Let’s get to know each other
The first visit
With the first visit, you have taken an exciting first step towards better health. During this initial appointment, I will examine and discuss the questionnaire you will complete. This will be an opportunity for you to inform me about your issues and medical history, and for me to get a clear picture of your situation. For this reason, it is important that I can review any previous analyses and medical reports.
Based on what is presented to me, I will proceed with a chiropractic analysis to determine the most suitable treatment for your case.
How it Continues
The Phases of Treatment
This varies for each individual. It depends on several factors, some of which include the type of issue being addressed, the chronicity of the problem, the patient’s age, and other factors such as emotional aspects, lifestyle, and overall health. It is important to identify the problem to then correct it and promote the healing process as quickly as possible. Equally important are the factors that have contributed to or are still contributing to the generation of symptoms. This is why chiropractic care is a collaboration between the patient and the doctor. While the doctor will adjust the subluxation, the patient must contribute, take responsibility, and ultimately be an important part of their own healing.
Intensive Phase
The intensive phase is crucial for initiating the healing process through chiropractic care. During this period, the frequency of treatments is increased to effectively stimulate the nervous system through spinal adjustments. These frequent treatments are essential to reduce pain as quickly as possible and allow the patient to resume daily activities, albeit with some limitations. The goal is to provide immediate relief from acute symptoms and improve overall mobility. Additionally, the patient receives advice on managing pain at home through specific exercises and lifestyle modifications, such as proper posture and relaxation techniques.
Correction and Strengthening Phase
To maintain results as long as possible and prevent regression, it is necessary to enter this phase. It’s akin to visiting an orthodontist to adjust teeth or going to the gym to build muscles. Rehabilitation exercises will be suggested based on individual needs. During this phase, pain and inflammation are reduced, as well as the intensity of treatments. This phase marks the beginning of the healing process.
The danger in this phase is that some patients, not feeling pain anymore, might think they are completely healed when they are only at the start of their healing journey. Others may feel confident returning to certain sports activities before they are ready, causing damage to structures still in the healing process. It is important to consider previously mentioned factors such as the chronicity of the problem and age.
Stabilization Phase
In the stabilization phase, the main goal is to consolidate the results obtained in the previous phases and further strengthen the body’s structure. This is comparable to using an orthodontic retainer after removing braces to ensure the teeth remain in the correct position. During this phase, chiropractic treatments continue, although at a reduced frequency, and specific exercises are introduced to improve the stability and endurance of the musculoskeletal system. It is crucial that patients continue to follow the care plan, despite the reduction in pain, to prevent relapses and promote complete and lasting healing. This helps maintain proper alignment and prevent future problems, ensuring the body functions at its best.
Support Phase
The patient can choose to focus on prevention and maintaining an optimal state of health. This is similar to servicing a car periodically, not just to avoid problems but to ensure it operates at its best. We all know that “prevention is better than cure.” Therefore, as mentioned before, it is important not to fall into the false illusion of enjoying good health without doing anything to maintain it. Visiting your chiropractor should become a regular habit, just like visiting the dentist for a check-up. Studies have shown that those who follow a regular regimen of chiropractic adjustments tend to be healthier and happier compared to groups of people who do not.
