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What to Expect

Laying the foundation

Chiropractic care is like building a house -  things need to happen in a particular 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. If your health has been neglected for years, or the longer you have had a particular problem; then typically the longer it may take to correct your condition and achieve optimal health. 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. Depending on the severity of your problem or the length of time you have been in pain, the longer you may need initial relief care. Much like performing rehabilitation or exercise therapy, it is sometimes necessary to receive treatment  2-3 times per week for a few weeks. Treatment during the acute or relief phase may include: ice, heat, massage, stretching, spinal adjustments/manipulations, decompression therapy, ultrasound, or various other therapy modalities.  All treatment is designed to relieve pain, decrease muscular spasm, improve range of motion and restore health as quickly as possible.

Phase 2: Corrective/Restorative Care

During the corrective care phase, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other tissues are allowed to heal correctly and thoroughly. Proper rehabilitation serves to improve overall health, improve strength and proper body mechanics, and help prevent future injury or relapse. It may be necessary to receive care 2 to 4 times per month during the Corrective/Restorative phase of care. Home care including, stretches, exercise, nutrition, proper biomechanics and work ergonomics will be further introduced during this phase. 

Phase 3: Wellness Care

Once your body has  fully healed and reached optimal health, it is important to consider periodic Wellness Visits for supportive health and to avoid degenerative problems in the future. Typically, this may require treatment at monthly intervals based on your overall health, bodily condition, lifestyle and goals.  Nutrition, stretching, and exercises are prescribed as an overall wellness approach.  Reducing health care costs, dangerous medications, and preventing surgeries are discussed during this phase.  During all phases of care, patient input regarding overall health goals is always of utmost importance.