Phase 2: Stabilization
It takes time!
| How many visits to the gym does it take to get in shape? | Can you brush your teeth every now and then? |
| Can you lift weights for a week and enjoy bigger muscles? | Did you get your eyes checked in 3rd grade and then no more eye care? |
| Can you diet for awhile and maintain your weight? | What happens if you eat healthy every once and while? |
| Did your orthodontist straighten your teeth on one visit? | Can you say "I love you" once and that would be enough? |
The answer to these questions are it takes regular workouts to get in shape, it takes years for an orthodontist to straighten teeth and numerous follow-ups, you need to eat your vegetables every day and you need to tell your loved ones, over and over again, that you love them. Basically, the answer is: it takes time! Chiropractic is no different, even if your pain is gone you need to keep coming back.
Your spine has actually been misaligned for a long time and your body has now accepted that misalignment as being correct -- the body, muscles and spine must be retrained. THIS TAKES TIME! If you do not take this time--your body will naturally go right back into the misaligned condtion.
At Northfield Chiropractic we regard the elimination of symptoms as the easiest part of a persons care. If all that we do is reduce the pain and stop there, the chances of the condition recurring are much greater. In order to prevent a rapid recurrence of symptoms, it is necessary to continue receiving care even though your symptoms are gone.
During phase 2 (stabilization, restoration, corrective) of your care, you will not have to receive adjustments as often as you did during the first phase of care and, depending on your particular circumstances, you may begin doing exercises and stretches either at the center or at home to help accelerate your healing.
Do not be discouraged if you have mild flare-ups in your symptoms on occasion. This is normal. Flare-ups are bound to occur during this phase because your body has not fully healed. Depending on the severity of your injury or condition and how long you have been suffering from it, this phase of your care may last anywhere from a few months to a couple of years.
Once you've reached a stabilized condition, you will be released from active care at Northfield Chiropractic and you will graduate to a preventative health care plan. We call this Phase 3: Maintenance