Difference Between Chiropractor and Physiotherapy

To the average person, a chiropractor and a physiotherapist may seem to be more or less the same job. All require a college degree, certification from an accredited course, and treat musculoskeletal pain. Although they may seem similar at first glance, the two professions have very different approaches to health. Therefore, it is important to understand what sets them apart from the others before deciding which of these professionals is the best for you.

Chiropractors

Chiropractors often treat pain and problems associated with a change in the body by manipulating the joints in the limbs or spine. Manipulation is a quick manual technique that brings the treated joints to the end of the available range of motion. Also, chiropractors can use soft tissue techniques, rehabilitation, strengthening, and stretching techniques.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists specialize in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of movement disorders. The goal of physiotherapy is to improve and rehabilitate an individual’s ability to move and function. They examine the interaction between the muscular, nervous, and skeletal systems to determine what may contribute to your problem. Then, they analyze aspects of their professional, leisure, or sporting life that can also contribute.

Physiotherapists can use practical joint mobilization or massage techniques to help loosen connective tissue or tight muscles. Also, they use a personalized exercise program to help maintain the gains/improvements made during treatment.

Difference between Chiropractor and Physiotherapy

While both professionals use manipulation as their main treatment technique, chiropractors use shorter movements that are stronger. Physiotherapists tend to use these techniques less often. Typically, their manipulations are less forceful, smoother, and are usually complemented with therapeutic exercises or a suitable massage.

So Which One Should I Choose?

At Performance Chiropractic + Physiotherapy, we combine physiotherapy and chiropractic to rehabilitate, strengthen, and support the soft tissues that work in the body. Our core value is that if you only do chiropractic care and not physiotherapy, you are missing the boat. And if all you can do is physiotherapy and not chiropractic, you’re also missing the boat. In our practice, our concept combines both. So the actual answer is that both practices should be combined for your best health.

When you come to our clinic, we conduct a very comprehensive and detailed evaluation to identify the best physiotherapy and chiropractic practices combined with lifestyle education and home care systems so you can really achieve the results we are both looking for. We promise to be very thoughtful, very caring, and very thorough to help you heal.