Understanding Your Acute Pain Care Plan

This plan explains how we’ll work together at Silky Oak Chiropractic to manage your acute pain from a musculoskeletal condition. It outlines the process, highlights the importance of manual therapy in your recovery, and provides a clear timeline for your care.

1. What is Acute Pain?

Acute pain is a normal response to injury or tissue damage. It typically lasts for a short period, usually less than 1 month 1. While your pain is recent, it’s important to address it effectively to prevent it from becoming persistent.

2. Our Focus: Manual Therapy

At Silky Oak Chiropractic, we prioritize hands-on treatment to address the root cause of your pain. Dr. Jan Jones will use a variety of manual therapy techniques, such as:

• Spinal and Joint Manipulation: To restore proper joint movement and reduce pain.
• Trigger Point Therapy: To release tension in tight muscles that may be contributing to your pain.
• Soft Tissue Work: To improve mobility and reduce restrictions in muscles and other soft tissues2.

3. Your Journey to Recovery

Your care will typically involve three phases, with manual therapy as the foundation:

• Phase 1: Pain Relief (Days 1-7)

• What to Expect: Gentle manual therapy to ease pain and inflammation, advice on protecting your injury, and strategies to promote healing3.
• Your Role: Follow recommendations for rest and activity modification, apply ice as advised, and communicate any changes in your pain.

• Phase 2: Restore Mobility (Weeks 1-4)

• What to Expect: Manual therapy techniques progress to improve your movement and flexibility. Exercises and stretches may be introduced as needed.
• Your Role: Actively participate in treatment sessions, perform any prescribed exercises, and ask questions about self-management techniques.

• Phase 3: Build Strength and Function (Weeks 4-12)

• What to Expect: Manual therapy continues as needed to support your recovery. Your exercise program may be advanced to build strength and improve function.
• Your Role: Continue with your treatment plan, gradually increase activity levels as guided, and learn strategies to prevent future problems.

4. Time Frame and Frequency

We’ll work together to gradually reduce the frequency of your visits as your condition improves:

• Week 1: 2-3 sessions per week.
• Week 2-3: 1-2 sessions per week.
• Week 4-6: 1 session per week.
• After 6 weeks: Transition to visits as needed for any flare-ups or to address new concerns.

5. What Happens During a Session?

• Initial Consultation: This will be a longer appointment (45-60 minutes) to allow for a detailed assessment, discussion of your condition, and initial treatment.
• Follow-up Treatments: These sessions (15-30 minutes) will focus on providing hands-on care, progressing your exercises as needed, and monitoring your progress.

6. Your Active Role in Recovery

• Communication: Tell Dr. Jones about any changes in your pain or function.
• Home Exercises: Consistently perform any prescribed exercises.
• Self-Management: Apply the strategies you learn to manage your pain and prevent recurrence.

7. Working Together

At Silky Oak Chiropractic, we are committed to providing high-quality care to help you regain function and improve your quality of life. By working together, with manual therapy as a cornerstone of your care, we can effectively manage your acute pain and support your recovery.