One of the most common questions we get before anyone starts care is, “How Long Will This Take?”

We’re going to be honest with you. We can’t answer that question for you in a quick blanket statement on our website (and that is a GOOD thing!) We know that every person and case is different. There are underlying factors to every case that will effect this answer. However, there are three simple guidelines that may give you some idea how long it might take and how much work may be required.

Rule #1: The Rule of Symptom Relief – Give it 6 weeks of care before expecting sympomatic changes.

Just like starting an new exercise program, you won’t be in perfect shape after your first day or even after your first week! With chiropractic we know that healing takes time and repetition. This is why we always like to give a 6 weeks period before we are expecting symptomatic change. This is always why we always encourage our practice members to look for subtle signs that you’re healing. Subtle signs will vary depending on your specific case, but we will let you know those once we get to meet you!

Listen, we all would prefer if 1 adjustment would cause immediate results, we just know that isn’t typically the case. The fact is that change happens one step at a time. There are no shortcuts.

One key to remember: chiropractic isn’t a cure for any disease or ailment. It simply unlocks your body’s ability to heal and function the way it was designed to.

Rule #2: The Rule of Body Healing – The more things your body has been through - the more time it will take to recover. You body always keeps score.

There is a difference between symptom relief and healing. Symptoms can subside quickly but getting down to the root cause and allowing tissues to fully repair takes longer.

This rule is true even if the underlying condition (ie, spinal misalignment) has not been causing you any grief previously. In fact, people can suffer an injury 10-15 years prior to the onset of any major problems.

Rule #3: The Rule of Adjusting Frequency – It is impossible to know how long your first adjustment will stay.

For this reason, it is important when starting care to keep a close eye to monitor how you respond to your adjustments.

Let me be clear: I do not like keeping anyone on a high-intensity schedule of care for long at all. As soon as you notice an improvement and it is clear that your adjustment is holding, we can reduce the frequency of your checkups.

I will always give you my best recommendation of care. However, I never want you (or anyone else) to ever feel pushed into accepting any more care than is comfortable for you. We will always do things one step at a time at a pace that is comfortable for you.