A common question we get here at The Orchard Clinic is, ‘What’s the difference between physiotherapy and chiropractic?’. We completely understand that the lines might be blurred between the two treatments as they share a common goal, to relieve the patient of pain associated with bones, joints and muscles.
Join us in this blog as we outline some of the key differences between physiotherapy and chiropractic, all in the hope that it makes it easier for you to choose the appropriate treatment.
Key Differences Between Physiotherapy and Chiropractic
It is easy to draw parallels between physiotherapy and chiropractic, especially when it is the patient’s back is being treated. Some key differences make the two treatments vary from one another.
End Goal
Where physio and chiropractic vary is the end goal of each treatment. Physiotherapy is focused on pain-movement, among other results, whereas chiropractic is focused on pain relief and alignment of the spine. The crossover comes as a result of both treatments focusing on the musculoskeletal system.
Method of Treatment
Another key area, if not the biggest, is the method of treatment for both treatments. A physio will educate you to use particular stretches to relieve pain, whilst occasionally using manipulations to help with mobility. With physio, it is just as important to integrate these stretches into everyday life, as this is what gives you the extra mobility and flexibility.
Chiropractors, however, will use manipulations and adjustments to help your body heal itself. There is not as much focus on exercise and stretches with the aim of improving and maintaining mobility over time.
Where You’re Treated
A smaller detail, but still as important, is where you can receive both treatments. Physios are capable of carrying out their procedures nearly anywhere, but of course, the best treatment is within their own facility of practice. A chiropractor requires specialist equipment to carry out their treatment, which could limit the range of places you can receive this help.
Similarities Between Physiotherapy and Chiropractic
As you might’ve gathered by now, both treatments have a lot of similarities, and the differences are fine. Both treatments help patients in a nonsurgical and noninvasive manner, which appeals to those with discomfort, but not enough to warrant a long course of treatment.
The range of conditions treated by both of these methods is also similar, with chiropractors focusing on the back, neck and shoulders, whereas a physio will look to treat the whole body. In order to work out which treatment is best for you and your condition, get in touch with your GP.
Book Physiotherapy with The Orchard Clinic
If you’ve read all of the above and believe physiotherapy is the right treatment for you, why not get in touch with us and book a treatment? We begin with a consultation to ensure we can help you as best we can, creating a bespoke plan based on your aches, pains and needs.
To find out more about how to prepare for your physio appointment and what to expect, head over to our blog section to find our guides.
