At the beginning of a new year, there is always that “new year, new me” vibe in the air. You can feel the energy as people start heading back to the gym after a long holiday break. Whether you are trying to become a healthier version of yourself, aiming for a better physique, or simply wanting to move more freely and avoid injuries or falls, I want to say: Well done. Taking that first step toward movement is often the hardest part. 

Nowadays, we are seeing a wonderful shift. More people are developing a real awareness of preventative care. They are starting to realise that prevention truly is better than a cure. This is something we, as chiropractors, strongly encourage every single day. 

Most of the time, we see clients who come into the clinic only once an issue has already surfaced and their daily activities are affected. They might find they are no longer able to spend quality time with loved ones, enjoy their favorite sports, or even perform small actions, like getting up from a chair without significant discomfort. We see a lot of neck pain, lower back pain, sciatica, dizziness, and chronic headaches. While we get excellent results with these cases and love helping people find relief, we have a different goal for you this year. 

We want to encourage you to step into the clinic with an awareness of preventative care; not just when the pain becomes unbearable. 

Understanding the “Pain Alarm” 

Let’s dive a little deeper into what pain actually is. Pain is the most direct signal your body can send you. It’s loud, it disrupts your daily life, and it makes you uncomfortable. Worst of all, it stops you from doing what you enjoy most, whether that’s playing a round of golf, staying active in your favorite sports, or simply having the energy to keep up with your lovely kids. 

The mistake many people make is thinking that if they don’t feel pain, everything is fine. But in reality, your body usually follows a specific progression: 

Dysfunction > Stiffness > Pain 

Most people tend to ignore the “dysfunction” and “stiffness” stages because they don’t necessarily stop you from going about your day. You might just feel a bit “tight” or notice you can’t turn your head as far as you used to. But by the time you reach the “Pain” stage, the issue has usually been brewing for a long time. 

Beyond “Fixing” Problems 

In our chiropractic clinic, we don’t just see people who are “broken” or dealing with an acute injury. We are also dedicated to taking care of people who want to stay well. 

We see athletes who want to optimise their performance, office workers who want to un-do the strain of sitting at a desk, and seniors who want to maintain their balance and independence. Our goal is to find those small dysfunctions and areas of stiffness and address them before they turn into the pain that disrupt your life. 

Let’s make 2026 the year you listen to your body before it must yell at you. Treating your body well isn’t just about recovering from pain, it’s about giving yourself the freedom to move, play, and live without limits. 

Hans Chew (MChiro)