How often do I need to go? This is a question I get a lot. The answer is not always simple, and it’s far from universal among everyone. But keep reading for a few guidelines on how often you should visit a chiropractor.
How often you need to go really does vary quite a bit. A person involved in a serious car accident is going to require more care than someone whose lower back hurts from gardening. In most cases, a person who falls off their roof is going to require more care than someone who mowed the yard. The severity of the injury and the trauma involved will often dictate how often a person needs to go, as well as how long it will take them to get better. At Hanft Family Chiropractic, I pride myself on making each patient a unique treatment plan that fits their injury and personal circumstances. In some cases, progress is faster than expected and in some rare cases, it’s slower than expected.
In general, my goal is always to provide excellent care without going overboard with the visit frequency. I usually err on the side of fewer visits rather than too many, as we can always increase the number of visits, if necessary, to achieve the patient’s short and long-term goals.
In the end, care by any medical or chiropractic professional can (and should) vary based on how the injury/pain was obtained, a patient’s age, a patient’s overall health, and many other factors. When at the appointment and afterwards, ask yourself if it feels “right.” If your gut is telling you something doesn't feel right, then get a second opinion! I always recommend second opinions when care is not progressing like it should. Second opinions usually confirm that I was correct in my approach, which bolsters the patient’s confidence to keep coming in.
If you’re wondering if you can be helped, remember that I always offer a free consultation to anyone. While this consultation does not include any care, it does give you plenty of time to ask questions and get some great information prior to any official, care-based visit.