Laying the foundation
Chiropractic care is like building a house - certain things have to happen in a particular order in order for everything to stand strong and work correctly. When building a house, if you tried to put up your walls before you had a solid foundation, your walls would be weak and eventually collapse. If you tried to put on your roof before the walls were ready, you would run into the same problem. The same is true for your body. Your body has to go through a particular plan of care in order to repair itself correctly and fully. There are three general phases of chiropractic care . . .
Phase 1: Relief Care
If you are in pain when you come into our office, the first objective is to help you feel better. Temporary relief of acute pain is just the beginning. If you stop care as you start to feel better before muscles and ligaments fully heal you are likely to experience an exacerbation. Depending on the severity of your problem, it is typical to need care 2-3 times per week for 4-6 weeks.
Phase 2: Corrective/Restorative Care
During the corrective care phase, muscles and other tissues are allowed to heal more completely, thereby helping prevent injury. As pain and symptoms improve, flexibility, strengthening, ergonomics and improved posture create a long lasting cure. It is typical to need care once per week for 4-6 weeks, depending on your overall health and the severity of your problem.
Phase 3: Wellness Care
Once your body has fully healed, it is important to come in for periodic adjustments to avoid problems in the future. Regular chiropractic visits help maintain your progress, avoid relapses and preserve the gains made so far.
Some patients choose to receive spinal manipulation every 1-2 months to keep their bodies working like a well oiled machine. Regular treatment will help you feel your best and function at an optimal level.