Confused about the difference between a Chiropractor and a Physiotherapist?
A lot of people may confuse what treatment they are able to receive from a chiropractor and a physiotherapist. Similarities between the two professions include that both have to complete degrees in colleges and universities to be certified. In most, if not all countries, the next step after attaining a Bachelor’s of Science (BSc) degree would be to register with respective Healthcare and Medical organisations. Other similarities include the ability to attend to neuro and musculoskeletal disorders (MSK) and helping patients improve movement and restore strength of joints. Then, how are they different? We asked the Crossroads Back & Neck Care Center to explain:
How can a Chiropractor help? Chiropractors are able to diagnose and treat neuro and musculoskeletal disorders and assist in freeing up the movement to help restore normal or pain-free movement. What is distinguished about a chiropractor is the training to employ what is known in the medical profession as Manipulation to help patients. And manipulation is done by using hands to re-align or adjust joints which have been diagnosed by constrained movement. These could be joints in the spine or patients’ limbs. Chiropractors have thus earned the recognition of having more medical independence as they are able to diagnose and work on a treatment plan with patients. Their patients could be suffering from various joint or MSK pain or restricted movement. These could include low back pain, head and neck pain, hip and knee pain, even ones caused by Osteoarthritis, shoulder and elbow conditions. People who experience these pains could be suffering from chronic or ones caused by accidents or stress. Other patients who are reported to benefit from Chiropractors include migraines, especially ones which could be related to neck pain.
How can a Physiotherapist help? Opposed to Chiropractors, Physiotherapists may not be directly responsible for diagnosing pain or disorders. This, however, may differ depending on the country and the area in which the pain is experienced. One main difference from a chiropractor is utilizing what is known as Mobilisation. This involves encouraging and promoting exercise, evaluation and advice on problems, education, massage techniques and even electrical therapies. The main end goal is, like a Chiropractor to achieve free movement in restricted areas. So, the approach differs in the adoption of exercise routines to gradually regain normal control. Some Physiotherapist focus on wellbeing spas centers for their professional careers, where the pain may not be as acute or chronic as with assisting with medically diagnosed conditions.
Who should you see? The answer may be best determined by your Doctor or General Physician (GP) and they could explain and arrange with you the best route possible depending on your particular situation and the severity of the pain.
