Download about your treatment plan

Your Treatment Plan
Patient’s Name:
Date:
Your Diagnosis (1):
(2):
RECOMMENDED TREATMENT(S)
All or some of the following treatments may be rendered by the doctor and staff during each session (as indicated)
Chiropractic Spinal or Extra-Spinal Manipulation/Mobilization
Physical Therapy
Including:
EMS
Heat/Ice
Stretching
Cervical/Lumbar Mechanical Traction
Myofascial Release Techniques
Cold Laser Therapy
Trigger Point Therapy
Kinesio Tape
Foam Rolling
Exercise
Including:
Flexibility/Mobility
Facilitation
Stability/Strengthening/Proprioception
Massage Therapy @
Acupuncture@
x Per week for
x Per week for
Weeks
Weeks
Graston Technique®
As per therapist
As per acupuncturist
TREATMENT FREQUENCY/DURATION
In order to resolve your condition in the most efficient manner, the doctor recommends the above treatments:
x Per Weekfor
Weeks
A re-evaluation of your condition will follow with additional treatment recommendations made. These recommendations typically include
a tapering-in treatment frequency and a gradual return to more normal activities.
ICE & MOIST HEAT
IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE TREATMENTS, THE DOCTOR RECOMMENDS:
Nutritional Supplements
Home Exercise (as prescribed)
Home Ice or Heat
Abstaining from certain activities (as discussed)
10/15/20 Minutes on
10/15/20 Minutes off
* Repeat for one hour throughout your day
HOT SHOWER, STRETCH, ICE.
ABOUT YOUR TREATMENT PLAN
GETTING YOU BACK “IN THE GAME”
GENERALLY SPEAKING
Although all musculoskeletal conditions are unique, most have occurred due to some underlying biomechanical fault or biomechanical dysfunction.
Biomechanical dysfunction is defined as an imbalance of the musculoskeletal system and often involves a lack of normal joint movement and a change in normal
muscular tone. Whether this biomechanical dysfunction arose quickly due to a recent or intense activity (acute) or developed over time in response to everyday
demands or postural faults (chronic), most musculoskeletal conditions require a similar approach to treatment. This approach typically involves three phases: the
acute, the corrective, and the maintenance.
PHASES OF TREATMENT
The acute phase is when the underlying cause or dysfunction is identified and pain or other symptoms are brought under control. In most cases, pain is
significantly reduced within the first 2-7 days of treatment. This phase can last 1-3 weeks, depending on your level of pain. The corrective phase is when the
underlying dysfunction identified earlier is corrected. This can be the more challenging phase of care depending on how long your body has been functioning
improperly and what influence your daily activities will have on our ability to make corrections. For example, if your upper back and neck pain is due to working
on a computer 8 hours a day for the past 3 years, and you still have to go to work every day and do just that, it may take longer to correct the biomechanical
dysfunction. Compliance with the recommended treatment plan and prescribed exercises is imperative during this phase! The maintenance phase is when a
strategy is put in place in an attempt to avoid future episodes of the same or similar condition, as well as to promote overall wellbeing. This strategy may include
a realistic set of exercises, nutritional supplements, and periodic chiropractic treatments. By balancing the “bad” things you do each day (sit, stand, lift, run)
with some “good” things (stretch, strengthen, postural awareness), you can maintain a higher level of wellbeing and make strides in avoiding pain and disease
completely. This can be likened to brushing and flossing your teeth and then visiting your dentist periodically for check-ups in order to avoid dental problems.
THE TIMING OF IT ALL
This is a common, yet difficult question to answer due to the unique nature of each condition. Generally, patients are treated 3x per week for the initial 3-4 weeks
of care. This repetition is necessary in order to overcome pain and correct underlying dysfunction. A re-examination is then performed in order to assess progress.
In most cases, treatment frequency is reduced and continues to taper over the next 2-4 weeks. This process of tapering allows you to return to your desired
activities while the doctor can assure that corrections remain in place and exacerbations are avoided. Individual treatment times vary but time spent in our office
typically rests around 30 - 40 minutes.
WHAT TYPE OF TREATMENTS WILL WE PERFORM?
Depending on your condition, many different types of treatment may be utilized. The chiropractic adjustment is the method by which the doctor will improve
and/or restore normal joint mobility to your spine or other joints. Physical Therapy is used to restore normal muscle tone and balance. This may include stretching,
trigger-point therapy, and various modalities such as electrical muscle stimulation or cold laser therapy. Prescribed appropriate exercise is crucial to correcting your
condition and avoiding future episodes. Initially exercises are focused on restoring normal flexibility, but will eventually include simple strengthening exercises in
order to restore balance and “lock in” proper function. Nutritional supplements can play a significant role in controlling acute symptoms such as inflammation and
muscle tightness, and may also be recommended for long-term use as part of your preventative maintenance strategy. Massage therapy can be very helpful in
reducing acute or chronic muscle tightness and restoring balance to the painful or dysfunctional area. This therapy may also be recommended as part of your long
term preventative maintenance strategy.
OUR GOAL
Our goal is to assist you in reaching your goal! Chiropractic care is very effective in resolving most musculoskeletal conditions
and is equally as effective in achieving and maintaining overall wellbeing. Chiropractic care promotes all of the “good”
things most us know we should be doing but often do not. Although many patients initiate care with the goal of resolving
pain, those who truly benefit from our services appreciate the larger picture regarding their health; this is a picture with
a proactive approach that emphasizes exercise, proper nutrition, proper rest, and chiropractic care. As a result, the goal
becomes optimizing health rather than merely reducing symptoms.
8894 Stanford Boulevard, Suite 102 • Columbia, MD 21045 • 443-259-0235 • www.hocochiro.com