Consistency is what makes chiropractic care work. A common misunderstanding about chiropractic medicine is the number of follow-up treatments necessary after the initial adjustment. Every individual requires a unique customized treatment plan. There are a few general guidelines chiropractors use to determine how they schedule follow-ups. Here is some insight into the nature of corrective chiropractic adjustments.
Consistent Chiropractic
The critical nature of follow-up visits is that a single chiropractic adjustment is not an instant cure. It is an ongoing corrective process. Follow-up appointments are to ensure that the adjustments are on the right track and that whole-body wellness is maintained. Consistent chiropractic treatments maximize effectiveness and ensure proper functionality.
Types of Care
The need for consistent care can be placed in types or phases. Types of care are:
- Urgent
- Reparative
- Preventive
- Rehabilitative
Urgent
Individuals go to a medical clinic because they are experiencing discomforting symptoms, pain, etc. A chiropractor's responsibility is to alleviate those symptoms and address the root cause. Until the symptoms stop and no longer present an individual is in the urgent phase. During this phase, because the injury/condition is new to the chiropractor, they need to get it stabilized first, which consists of several adjustments that focus on various areas. In order to bring proper balance, each of those areas is worked on at follow-up treatment sessions.
Reparative/Rehabilitative
Reparative care does not require the need to see the individual as often. Instead, the treatment is now focused on the root cause of the symptoms, and getting back range of motion. Regular appointments are still important, but they are not as frequent as initial treatment.
Preventive
The preventive care phase is when the main issues have been addressed and can now work on strengthening the immune system through regular adjustments along with stretches, exercises, and diet recommendations that will optimize overall health. This phase includes regularly scheduled but more infrequent adjustment appointments.
Chiropractic Supplementation
A properly maintained regimen of treatment is going beyond the physical manipulation of the spine. Chiropractic clinics offer many other benefits that include:
- Massage
- Health coaching/counseling
- Physical therapy
- Fitness
Consistent chiropractic treatment approaches require time, patience, and energy. All of these help to deliver superior care that leads to optimal health.
Power and Rehab Chiropractic Care
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References
Liebenson, C. “Rehabilitation and chiropractic practice.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 19,2 (1996): 134-40.
