Considering chiropractic care, but wondering how long will it take to feel better? The answer to the question really depends on your situation. Understanding the general process can help set realistic expectations.
Your First Visit: Laying the Foundation
The first step involves a thorough health history review with Dr. Stacey. Whether you’re dealing with back pain, headaches, stress, or even digestive issues, we want to understand what’s going on in your body.
Next, a physical examination assesses how well your brain communicates with the rest of your body. This includes checking your range of motion, posture, and spinal movement. “The first visit also includes an adjustment. I want to make sure you’re very comfortable, so I always use a gentle and effective technique suited to you,” says Dr. Stacey.
This initial adjustment also serves as a diagnostic tool—it helps determine how your body responds to care. Some patients do experience immediate relief, while others notice gradual changes over time.
The Next Visit: Understanding Your Results
At your follow-up appointment, Dr. Stacey will explain the findings from your first visit, including any X-rays if they were needed. Based on these results, she’ll create a care plan specifically for you. The most common starting schedule is two visits per week, but this varies based on your needs.
Tracking Progress: The 12-Visit Checkpoint
After about 12 visits, a progress exam evaluates how your body responds to adjustments. The same tests from your initial visit are repeated to check for changes. Any kind of change on the progress exam is a good sign because it means your body is adapting in a new way, which is always a positive thing.
Some patients feel significant relief at this stage, while others may still be in the middle of their healing process. Based on these findings, Dr. Stacey will discuss the next steps, whether that means continuing treatment at the same frequency or transitioning to a maintenance schedule.
Long-Term Care: What Comes Next?
While some people choose chiropractic care as a way to get out of pain quickly, others see it as a proactive approach to maintain their progress and prevent future issues. Just like exercising regularly can keep you healthy, getting consistent chiropractic care can help keep your body functioning optimally.
Ready to start feeling better and improving your overall health? Give our office a call today to schedule an appointment!
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