It is important to understand the stages of chiropractic care because they are unique relative to those of other health-care disciplines. Because chiropractic addresses core physiological and biomechanical aspects of the body, the process to correct problems without drugs or surgery can take some time. Some conditions can be treated 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 patients consult a chiropractor because they have an ache or pain. In the first phase of care, the main objective is to eliminate or reduce your discomfort and stabilize your condition 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 condition. It’s hard to say how long it will be until you see relief- it could be as short as a 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, where the objective is to correct any underlying injury or cause of discomfort, strengthen the muscles, and improve neuromusculoskeletal function. The frequency of office visits is reduced over a period of two to six weeks. Care may be supplemented by rehabilitation exercises, nutrition, and modification of daily habits.
It is important to remember that many of the conditions for which people seek care have developed over many years; therefore, correcting these problems is a true rehabilitative process. It helps to understand that it takes time to correct these conditions.
Wellness Care
Many think that health is merely the absence of pain or symptoms. Today, more and more of us are interested in a higher level of health called wellness. Beyond merely feeling better or preventing health problems, we want to fully enjoy life by being at our very best mentally, physically, and socially. True health is only possible with an optimally functioning nervous system.
Wellness care is for those who want to be their very best.
Chiropractors are experts in the care of the bones, nerves, muscles and connective tissues that make up about 60% of your body. All the joints in your body are part of this musculo-skeletal system and its optimal function is necessary for overall good health.
A wellness approach to better health means adopting a variety of healthy habits for optimum function on all levels – physical, mental, social, and spiritual. Because of its focus on the nervous system chiropractic care can be an important part of a wellness lifestyle. The nervous system controls the function of virtually every aspect of our lives. Maintaining a properly functioning nervous system is essential if you want to be your very best.
Few things as complicated as your body can be “fixed” and then ignored. You may choose a regular schedule of chiropractic checkups. Like maintaining your teeth, your car, your family, or your faith, maintaining the integrity of your nervous system requires an on going investment.
Those who want to be their very best, add regular chiropractic care to their other health practices. The pleasant result is often more vitality, endurance, and the capacity to enjoy life to its fullest.