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General Instructions to Follow to Facilitate Healing 1. Follow the schedule of appointments that we have set up for you. There is no substitute for carefully timed chiropractic adjustments. 2. Avoid physical and mental stress before and after each adjustment. The more relaxed you are, the more benefit you will receive. 3. Follow faithfully all "home measures" prescribed for your condition. These may include such therapies as hot or cold applications, daily exercises, rest periods, or a special diet. 4. You spend approximately one third of your life in bed; it is highly important that you sleep on a good, firm mattress. 5. Crucial to your recovery is sleeping on a pillow that properly supports your neck. Have Dr. Fitzpatrick check your pillow for proper alignment while sleeping. 6. Do not read in bed. 7. Sleep on your back or side, never on your stomach. 8. Choose a firm chair, not a soft, over-stuffed one. Sit straight and don't cross your legs except at the ankles. 9. Learn how to lift. Bend your knees and keep your back straight. 10. If any body motion causes sharp pain, avoid it! 11. Please don't try to be your own doctor! Self-administered remedies may do more harm than good. 12. Do your best to maintain a cheerful attitude. Avoid, if you can, stressful situations. 13. Set aside at least one time each day for complete mental and physical relaxation. This is a good lifetime habit for the restoration and maintenance of normal health. 14. Don't be in a hurry, adaptively shortened ligaments and muscles take time to change. 15. We would appreciate 24 hours notice if your appointment must be changed or canceled so that someone else may be scheduled into your time. 16. Please feel free to ask any questions that you may have about your healthcare. 17. If you feel better - tell us. It is important that your doctor be aware of improvement. 18. Chiropractic may be the answer to friends' or loved ones' health problems. Take the time to explain this natural healthcare method to them and encourage them to visit a chiropractor.
SPECIFIC INSTRUCTION AFTER YOUR ATLAS IS ADJUSTED Following an adjustment, use care in moving your head, avoid sudden movements. Keep your chin level for 24 to 48 hours, minimize rotating your neck while putting earrings in/on. Do Not Hang Your Purse From Your Shoulder - carry it with your hand. Do not lean over the desk in an awkward position while writing your check or making your next appointment. Avoid looking up as in reaching above your head; raise your eyes rather than your head. When lying down do not use your head to lift or turn your body to another position. Do not sleep on your stomach. Have your spine checked after any trauma, especially after an automobile accident. Your injuries or lack of injuries must be documented ASAP. Do not "pop" neck or pull on head. Do not sleep while sitting in chairs or in automobiles. Sit upright in chairs; do not sit on the lower back (sacrum). Do no sit in chairs that place pressure against the back of your head, forcing it forward. Minimize fatigue, get sufficient rest. Minimize emotional upsets.
Use It Or Lose It: 1. Use your muscles! After 48 hours they start to lose their elasticity and strength. 2. Use water to cleanse your body; get in the habit of drinking 6 to 8 glasses per day. 3. Interrupt sedentary postures and activities with stretching. 4. Increase and maintain muscle flexiblility, strength and tone. 5. Increase physical activity with regular aerobic exercise. 6. Keep body weight down and improve nutritional habits. 7. Avoid prolonged postures and awkward positions (especially flexion postures). 8. Learn about proper body alignment, body mechanics and practice them. 9. Listen to your body and respect pain. 10. Learn relaxation and other techniques to decrease anxiety and stress. |
