennis injury prevention eBook with a WTA tour coach, available on Amazon.
Conditions Treated
What we treat at Shannon Clinic
What conditions does Shannon Clinic treat?
Shannon Clinic treats the full spectrum of spinal and musculoskeletal complaints. This includes:
- Low back pain, disc complaints, and sciatica
- Neck pain and cervicogenic headaches
- Mid-back and thoracic stiffness
- Postural problems from desk work and prolonged sitting
- Shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle injuries
- Tendinopathies — Achilles, patellar, rotator cuff, gluteal, and hamstring
- Ligament sprains and muscle strains
- Bone stress injuries
- Sports-related concussion assessment and return-to-sport management
- Training load and overuse injuries
- Chronic conditions including osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain
- Pre and post-surgical rehabilitation
Does Shannon Clinic treat neck pain and back pain?
Yes. Neck pain and back pain are among the most common conditions we treat. Our approach uses evidence-based chiropractic manipulation, recommended as a front-line intervention for acute, subacute, and chronic neck and low back pain. Alongside targeted exercise therapy and rehabilitation to restore joint function, reduce pain, and help prevent recurrence.
Does Shannon Clinic treat headaches?
Yes. Cervicogenic headaches, headaches originating from neck and spinal dysfunction are a common presentation at the clinic. We also treat migraines and other headache types where there is a musculoskeletal component. Chiropractic care combined with targeted exercise and rehabilitation can be effective in reducing both the frequency and severity of headaches.
Is Shannon Clinic suitable for office workers and desk-based professionals?
Absolutely. A significant part of our practice serves CBD office workers and desk-based professionals dealing with postural pain, neck stiffness, headaches, and repetitive strain. Our Collins Street location makes us straightforward to reach before work, during a lunch break, or after hours. We understand the physical demands of long hours at a desk and tailor care accordingly, combining chiropractic treatment with practical exercise and postural strategies that deliver results beyond the appointment.
Does Shannon Clinic manage sports-related concussion?
Yes. Sports-related concussion (SRC) assessment and graduated return-to-sport management is a specialist area at Shannon Clinic. Dr. Shannon has co-authored peer-reviewed research on concussion with internationally recognised SRC expert Dr. Jon Patricios.
Does Shannon Clinic see patients with chronic conditions?
Yes. We treat individuals with chronic conditions including chronic low back pain, tendinopathy, and osteoarthritis. Dr. Shannon’s exercise medicine training also means he is well placed to work with physically inactive individuals and those with chronic preventable diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity, where exercise prescription plays a central role in management.
Sports & Injury Care
Sports injuries, athletes, and performance
What is a sports chiropractor and how is it different from a regular chiropractor?
A sports chiropractor holds additional postgraduate qualifications in sports and exercise medicine beyond their core chiropractic training. This allows them to assess and manage a much broader range of conditions including shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle injuries, soft tissue injuries, bone stress injuries, sports-related concussion, and training load-related problems. Sports chiropractors also design and prescribe evidence-based rehabilitation and exercise programs as part of their care, not as an add-on.
Importantly, sports chiropractors work with everyone, not just athletes. Whether you are an office worker, a recreational runner, or an elite competitor, Dr. Shannon’s training means you will receive the same high standard of assessment and care.
Does Shannon Clinic treat sports injuries?
Yes. Sports injury assessment and management is a core focus of Shannon Clinic. We regularly manage injuries across a wide range of sports including tennis, running, AFL, rugby, cycling, CrossFit and weightlifting, swimming, golf, basketball, netball, and martial arts. Whether you are dealing with an acute injury or a chronic overuse complaint, Dr. Shannon’s advanced sports medicine training means your injury will be assessed accurately and a rehabilitation plan built around your goals and return-to-sport timeline.
Does Shannon Clinic treat running injuries?
Yes. Running injuries are a regular presentation at Shannon Clinic. Common conditions we treat include plantar fasciitis, ITB syndrome, shin splints, knee pain, gluteal tendinopathy, and hip flexor complaints. Dr. Shannon’s background in sports and exercise medicine means he assesses the full picture, including training load, biomechanics, and movement patterns not just the site of pain.
Does Shannon Clinic treat tennis injuries?
Yes. Tennis injury management is a specialist area at Shannon Clinic. Dr. Shannon has served as chiropractic provider at the Australian Open for nearly a decade and co-authored a tennis injury prevention eBook with a WTA tour coach. Common tennis injuries we treat include shoulder injuries, lateral elbow tendinopathy (tennis elbow), back pain related to serve mechanics, and ankle sprains.
Does Shannon Clinic help with training load management and injury prevention?
Yes. Training load management is a specialist service at Shannon Clinic. Using the acute:chronic workload ratio and sport-specific monitoring tools, we help athletes and coaches identify injury risk before it becomes injury reality. This is particularly valuable for endurance athletes, those in long-season sports, and individuals returning from injury who need a structured and evidence-based approach to building back to full capacity.
Treatment & Techniques
How we treat and what to expect
What treatments and techniques does Dr. Shannon use?
Dr. Shannon uses a broad range of evidence-based treatment and rehabilitation techniques, tailored to each patient’s presentation and goals. These include:
- Manual chiropractic adjustments of the spine and extremities
- Instrumentation adjustments (Activator) and low force techniques
- Dry needling
- Microcurrent therapy and cold laser therapy
- Sports diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound
- Soft tissue therapy — myofascial release, fascial release
- Support taping
- Rehabilitation and exercise prescription
- Functional muscle activation assessment
- Concussion and whiplash rehabilitation
- Post-operative rehabilitation
What is chiropractic manipulation and how does it work?
Chiropractic manipulation also called a chiropractic adjustment applies a controlled force to specific joints to restore normal movement, reduce pain, and decrease muscle tension. It works by modifying neurophysiological pathways that alter the state of muscles, pain fibres, and blood flow around a joint. On a structural level, adjustments can also break up intra-articular adhesions, helping to reduce pain, muscle tightness, and inflammation.
Chiropractic manipulation is recommended as a front-line intervention for acute, subacute, and chronic low back and neck pain by clinical practice guidelines.
Does Shannon Clinic offer remedial massage?
Yes. Shannon Clinic offers remedial massage therapy with Paula Espinoza Pena. Remedial massage focuses on assessing and treating soft tissue injuries using deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, and stretching to alleviate muscle tension, improve circulation, and enhance flexibility. Combining chiropractic care with remedial massage can accelerate recovery, improve joint function, and reduce stress and tension. It is particularly effective for back pain, neck and shoulder pain, headaches, sports injuries, and occupational complaints.
Does Shannon Clinic prescribe exercise as part of treatment?
Yes. Exercise prescription and rehabilitation is a core part of how we work at Shannon Clinic, not an optional extra. Backed by Dr. Shannon’s exercise medicine training, we design evidence-based exercise programs to support recovery, prevent re-injury, and improve long-term function, whether you are an office worker or a competing athlete. Dr. Shannon is a strong advocate for exercise as medicine and integrates it into care from the outset.
Can Shannon Clinic refer me to a specialist if needed?
Yes. Shannon Clinic has established networks for specialist imaging, pain management, PRP injections, and sports medicine and orthopaedic surgical referrals. Dr. Shannon’s close working relationships with sports medicine physicians and orthopaedic surgeons in Melbourne and abroad mean that if your care requires a specialist, you will be directed to the right person at the right time.
Booking
Ready to book?
How do I book an appointment at Shannon Clinic?
You can book online at any time, or call us on (03) 9041 9783 during business hours. New patients are welcome and same-week appointments are often available.
Does Shannon Clinic see patients who are not athletes?
Absolutely. Shannon Clinic sees patients across the full spectrum of activity levels. It does not matter how active you are, a sports chiropractor is just as well placed to work with office workers, domestic carers, and individuals managing chronic conditions as they are with elite athletes. Our Melbourne CBD location means we are particularly well placed to serve professionals working in and around the city.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
It is not essential but it helps to bring any relevant imaging (X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound reports) and details of any prior treatment for the same complaint. Comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being assessed is also useful, particularly for shoulder, hip, or lower limb complaints.
Ready to get started?
Shannon Clinic is accepting new patients. Same-week appointments are often available at our Melbourne CBD clinic on Collins Street.