Why relief doesn't always hold
Pain that improves with treatment and then returns — sometimes within weeks — is one of the most common reasons people end up trying a different provider.
It's rarely a sign that treatment "doesn't work" for you; more often, it means the relief phase was addressed without the rehab and strength phase that keeps it from coming back. Adjustments and soft tissue work can calm pain down effectively, but if the movement pattern or weakness that created it in the first place is never corrected, the same pain tends to resurface.
Signs you might be dealing with it
- Pain that improves with treatment but returns within weeks or months
- A pattern of "fixing" the same spot again and again
- Relief that seems to only last as long as you're actively going in for care
- A previous provider who focused only on adjustments, without a strength or rehab phase
- A sense that you've addressed the symptom but never the cause
The V-A-S-T Approach to get you out of pain
Vision
Discover the root cause: We look at your treatment history and current movement pattern to understand why the relief hasn't held.
Alignment
Restore balance: Adjustments and soft tissue work to address the current flare, same as any first visit.
Strength
Build lasting capacity: A rehab and strength phase specifically aimed at closing the gap that's let the pain keep returning — the part that's often been missing.
Transformation
Live without limits: This time it actually holds — no more waiting for the familiar ache to circle back.
What relief looks like
"I've been a patient of Dr. Mae Li for over 3 years and I highly recommend her - she is fantastic. Dr. Mae is professional, thorough, empathetic, and fun! She's gotten me through multiple injuries, always with a gentle touch, even keel, and appropriate sense of humor. I'm so grateful to work with her."
"Dr. Mae Li DC, cured my left shoulder pain in only four visits. I was blessed to have received such exceptional care which included spinal adjustments- manipulations, exercises to improve my posture and help control my stress. Thank you Dr. Li."
"Dr. Li is magnificent. Kind, smart, gentle. She diagnosed my problem correctly before the x-ray came in, and is teaching me how to take care of myself."
"Dr. Mae Li is great! She provided very specific guidance for a hamstring issue, which improved it materially in the first month. Thanks!"
"Visiting with Dr. Li is always a highly positive, multi-faceted experience. Not only was the issue for which I was visiting quickly and accurately diagnosed, we discussed diet and proper squat form as well. Though I often fail, Dr. Li, I promise to do the exercises you prescribed!"
"Dr. Mae Li is really wonderful. She is thorough, effective and a great listener. She gives great suggestions about stretches and preventative exercises. She also really gets to know her patients."
"When I was diagnosed with sciatica at age 50 my doctor sent me to see these incredible sports medicine experts so they could tailor my rehab and exercise to my very active lifestyle. I didn't have a sports injury but they helped me heal & rehab through prescribed activity (so I didn't need to go to a PT) and I got stronger than ever while healing! They also taught me how to prevent reoccurrence. Being in my late 50s now, I've contended with various issues -- radiculitis, broken foot, knee strain, back pain -- and I always feel relief even after one visit. The primary technique they use (Active Release) feels amazing! They really listen and explain everything and it's all very easy to understand. Dr Mae Li is brilliant, funny, and extremely effective. (I'm always a little sad when she says I don't need to come back.) I'd recommend this woman to anyone in a heartbeat."
"Dr. Mae Li is absolutely wonderful. I've been going to her for the better part of two years to manage my back and neck pain and stiffness and she's been a valuable part of my physical therapy and maintenance routine."
"I am a former collegiate tennis player, I have had knee tendinitis for the past 6 years. After seeing five physical therapists, I was almost convinced there was no fix for my ailment. In a matter of four visits, Dr. Li discovered a simple solution to the problem, involving a slight modification to my movement pattern while playing. This was without time-intensive rehabilitation exercises. I am forever grateful to Dr. Li for keeping me on the court."
"I love Mae! She's a fanatic listener and clinician. She's the best."
"Have a leg injury getting worse over time. Dr. Mae Li helped me first relieve the pain and then have been constantly helping me in recovering and getting better with PT homeworks! Highly recommended."
"Dr. Mae Li is caring, professional, friendly and knows how to apply the right technique at the right time. She takes the time to explain the details and her care is genuine."
"Dr. Li is the absolute best! She has taken care of my neck and more recently my broken elbow, she takes the time to understand what my issues are and works magic. I had been struggling to find help for my elbow and Dr. Li scheduled me in ASAP and has provided great care and I can see tremendous improvement with her!"
"Dr. Li was super-helpful with effective adjustments, exercises, and advice that kept me moving."
"Mae did a great job (again) getting a hurt part back in order. Good insights and advice on what to do as well as therapy."
"Mae listened carefully as I described my pain and worked with me through a series of questions and motions, to determine my flexibility. She quickly assessed the situation, and began treatment. After that, she gave me some "homework" exercises, so I could address my pain on my own at home. All the while, Mae was attentive, interested, and focused. I felt very comfortable with her, and I'm looking forward to my next treatment."
"Mae has done amazing work for me. I had a debilitating upper back issue that left me writhing in pain during a long run where I had to limp about two miles home. After three procedures I am back to nearly 100% normal, which I find remarkable. Thank you for the great work, Mae!"
Recurring pain, answered
Click a question for the answer — or see the full FAQ for pricing, insurance, and what to expect.
Does this mean my last provider did something wrong?
Not necessarily — plenty of care plans intentionally focus on relief first. It just means the plan may not have included the rehab and strength phase that prevents the issue from returning, which is easy to add now.
How is your approach different if pain keeps coming back for me?
We build the rehab and strength phase in from the start, specifically aimed at the movement pattern or weakness that's been letting the pain resurface, rather than only repeating the relief phase.
How do I know if I need rehab and strength work instead of just more adjustments?
If pain reliably returns within weeks of your last visit, that's usually the sign — adjustments are addressing the symptom effectively, but something upstream is still recreating it.
How long does it take to actually break the cycle?
It varies by case, but many people notice the pattern changing — longer stretches between flare-ups — within a few weeks of adding consistent rehab and strength work.