Phase 1: Relief Care
The First Step – Reducing Pain and Inflammation
Many patients come to True Life Chiropractic because they are in pain. The first phase of care is called Relief Care, and the main goal during this phase is to reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle tension so you can begin moving and functioning better.
During Relief Care, treatment is focused on helping you feel better as quickly as possible while also beginning to address the underlying cause of the problem.
Depending on your condition, this phase of care may require more frequent visits at first, such as two to three visits per week for a short period of time.
Pain Is Not Always the Problem
Many people assume that if they are not in pain, nothing is wrong. Unfortunately, pain is often a poor indicator of health. Pain and symptoms frequently only appear after a condition has already developed over time.
For example:
- A cavity usually does not hurt when it first develops
- Posture problems often develop for years before causing pain
- Disc injuries can develop before sciatica begins
- Nerve problems can develop before numbness or tingling appears
When you begin chiropractic care, pain is often the first symptom to improve, but that does not always mean the problem is fully corrected yet.
That is why treatment often continues beyond the point where symptoms improve.
Treatments Used During Relief Care
During the Relief Care phase, treatment may include a combination of therapies designed to reduce pain, improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and restore movement, such as:
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Massage therapy
- Trigger point therapy
- Spinal decompression therapy
- Red and infrared light therapy
- Neuropathy and circulation therapies
- Mobility and stretching exercises
- Ice, heat, and home care instructions
The goal during this phase is to help you feel better, move better, and begin healing.
How Long Is Relief Care?
Relief Care varies depending on the condition, but many patients are in the relief phase for several weeks while pain decreases, inflammation improves, and movement begins to return.
Once symptoms improve and movement is better, patients often move into the next phase of care, which focuses on correcting the underlying problem and stabilizing the spine and muscles.
The Three Phases of Care
Most patients move through three phases of care:
- Relief Care – Reduce pain and inflammation
- Corrective / Stabilization Care – Fix the underlying problem and improve stability
- Wellness / Maintenance Care – Maintain progress and prevent future problems
Our goal at True Life Chiropractic is not only to help you feel better, but to help you stay healthy, active, and functioning well long-term.
