Your plan of care
What to Expect
Chiropractic care runs in stages, and each stage has a different goal and a different visit frequency. Knowing which one you are in tells you what your body is doing between appointments.
Laying the foundation for total health
Care is like building a house. Certain things have to happen in a particular order for the structure to stand. Walls put up before the foundation is solid will be weak and eventually collapse. A roof on unfinished walls runs into the same problem.
Your body works the same way. It has to go through a plan of care in an order that lets it repair itself correctly and fully. There are three general phases.
The three phases of care
How long you spend in each phase depends on your overall health and how severe the problem is.
Phase 1: Relief care
If you are in pain when you come into our office, the first objective is to help you feel better. Depending on the severity of your problem, it is typical to need care two to three times per week for four to 12 weeks.
Phase 2: Corrective care
Muscles and other tissues are allowed to heal more completely, which helps prevent injury. It is typical to need care four to eight times per month for six to 24 months, depending on your overall health and the severity of your problem.
Phase 3: Wellness care
Once your body has fully healed, periodic adjustments help avoid problems in the future. Usually this is a quick visit one to four times per month, based on your lifestyle and goals.
Questions patients ask before starting
How often will I have to come in?
It depends which phase you are in and how severe the problem is. Relief care is typically two to three times per week for four to 12 weeks. Corrective care is typically four to eight times per month for six to 24 months. Wellness care is usually one to four times per month.
What actually happens at my first appointment?
Patient forms, a consultation with Dr. Brent Reiche, a chiropractic examination, X-rays if your condition calls for them, and then a report of findings in plain English. Your first visit walks through each step.
My pain has gone. Can I stop coming?
That is your decision, and it is worth knowing what the pain is telling you. When chiropractic care begins, pain is usually the first symptom to disappear — even though much of the underlying condition remains. Stopping at that point makes a recurrence more likely, which is what corrective care is for.
Will anything be done that I have not agreed to?
No. Nothing is done in our office without your consent, and treatment is interactive — you can raise a concern about any style of treatment at any point.
Does everyone go through all three phases?
No. How much care you need depends on your overall health and how severe and long-standing the problem is. Dr. Reiche discusses his recommendations with you at your report of findings, and will tell you if your condition needs care from another provider.
How do I book, and where are you?
Call +1 (207) 571-8028 or request an appointment. The office is at 331 North St Unit 102, Saco, ME 04072.
Related
Phase 1: Relief Care
The first phase of care has one job — bring your pain down. Depending on how severe the problem is, that can…
Phase 2: Corrective Care
Getting the pain to stop is the easier part. In corrective care, muscles and other tissues are given the time…
Phase 3: Wellness Care
Once your body has fully healed, occasional visits keep it that way. For most people that means a quick visit…
Ready to feel better?
Book online in under a minute, or call the practice and we will find you a time that works.