As experienced chiropractors in Massachusetts, we’re often asked many questions about how chiropractic treatment can differ/compare to other health and wellbeing treatment services. One of the most common questions we hear, if not THE most common question we hear, is “what’s the difference, chiropractors vs. physical therapists?”
This is a great question, and believe us; we understand why it comes up so often. There are similar body ailments and pains that a chiropractic clinic and physical therapy clinic will treat. However, even if a chiropractor and physical therapist are working on a similar area of the body or providing treatment for the same ailment, the methodology, approach, and techniques used to find solutions and pain relief for patients are very different.
This article will discuss the similarities and differences between the two different practices.
Chiropractors vs. Physical Therapists – The Similarities
Let’s outline some of the clear similarities chiropractors and physical therapists have. Firstly, both are trained and licensed professionals, with years of schooling, practice, experience, and knowledge under their belts.
Both chiropractors and physical therapists work to help patients manage pains and bodily discomfort through non-surgical means. Both chiropractors and physical therapists will work with patients to understand their health history and create a wellness plan to progress forward.
What often confuses those who don’t understand the key differences between the two professionals is that a chiropractor and physical therapist may treat or even co-treat the same conditions.
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Chiropractors vs. Physical Therapists – The Differences
There many differences between chiropractors and physical therapists, we will outline some of the most notable differences between them here:
Chiropractic Treatment
A licensed chiropractor is a doctor who specializes in helping people with disorders of the musculoskeletal skeletal system and nervous system. A chiropractor will use various hands-on techniques to realign the spine, neck, and other body areas.
Chiropractors need to perform their adjustments in the office, along with other services such as FAKTR. Chiropractors have expertise in diagnosing bodily dysfunctions beyond those located in the spinal column. For some conditions, a chiropractor will prescribe therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises outside of the office to be completed at the patients’ homes.
The overarching philosophy behind chiropractic work is that the body can heal itself with the proper guidance and intervention.
Physical Therapy Treatment
Pain-free movement is the desired goal for physical therapy treatment, and the process doesn’t take the holistic approach that chiropractic treatment does. Physical therapists do not need to be doctors but do require special training, education, and certification.
Unlike a chiropractor, a physical therapist can work in about any environment without the need for much specialized equipment, including making on-site visits to patients’ homes.
Physical therapists will usually not be as hands-on as a chiropractor, as they are not performing adjustments as much as offering guidance on how to stretch and exercise the body to relieve pain.
Generally speaking, a physical therapist is more concerned with how the body moves as a whole rather than focusing on how pains and disorders can stem from the musculoskeletal system and nervous system, affecting the overall quality of life. A physical therapist mostly depends on working the body with exercise and stretching to relieve pain.
Chiropractic vs. Physical Therapy Treatment – Which Should I Choose?
We want to clarify that choosing there isn’t some ancient rivalry/battle happening between chiropractors and physical therapists; this isn’t Godzilla vs. Kong! Some circumstances will be determining factors for patients to seek out treatment from one practice or the other.
If you experience bodily pain and conditions that affect your quality of life, talk to your primary care physician and determine which services will work best for your situation.
Please contact Dr. Jessica Rosner and Dr. Scott Rosner with any questions to learn more about chiropractic treatment!