How long will it take for me to get better?

Everybody is different. Many factors alter how long it might take for your problem to be fixed.

1) Pain intensity prior to consultation

Often the level of pain you experience can give an indication of how severe your injuries are. Although this is not always the case, more pain usually means more healing time.

2) Pain duration prior to consultation

The longer you have had your problems, the more time it will to take to get better. Research has shown that if a joint becomes immobilised it only takes a week for scar tissue to begin to form in that joint! Attacking the problem early is essential for a quick recovery.

3) Number of prior episodes

Imagine that you sprain your ankle. Even after the ankle heals, it is no longer as strong as it originally was. From that point on the ankle is predisposed to the same injury reoccurring. Every time it reoccurs the ankle takes longer to heal.

Exactly the same principle applies to your spine or any other structure in your body. If you have had prior episodes of your problem then it will take longer to fully heal.

When you see your Chiropractor he or she will develop a detailed plan of long term care to fully rehabilitate your problem.

Phase 1

The first phase of this plan is called ACUTE CARE. In this phase the main goal is to get you out of pain and to prevent further injury.

Phase 2

The second phase of treatment is REHABILITATION. You and your Chiropractor will work together in this period to help your tissues to heal properly and to strengthen weakened areas.

Phase 3

The third is the PREVENTION and MAINTENANCE. During this period it is hoped that you will take a very active part in your care by modifying your lifestyle to avoid activities that might reinjure you and performing certain exercises and stretches. You will also see your Chiropractor periodically for check-ups to make sure that your spine stays healthy.

Following the care plan worked out by your Chiropractor gives you the best possible chance of regaining full expression of health.
	Many patients believe that they are better when they are pain-free. In fact, they have only made it through the acute phase of treatment. Terminating treatment at this point does not allow the tissues to heal properly and thus predisposes you to re-injury in the future.