What is a treatment plan? So glad you asked :)
Treatment plans can be used to treat acute and chronic pain. They can also be used once someone is in a “maintenance phase”. What is a maintenance phase? More on that below <3
For acute conditions (0-72 hours post-injury/onset), treatment plans prioritizes gentle intervention and pain management. In these first critical hours, the body is in an active inflammatory response phase. We would typically schedule weekly sessions for a month to avoid overwhelming the injured tissues. The techniques used are very gentle, focused on circulation without aggravating the injury. The goal is to support the body's natural healing response while preventing further damage.
For chronic conditions (lasting more than 3 days or recurring), the treatment plan becomes more comprehensive and intensive. Here, we are addressing not just the primary complaint but also the compensatory patterns that have developed over time. A long-term shoulder issue might affect neck positioning and arm movement – all these areas need attention. The plan typically starts with 1-2 sessions weekly for 4-6 weeks. Gradually, we begin working through restricted areas and investigate where there are deeper compensatory patterns. We're not just fixing the obvious problem but addressing the underlying structural issues.
Maintenance plans are designed for prevention and optimization, much like regular car maintenance prevents breakdowns. These sessions usually occur every 2-4 weeks. The focus shifts to maintaining the progress achieved and preventing regression. At Liminal Bodywork, we combine relaxation techniques with therapeutic work, addressing minor issues before they become major problems.
Every treatment plan, regardless of its category, should include several crucial elements. First, a thorough initial assessment provides the baseline – what's the current state, what are the contributing factors, and what are your goals? This assessment helps set realistic treatment objectives and timelines. We can then design specific intervention strategies, selecting appropriate techniques and determining the optimal frequency of sessions. Regular reassessment points are scheduled to track progress and adjust the approach as needed.
The success of any treatment plan also depends heavily on what happens between sessions. Home care recommendations can include qigong exercises, self-massage techniques, or lifestyle modifications. We may measure your progress with the hara assessment, range of motion or pain scales.
