Chiropractic Preventative Care
But some patients come to us with a problem they have had for some time. Perhaps constantly over a prolonged period, or perhaps on an on-and-off basis.
When we are faced with persistent problems like this the first objective is to make that person feel better.
The second objective is to stop the problem coming back. This requires a structured and strategic approach and a clear plan to be followed that is aimed at avoiding a return of symptoms.
This is known as preventative treatments.
This will help us establish an overall picture and determine whether we might be able to help you at this initial stage.
After this consultation we will carry out a physical examination consisting of a range of tests to analyse posture and range of movement and to check for the source of your symptoms. We will also do specific orthopaedic and neurological tests that might identify a certain condition or type of problem, but they are also done to rule things out.
Occasionally a further investigation, such as an X-ray or MRI scan, may be required. This can be arranged very quickly and easily.
Simply put, at this stage, you will then be told what the problem is, how it can be resolved and how long it will take. If appropriate, treatment can then be started straight away.
Preventative Care Management
If you have been trying to rid of a problem but without success, or if it keeps coming back this plan of management might be suitable for you.
The key to achieving this prevention is to recognise what helps you to feel better in the first place. This might be certain stretches or exercises, avoiding certain tasks or positions, or having a certain type of hands-on treatment such as spinal manipulation or particular muscle techniques.
What makes you well can keep you well, and when a problem has shown a propensity to return we recommend a proactive approach to dealing with it.
To draw a comparison it is a bit like having your car serviced regularly, or visiting the dentist for a periodic check-up, rather than waiting for our car to break down or our teeth to start hurting.
- Clients of ours who engage in preventative care are given a thorough understanding of the regular exercises they need to do and advice to follow in order to to help themselves. Sometimes this may take just a couple of minutes of effort a day.
- This might be all that is required, but it is not unusual for them to require some hands-on treatment with us at certain intervals to ensure the chances of the problem returning are kept to a minimum.
- The intervals vary from person to person and a lot will depend on what the problem is and how well you look after it in between the times you see us. In discussion with you we will advise a preventative treatment plan that suits what you are aiming to achieve.
- Done in the right way you should expect to be in control of your problem, experience far fewer episodes and when episodes do arise for them to be shorter-lived and less intense.
