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Published on: 20th January 2025
Medically reviewed by:Â PT. Sinduja Dochibatla
You must have often thought — what are the differences between chiropractors and physiotherapists and what do they do? The answer is that chiropractors deal with the musculoskeletal system involving joints, back, neck, and spine, while physiotherapists treat a broader range of health issues, physical disabilities, and impairments. Neither can prescribe medicines or perform surgeries.
However, chiropractic care and physiotherapy treatment include different techniques, methods, and exercises to relieve pain, stiffness, mobility problems, and more. Let us understand more about physiotherapy and chiropractic benefits, chiropractor and physiotherapist differences, how to choose the right therapist for you, and other information.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Physiotherapy and Its Benefits
- Exploring Chiropractic Care: What It Involves?
- Chiropractor vs. Physiotherapist: Who is Suitable for You?
- How to Choose the Right Chiropractors and Physiotherapists?
- How can First Response Healthcare Help You?
- Conclusion: Chiropractor vs. Physiotherapist for Your Wellbeing
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Understanding Physiotherapy and Its Benefits
Want to know about the chiropractor vs. physiotherapist role and details? Let’s first begin with what physiotherapy treatment is:
- For physiotherapists, a person is viewed as a whole to establish a balance between their physical, psychological, and social well-being. They deliver preventive care to reduce incidences of injuries or dysfunctional lifestyles.
- They make you do exercises to improve movement and function and counter physical problems arising from injuries, surgeries, health conditions, or disability.
- They use various techniques for pain management, enhance joint and muscle flexibility, and restore ability for motor activities.
- They boost performance for athletes and provide relief to patients coping with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.
- A chiropractor and physiotherapist may reduce back, neck, and shoulder pain. However, a physical therapist treats neurological and orthopedic conditions and manages sports and occupation-related injuries.
- They also ensure respiratory health fitness and provide geriatric, and pediatric care by addressing mobility issues, developmental problems, etc.
Exploring Chiropractic Care: What It Involves?
The primary difference between chiropractors and physiotherapists is that the former focuses on spinal health and other conditions. Being a non-invasive treatment, chiropractic care aims for the overall healing of the body’s movements and functions through spinal manipulation and hands-on manual therapy.
- Spinal manipulation adjusts the spinal vertebrae to release nerve pressure and normalize movement patterns. The chiropractors will apply low-force or high-impulse stimulation to put the spine in the right place.
- The Thompson drop-table technique is performed on a special table with segments that drop to assist the therapist in controlling vertebral sections.
- Also, chiropractic massage soothes soft tissues and bones, most common among professionals especially to deliver proper body balance and strength.
- To deliver chiropractic benefits for pain and tightness in tendons, fascia, and muscles, the practitioner will perform myofascial release, while to correct spinal subluxations, you will receive the Gonstead technique.
- The Sacro-occipital technique releases nervous system pressure via gentle adjustments to the occiput and sacrum bones under the skull.
- To reduce inflammation and pain, chiropractors use the flexion-distraction method involving gentle decompressions and stretches at the affected area.
Chiropractor vs. Physiotherapist: Who is Suitable for You?
Both chiropractors and physiotherapists aim to treat musculoskeletal problems, joint and muscle pains, improve body function, and increase strength, the former may use manipulation techniques and the latter, mobilization.
- Chiropractic care uses specific manipulation with the hands to adjust the joints found in and around the limbs and spine. The practitioner will apply chiropractic massage to reduce and treat the stiffness responsible for restricted movements and restore normal body function.
- Remember, chiropractors treat chronic and acute lower back and neck pain. They also treat neck-related vertigo, headaches, dizziness, tension, sciatica, muscle and joint problems.
- In contrast, a physiotherapist will use a range of exercises, movements, massages, mobilizations, and physical therapies such as manual, electric, etc. to combat pain, uneasiness, stiffness, and other issues for a full recovery.
- Through physiotherapy treatment, you can get relief from arthritis, strain injury, back and neck pain, tendon and ligament damage, sports injuries, swelling in joints, sciatica, cartilage problems, etc.
- Thus, a chiropractor addresses acute conditions and provides immediate relief, while a physiotherapist offers long-term rehabilitation, relief from current symptoms, and enhancement for overall well-being.
- Your primary care provider may recommend the right one for you, or you can approach both therapists to decide on an appropriate course of action.
How to Choose the Right Chiropractors and Physiotherapists?
Staying aware of chiropractor and physiotherapist differences may help one understand the right physical therapy for a health issue. But when choosing the best one for yourself, here are a few tips:
- Research online or ask friends and family for recommendations for physiotherapists or chiropractors in your area or the location preferable. Read reviews about them before thinking about consultation.
- Check if the practitioner has proper licenses, certifications, credentials, and qualifications. Know your needs and ensure the therapist specializes in treating the injury or health condition you are suffering from.
- Get health assessments, understand the costs involved, and ask for knowledge about physiotherapy and chiropractic benefits, and treatment routines for your specific medical issue.
Did You Know?
Many people have a false belief that physiotherapists only offer massage therapy and exercise, or that they treat only sports injuries and muscle pain. But the truth remains that the treatment involves manual therapy, electrotherapy, acupuncture, taping, dry needling postural advice, and education, along with several other healthcare modalities
Many people have a false belief that physiotherapists only offer massage therapy and exercise, or that they treat only sports injuries and muscle pain. But the truth remains that the treatment involves manual therapy, electrotherapy, acupuncture, taping, dry needling postural advice, and education, along with several other healthcare modalities
How can First Response Healthcare Help You?
First Response Healthcare specializes in delivering expert physiotherapy at home services in the comfort of your home. Our skilled physiotherapists focus on personalized care, helping you recover, regain mobility, and enhance your overall physical well-being. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or seeking to improve strength and flexibility, our team ensures a tailored approach to meet your unique needs.
With First Response Healthcare, quality physiotherapy at home is just a call away – bringing care and expertise directly to your doorstep.
Conclusion: Chiropractor vs. Physiotherapist for Your Wellbeing
Health departments of several nations widely accept physical therapies and often hold conventions on these medical practices. For instance, according to the Dubai Health Authority, The Emirates Medical Association and Emirates Physiotherapy Society hosted the 8th Interdisciplinary World Congress on Low Back and Pelvic Pain in Dubai on 27-31 October 2013.
Now that you understand the difference between chiropractors and physiotherapists, you can choose the right treatment for your health problem. Seek professional advice, if unsure which option is the best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Can I seek both a chiropractor and a physiotherapist at the same time?
Yes, you can see a chiropractor and physiotherapist simultaneously, as both physical therapies complement each other. It is a comprehensive treatment technique offering improved recovery, mobility, and pain relief.
Q. What conditions are best treated by a physiotherapist?
Conditions that a physiotherapy treatment best deals with are pain in the back, neck, and shoulders. It also aids in coping with knee, joint, foot, and neurological problems, and sports injuries among others.
Q. How often should I visit a chiropractor for adjustments?
Depending on your condition and the nature of the problem, you may have to visit a chiropractor weekly, monthly, or more or less often. It is advisable to follow the number of sessions the healthcare provider recommends.
Q. Should I expect during my first physiotherapy session?
Most of the physiotherapists will enquire about your medical history, and current symptoms, and conduct a physical exam to understand the pain levels and health state. The therapist will provide an assessment and discuss the treatment plan to proceed further.
