Why should I do rehab?

How do issues first arise?

Many of our patients come in with a recent or sudden onset of pain. Rarely is it the first incidence.

The typical situation is that they have felt a twinge or a niggle doing an activity that was part of life for them; nothing out of the ordinary or strenuous. Typically it will be sore for a few days and it goes away… or so they think!

Then a few months later it flares up again. This time, it is more painful and lasts longer. They might think about seeking care this time, but it settles to something that's an annoying niggle. However, it never quite goes away.

There are episodes where it wakes them as they turn over in bed. It is stiff and sore in the morning. It is also more of an irritation now.  They manage to dull the annoyance with painkillers.

Then one day, *BANG*! Now they are really in trouble. It hurts to move in any direction and over the counter painkillers aren't cutting it. They need time off work, and sleep? Well you can forget that!

What happens when patients come to the clinic?

Patients come to see us when they have reduced range of movement. Sometimes they have pain down their leg: Sciatica. The pain is sharp and shooting. If they have really done it well, it's like having a toothache in their leg, so intense it feels numb. 

From my 16 years experience as a Chiropractor, I can confidently say this kind of issue can be resolved in approximately 6 treatments which would take place over 3-4 weeks.  I'd expect 50% reduction in pain within the first 2-3 treatments. 

Following the initial course of treatment, we schedule a review appointment. We follow the Royal College of Chiropractors Evidence based Guidelines and review around the 6th Treatment session. 

The question I ask at this stage is, “Now that we have dealt with the pain, what do you want to do now?” Patients usually respond with a blank expression, followed by the question “What do you recommend?” My answer is always to do the rehab work.