How Does a Chiropractor Plan Your Treatment?

Pain can be uncomfortable and sometimes excruciating to live with. Traditional care was once the only option people had, but medical care has come a long way, offering patients different treatment options for their issues. Since then, chiropractic services became the conservative route for those seeking relief and recovery from their pain. People suffering from pain due to injuries, lifestyle, or underlying medical conditions turn to chiropractic care, which has proved effective. 

What does a chiropractic treatment plan entail?

Chiropractic care is an evidence-based practice that combines findings and clinical practice to provide treatment or pain management to patients. Different chiropractors have their way of running their operations that includes devising treatment plans. However, regardless of which chiropractor you select their treatment plan will include three parts. 

First visit 

The first visit with your chiropractor will mainly include a consultation, where you will discuss your health concerns and your goals for treatment. The chiropractor will then get your medical history and conduct a physical examination. In some cases, they could send you for tests like orthopedic tests, X Rays, or MRIs to make an appropriate diagnosis. Once they have the results, they will prescribe a treatment plan targeting your issue. 

Follow up visits 

Depending on the problem diagnosed, the chiropractor will recommend a couple of sessions for your treatment. If your treatment begins on your first visit, an evaluation to check on your improvement will be done on the follow up day; if not, treatment will begin. Each session after this will involve an assessment and a new treatment session. Treatment could take up to seven sessions, depending on your condition.  

Wellness care 

At the end of treatment, you can choose to stop sessions or continue periodic checkups with your chiropractor. These after-treatment sessions are ‘tune-up’ sessions to maintain wellness. It can be a once-a-month checkup for alignment to ensure proper body function without pain. Visit their site to learn more about their services. 

5  Common Chiropractic Treatment Plans 

A chiropractor can choose to execute one or combine several treatments to devise a plan specific to a patient’s case. Treatment may look different from one patient to another, depending on their issue and goals. To give you a glimpse, here are some common treatments included in chiropractic treatment plan. 

1. Manual manipulation

It involves applying controlled force on a particular area to provide relief. The chiropractor will combine high velocity with low amplitude to adjust the area, mostly the joint, muscle, or spine. 

2. Spinal mobilization

This less ‘hands-on’ treatment approach involves gentle manipulation of joints. During this treatment, the area of focus undergoes full range motion. 

3. Self management program 

These are exercise procedures a chiropractor will ask you to do at home as part of treatment. It can include stretches and customized therapeutic exercises focused on strength, coordination, and balance of the muscles. 

4. Electronic modalities

The use of electrical units like ultrasound, cold laser therapy, and TENS is expected in chiropractic care. Some units are used in diagnosis, while others alter sensation and offer relief to patients. 

5. Diet and lifestyle counseling

Some chiropractic problems are a result of lifestyle and dietary habits. When a chiropractor reviews your case, they can recommend the changes you need to make. Chiropractors are qualified to offer patients lifestyle education and nutritional guidance as part of treatment. 

Summation

Chiropractic treatment is different from traditional medicine; thus, it is gradual and could take some time before a patient notices improvement. It will take one’s commitment to treatment to enjoy the benefits. Chiropractic cases are different, which means treatment plans could vary from one patient to another. For the best treatment care, it is essential to trust your chiropractor, and follow their guidance or insight. Effective communication leads to detailed examination and, ultimately, the best chiropractic care.