If you are struggling with any muscular or skeletal pain, it cannot be easy to understand what exact treatment you need. It is tough to distinguish between chiropractic care and physiotherapy – two treatments that have their own benefits and are also used for different needs. You should carefully consider which one will best suit your unique situation.
Physiotherapy, which is also known as Physical therapy and chiropractic care, are both used to alleviate pain and rigidity in your body. Highly qualified experts practise both treatments with years of experience in this field, but their strategies are slightly different.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these two aspects, their similarities, and how to choose between the two if you have pain, joint stiffness, or difficulty moving.
What is a Physiotherapist?
A physiotherapist is a professional healthcare provider specialising in using physical agents and exercises to aid disease prevention and pain management. An individual must be licensed to practice physiotherapy since it requires an intimate understanding of anatomy, biomechanics, and kinesiology. Qualified physiotherapists educate their patients on how to move their bodies safely and properly to reduce pain and improve their physical performance.
During a session with a physiotherapist, you may experience the following:
- Carefully evaluating and determining the patient’s condition and requirements.
- Working with the patient to achieve goals.
- Preparing a treatment plan.
- Prescribing exercise and aides if needed
What Does a Physiotherapist Do?
Physiotherapists can provide treatment for numerous issues, such as orthopaedic rehabilitation, sports medicine injuries, degenerative conditions or any other injury or dysfunction that affects a patient’s ability to engage in daily activities without difficulty.
Physiotherapy treatment is essential to improve quality of life by helping individuals maintain an active lifestyle and enhance well-being. People with permanent illnesses or chronic conditions can now look forward to a brighter future as advances in medicine seek to alleviate their symptoms and support them in leading rewarding lives.
Why use physical therapy?
Physical therapy is often used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, such as:
- Fewer movements because of accidents
- Lower Back Pain
- Elbow Pain
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Knee pain
- Hip injuries
- Sports-related injuries
- Repetitive strain injuries (RSI)
PTs practice in a variety of settings, including:
- Inpatient and outpatient hospitals
- Rehabilitation centres
- Nursing homes
- Private practices
- Home care settings
- Athletic facilities
- Workplaces
What is a Chiropractor?
A chiropractor is a health care professional who focuses on diagnoses, treatment and prevention of disorders related to the spine, nervous system and joints. Through careful evaluation, they use specialized hands-on techniques to reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness while improving strength, coordination, balance and overall function, which can help daily activities be performed with greater ease and understanding.
During a session with a chiropractor, you may get the following :
- Diagnostic testing
- X-rays and/or MRI scans
- Spinal adjustments
- Manual manipulation of joints
- Physiotherapy exercises
- Soft tissue mobilization
What Does a Chiropractor Do?
To properly assess a patient, chiropractors extensively evaluate the spine’s posture and muscle reflexes. They also examine tests and may take x -rays to diagnose the patient’s condition, then come up with a treatment plan and further progress.
Rather than relying on prescription pain medications, chiropractors focus on helping the body to heal itself naturally. A chiropractor’s primary therapy is spinal manipulation, which involves using hands or tools to precisely apply pressure to a joint in the spine. This encourages improved alignment by gently shifting it into a specific direction.
Chiropractic treatment includes:
- Manual spinal adjustments
- Mobility exercises
- Muscle strengthening exercises
- Soft tissue treatments
- Joint mobilisation and manipulation
- Nutritional advice and lifestyle counselling
Why use chiropractic care?
Chiropractic care is often used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, such as:
- Back and neck pain
- Headaches
- Joint pain
- Sciatica
- Shoulder and arm pain
- Sports injuries
What are the similarities between physical therapy and chiropractic care?
There are many similarities between a chiropractor and a physical therapist because both are highly trained healthcare professionals, and their main goal is to help patients.
Here are some of the things these two have in common:
Education
Physical therapists and chiropractors are certified health professionals with extensive education and training.
Relief from pain
Both aim to alleviate pain and discomfort through noninvasive and nonsurgical methods.
Prepare plans
Both may concentrate on wellness plans for their patients that go beyond what they can do in a session.
Uses same treatment
Some of the same treatment modalities, such as heat therapy and electrical nerve stimulation, and hands-on manual therapy, are used by healthcare providers for treatment.
Recommend Exercises
Exercises to improve mobility, strength, and range of motion can be recommended by chiropractors and physical therapists.
Are You Struggling to Decide Between a Physiotherapist or Chiropractor?
If you’re in need of a physical health professional to help manage pain, discomfort, and a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, there are two reliable options: physiotherapy and chiropractic care. Both treatments have been shown to be effective in improving quality of life, but your decision should ultimately depend on your unique needs.
Chiropractors believe that the body is a complex interconnected system and aim to promote optimal movement and function of all tissues. Not only does this technique provide immediate relief from back pain, but it also helps avoid long-term harm and other health issues.
On the other hand, Physiotherapists provide an alternate approach to pain management through their speciality in musculoskeletal injuries, focusing on individual tissues rather than the whole body. While they do not have as many educational requirements as chiropractors, physiotherapy offers effective approaches to relieving back pain.
At Proremedy, our certified physiotherapists and chiropractors ensure comprehensive treatment for our patients. One of our highly trained professionals can help assess your condition and provide the appropriate treatment plan, whether it be physiotherapy or chiropractic care. Contact us today to book an appointment!
