Where does this myth come from?

The “forever patient” idea has two roots. First, some older chiropractic models were built around long-term “maintenance care” schedules set in advance, regardless of how a patient was progressing — this is where the stereotype comes from. Second, some conditions genuinely are chronic or recurring (long-standing back pain, postural issues from desk work), so ongoing check-ins can be appropriate — but appropriate is not the same as mandatory.

At Kings Park Chiropractic, care plans are based on your presentation and your goals, not a fixed schedule applied to everyone.

How does a care plan actually work?

After your initial assessment, Dr. Brian will recommend a course of care based on your specific condition, its severity, and how long it’s been present. This is typically structured in phases:

Relief phase — more frequent visits while pain and inflammation settle.
Corrective phase — spacing out as function improves, often combined with exercises or remedial massage to support the changes.
Review — reassessing whether further care is needed, whether you’re ready to finish up, or whether occasional check-ins make sense for a chronic or recurring issue.

Will I be pressured into ongoing appointments I don’t need?

No. Dr. Brian’s role is to help you understand your options, including the option to stop. If your goal is short-term relief from an acute episode, that’s a valid goal and we’ll work towards it. If you’d prefer periodic check-ins to manage a recurring issue — the way some people see a dentist for a check-up — that’s also your choice, not a requirement.

Ultimately, how often (and for how long) you attend is up to you. We’ll give you our honest clinical opinion, but the decision is always yours.

How do I know when I’m “done”?

Progress is tracked against the goals set at your initial assessment — reduced pain, improved range of motion, returning to activities you’d stopped doing. When those goals are met and your condition is stable, that’s a natural point to finish active care. Some patients choose to stop entirely; others choose occasional reviews if they have a history of recurrence (for example, a previous disc bulge or a job involving heavy lifting).

A more detailed walkthrough of what a typical care plan looks like at Kings Park Chiropractic, including how often we reassess, will be available on our upcoming “Your Care Plan” page.

What if I just want a one-off adjustment for a flare-up?

That’s completely fine. Many patients come in for a single acute episode — a tweaked back after gardening, a stiff neck after a bad night’s sleep — get assessed and treated, and don’t return until (or unless) something else comes up. There’s no minimum number of visits required to book with us.