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The 3 Phases of Chiropractic Care

The 3 Phases of Chiropractic Care:

A typical patient will encounter 3 phases of care. Phase one focuses on the obvious symptoms such as reduction of pain. The second phase addresses joint & spinal stabilization and correcting the underlying cause of the problem. The last phase consists of periodic check-ups to prevent the formation of new injuries and minimize future flare-ups.

Phase 1: Acute or Relief Care

Acute care is when the patient enters the chiropractic office and is in some degree of pain. Treatments focus on those techniques and therapies which most quickly and effectively reduce pain and inflammation, decrease muscle spasms, promote healing, and restore motion to the affected joint & spinal area. Chiropractic care, combined with rest and ice, is recommended during this phase and is usually defined as the first 4-6 weeks of care. Treatment is normally at its highest level with many conditions requiring daily adjustments or 2-3 times per week for the duration of 4-6 weeks depending on the severity of your condition. It is extremely important that patients keep their appointments and follow their treatment plan for proper healing to occur.

Phase 2: Corrective Care

This phase is characterized by significant reduction of pain or no pain and the patient is able to resume normal activities. Your spine is beginning to stabilize and hold its adjustments for longer periods. Along with chiropractic adjustments, rehabilitative stretching and exercises are introduced to strengthen the spine and supporting structures. Frequency of visits decreases but may still be 1-2 times per week for 4-8 weeks or longer for more severe conditions. The emphasis shifts on correcting the underlying cause of the problem, accelerating soft tissue healing, restoring proper range of motion, and improving joint function. Do not be discouraged if you experience 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. Patients should also be aware that once pain and discomfort have disappeared, tissue healing and functional correction is still incomplete and will often require additional treatments.

Phase 3: Maintenance Care

Phase three of care begins once your body has thoroughly healed and is now holding its adjustments. The patient will be recommended to continue with periodic check-ups. Treatment frequency ranges anywhere from once every two weeks to once a year. These routine chiropractic check-ups will help maintain optimum health and be used to help avoid future problems and flare-ups.

FAQs About Chiropractic Care

FAQs: Why should I go to a Chiropractor?

A common question on a FAQs page. The goal of the chiropractic doctor is to awaken your own natural healing ability by correcting subluxations. By correcting subluxations we promote natural healing, vitality, strength and health. This is why you may see people with many kinds of health problems in the waiting room of a doctor of chiropractic.

FAQs: How long will I be under Chiropractic care?

How long and how often you see a chiropractor will depend on several factors: your age, physical condition, previous history of accidents or surgeries, occupational requirements and how well you adhere to our treatment program. Relief of pain usually happens quickly (within a month) though stabilizing your condition may take longer. This will be discussed with you before you start treatment.

FAQs: What is a subluxation?

The WHO defines a “subluxation” as a functional problem related to a joint and the structures associated with the joint such as the muscles, tendons, and nerves. Subluxations are when bones shift out of place and get stuck. When this happens, the nerves get irritated and there’s interference with the functioning of your nervous system. Dysfunction can present itself in various ways such as pain, inflammation and restricted movement of the joint. Only a chiropractor can detect and correct subluxations and reduce their effect to your nervous system.

FAQs: What kind of education and training do Chiropractors have?

Chiropractors are educated as primary contact health care practitioners, with an emphasis on neuromusculoskeletal diagnosis and treatment. Preparation for the practice of chiropractic is concentrated on three areas: basic training in the biological and health sciences, specialized training in the chiropractic discipline, and extensive clinical training. Becoming a chiropractor in Canada requires a minimum of seven (7) years of post-secondary education including no less than 4 years of full-time classroom and clinical instruction at a chiropractic institution approved by the Canadian Council.

FAQs: Can Chiropractic help me with other health problems?

According to Gray’s Anatomy, the nervous system controls every cell, tissue and organ in the human body. The nervous system includes the brain, spinal cord, the spinal nerves that exit the vertebral column through openings on the sides of each vertebra, and all the peripheral nerves that branch off to supply organs, tissues, blood vessels, muscles, etc. Information from the environment, both external and internal, goes through the spine to get to the brain. The key to optimum health is a properly functioning nervous system which you can achieve through chiropractic care.

FAQs: How do you get subluxations?

There are three basic causes of subluxations. Physical causes such as slips and falls, accidents, repetitive motions, and improper lifting. Emotional causes of subluxations include stress, anger and fear. Alcohol, drugs, pollution, and poor diet can be chemical causes of subluxations.

FAQs: What is the noise that I hear during the adjustment?

The noise that you hear is similar to when you crack your knuckles. When an adjustment is made, the pressure from gases that are present in the joint is released. When the pressure is released, you hear that familiar popping sound. It is nothing that one needs to be concerned about, and it is not harmful at all.

FAQs: How much will it cost?

The costs vary and generally depend on the number of treatments required to effectively treat your condition. Most private and work place insurance cover at least a portion of the costs. A number of studies have shown that chiropractic care is extremely cost effective when compared to other medical forms of care for similar conditions.

FAQs: Are Chiropractic Treatments Safe?

The safety and effectiveness of chiropractic treatment have been studied in-depth and very carefully. Studies have found chiropractic to be extremely safe (low risk) and most effective in alleviating back pain, neck pain, headaches, and many other musculoskeletal conditions. If you are diagnosed with a condition more appropriately treated by another health care professional, we will make that referral.

FAQs: Do I need a referral to see a Chiropractor?

No, Chiropractors are considered primary contact doctors.

Spinal & Postural Screenings

There is a saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Your spinal health is no exception. We can help reveal important health information. In order to help the Winnipeg community, we provide screenings at area malls, community events, health fairs and places of employment. Contact us today at (204) 487-1357 or email us at infinitychiro.wpg@gmail.com to arrange a screening at your event or workplace.