Cressingham Chiropractic and Holistic Centre feels that patient/client home and aftercare are an important aspects of our work and as such give it due significance.
Our policy applies to all physical therapies but may be relevant to other therapies too.
Home care
Correct treatment of your condition is vital, but it is also just as important how you behave between treatments.
To optimise your recovery, follow carefully the instructions given to you by your Chiropractor or other therapist. Avoid rubbing or prodding the areas which have been treated, this may undo the progress made. Do not "try out" the area by bending or twisting the area just after treatment - this is likely to cause more damage.
If possible, avoid driving. Take care how you sit and stand, especially if you are having work done on your spine, do not cross your legs when sitting and when standing make sure your weight is equally balanced on both legs. Avoid sleeping on your stomach.
You will be advised by your Chiropractor or other therapist whether to rest or remain active, however, let pain be your guide and if it hurts don't do it.
Ice treatment
Your Chiropractor or other therapist may advise you to ice the area of pain following your treatment. This reduces the swelling of the surrounding tissues and helps the healing process. Be sure to place the ice pack in a pillowcase or something similar to prevent ice burns to your skin. Do not leave the ice pack on the area for more than 10-15 minutes.
If you have been advised to warm the treated area, ensure the hot water bottle is warm and not hot. You may repeat this process every hour or two.
Maintenance care/check ups
Although your symptoms may disappear after a few treatments, often the underlying weakness will still be present. Scar tissue, muscle weakness, postural habits and general health can all contribute to a return of the condition. It is important, therefore, not just to have treatment when you are in pain, but also to continue treatment when you are symptom-free to prevent your problems returning.
After your course of treatments have finished you will be offered a check-up session for 4 weeks time, after this you will be advised to attend a regular 3 or 6 month maintainance programme.
Waiting until you reach crisis point will often result in more pain, a greater number of treatments needed and further damage to your body.
Avoid cancelling an appointment because you feel okay. If you were advised to attend, then your condition required this care.
Be guided by your Chiropractor/therapist they will never do more treatment than is needed to optimise your general health.
Exercise
As your condition improves you may be given mobility or strengthening exercises which will be specific to you. Talk to your Chiropractor or therapist about exercise in general and do not start any new form of exercise without discussing it first. |
