Phase 1: 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 symptoms. Office visits will be frequent and your adjustments may be combined with other procedures to help offer relief. Depending on your age, condition, and lifestyle, repeated visits over weeks or months may be needed to reduce or eliminate your symptoms.
Most people are under the assumption that if they don't feel any pain that there is nothing wrong with them - that they are healthy. Unfortunately, pain is a very poor indicator of health. In fact, pain and other symptoms frequently only appear after a disease or other condition has become advanced.
Phase 2: Corrective/Restorative Care
Muscle and other soft tissue damage often remain after your original symptoms have improved. Corrective care stabilizes your spine and promotes more complete healing. Visit frequency is reduced and you may be encouraged to supplement your care with exercises or other self-care procedures. With your ache or pain gone, more complete healing can occur. Stopping care now may risk relapse.
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.
Phase 3: Wellness Care
When maximum improvement is reached, periodic chiropractic "checkups" are recommended. These wellness visits can detect and help correct new problems before they become serious. Health-conscious adults choose this type of care for themselves and their children. Like other preventative measures, elective or wellness care can save time and money by helping you stay well.