Relief Care
Many people go to a chiropractor because they are in pain. In this first phase of care, the main goal is to reduce your pain and your symptoms. Sometimes this will require daily visits or two to three visits per week for a specific amount of time. It usually takes a few weeks to a few months for complete relief from pain to occur. However, the area of pain may return as another problem if one only receives temporary relief care. In addition, relief care usually costs more in the long run as the problem is not corrected and has to repeatedly be treated. This is similar to putting a bucket on the floor to catch the leak from the hole in the roof instead of fixing the roof.
Corrective Care
Most chiropractors regard the elimination of symptoms as the easiest part of a person's care. If all the chiropractor does is to reduce the pain and stop there, the chances of the condition recurring are much greater. In order to prevent a rapid recurrence of symptoms it is necessary to continue receiving care even though your symptoms are less or not noticable. This phase of care is where a new habit pattern of good spinal health is established and reinforced. The emphasis during this phase of care is on improved spinal mobility and restoration of normal muscle strength and tone. Factors influencing corrective care and spinal stability include diet and lifestyle, detoxification and wellness therapies, and nutritional supplementation.
During the correction/restorative phase of your care you will not have to receive adjustments as often as you did during the first phase of care depending on your particular circumstances. You may begin doing exercises and stretches either at a health club facility or at home to help accelerate your healing. Do not be discouraged if you have mild flare-ups in your symptoms on occasion. This is normal. Flare-ups are bound to occur during this phase because your body has not fully healed. Depending on the severity of your injury or condition and how long you have been suffering from it, this phase of your care may last anywhere from a few months to a couple of years.
Wellness Care
Once your body has fully healed, chiropractic wellness care can help ensure that your physical problems do not return. Chiropractic wellness care keeps your brain and body in good communication, keeping you in optimal physical condition. Continuing an exercise program and eating well are done in order to sustain the benefits of exercise and proper diet. It is also necessary to continue chiropractic care to ensure the health of your musculoskeletal system. When you make chiropractic wellness care a part of your lifestyle, you avoid many of the aches and pains that so many people suffer with. Chiropractic wellness care will keep your joints mobile so that they will last longer, allowing you to participate in more of the activities you love.
