Stages of Care

It is important to understand the stages of chiropractic care because they are unique relative to those of other health-care disciplines. Since chiropractic addresses core physiological and biomechanical aspects of the body, healing without drugs or surgery can take some time. Some people see results in a few visits, while others may take longer.

The following is a brief summary of the three major phases of chiropractic care.

Relief Care
The majority of clients consult a chiropractor because they may have obvious symptoms such as lower back pain, chronic digestive issues, etc. In the first phase of care, the main objective is to reduce or eliminate the physical discomfort that bought you to our practice in the shortest amount of time. During this phase, progress is usually rapid.

The number of times you visit a chiropractor during this phase of care varies and is dependent upon your specific case. Results can occur in as little as one week or up to a month. If you are not responding to chiropractic care during this phase, you may be referred to another health-care provider.

Rehabilitative Care
Once your condition has stabilized, you enter the second phase of care. The objective in this stage to correct any underlying injury or cause of discomfort, strengthen the muscles, and improve neuromusculoskeletal function. The frequency of office visits is often reduced over a period of two to six weeks as the treatment benefits tend to hold longer.

It is important to remember that vertebral subluxation (the misalignment of one vertebrae in relation to the next) develops over many years. Therefore correcting these problems takes time as well. As you continue to feel better and improve, it is important to continue receiving treatments until the healing of the muscles and soft tissues are complete to avoid relapse.

Wellness Care
The final stage is your "wellness phase", which is designed to maintain your improved health, encourage normal spinal function, prevent the return of the original condition, and catch small problems before they become serious. A personal wellness care program will be designed specifically for you where we teach you how to healthy habits into your everyday life, thereby promoting vitality, endurance, and the ability to enjoy life at its fullest. With regular maintenance, your spinal alignment will stay happy and healthy.