What to Expect

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. Depending on the severity of your problem, it is typical to need care 2-3 times per week for 4-12 weeks. Treatment during this phase usually consists of Chiropractic Spinal Manipulations (Adjustments) to address the biomechanical component of the subluxation complex and adjunctive physiotherapy modalities to address the inflammation, spasm and pain.

Phase 2: Corrective/Restorative Care

During the corrective care phase, muscles and other tissues are allowed to heal more completely, thereby helping prevent injury.

During this phase, you will start specific rehabilitative exercises to improve strength and posture once the spinal dysfunction has improved. Home exercises will be introduced when tolerated. Your in-office treatment frequency will be decreased as progress is made. Rehabilitative Care usually lasts 2-4 months.

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. This is the phase that is designed to improve your overall spinal “health.” You will be coming in the office less often, usually once or twice per month, as the adjustments “hold” for longer periods of time. Most patients choose to continue Wellness Care to “maintain” their spinal health.