Difference between Chiro and Physio
Chiros and physios are easy to get confused. Both professions specialize in healing physical problems that limit the functionality or impede movement. It can range from fractures that prevent people from walking or using their arms to things that affect them, like fibromyalgia and Parkinson’s. While their goals are similar, their approach is based on 2 different medical backgrounds.
Difference between Chiro and Physio
Chiropractors are viewed as a form of alternative medicine, which sometimes means that their techniques come from some form of intuition instead of evidence-based medicine. Physios adhere to techniques recommended by scientific consensus: thermotherapy, TENS, cryotherapy, and exercise therapy. The modality they use depends on each patient’s needs in order to maintain optimal use of their body.
In recent years, the lines have blurred. Some chiros focus on spinal manipulation to solve their patients’ problems, while others have begun to look at other treatment options as possible solutions. The same applies to practitioners of evidence-based medicine. As more research examines the potential benefits and effects of chiropractic care, physios have become increasingly interested in its use as a possible treatment.
Despite this overlap, there is still a gap between chiros and physios. The two sides often disagree about which medicine is most effective for patients. Although they share similar techniques, others remain in their relative groups. For instance, chiros often use spinal manipulation to treat neck pain. Physios are willing to treat certain forms of back pain with chiropractic care based on the possible results of treatment, but not neck pain.
On the contrary, since physios follow the scientific consensus, it makes sense that their techniques should always be better than those of chiropractic. This is not always true. Some forms of physical therapy, especially those involving electrical stimuli, have minimal beneficial effects as a treatment. Physios still have a wider range of options available, even compared to chiropractors who use physical therapy techniques. However, chiropractor’s treatment can show benefits for some types of pain. Research can distinguish in which cases these two forms of therapies are preferred.
Which One is Right for me?
Both therapies view and evaluate pain in the same way. A chiropractic examination may include an evaluation of the muscle tone, range of motion, and neural integrity of the affected part. Some chiros use X-rays to diagnose a disorder or condition and identify a structural abnormality. Additionally, chiropractors can observe spinal alignment and make recommendations on its range of motion and function.
A physio evaluation involves a comprehensive examination of possible causes of pain, including neurological, musculoskeletal, systemic, and bodily imbalances. Additionally, physios examine the strength of surrounding structures and range of motion as well as a posture to better determine and treat the source of pain. One crucial difference between physio and chiro is the type of treatment administered by the individual physician. Some chiros consider spinal alignment to be the primary concern. As such, chiros generally use high-speed impacts on the spinal joints that cause pain and dysfunction in that area.
Some physios also use manipulation techniques, while most of the time they use mobilizations to improve range of motion and pain. A physio uses an evidence-based approach to determine which modality is best for your situation. Physical therapy interventions may also include the use of modalities such as shock wave therapy, interferential current, cupping, and acupuncture to help relieve your pain. Physios often include relevant therapeutic exercises to help the patient improve their pain symptoms outside of the clinic.
Physio offers patients with disabilities or pains a wider range of options that limit their body movement while chiros realign your spine to correct various problems in your body. Which one is right for you will depend on your treatment plan and medical diagnosis? At Performance Chiropractic + Physiotherapy, we offer both chiropractic and physiotherapy treatment plans to help you manage your pain and discomfort.
