Aches and pains related to muscles, joints and bones can be a common experience for many people. When these issues pop up, you may wonder who you should see: a physical therapist or a chiropractor? Both professions aim to help people improve their movement and feel better. They share some similarities, such as:
- Focus on musculoskeletal health.
- Noninvasive treatment approaches.
- Goal of improved movement and reduced pain.
However, there are also key differences in their philosophies and approaches. It’s important to consider these differences to help you determine who is best suited to help your specific needs.
Key differences: Physical therapist vs. chiropractor
The core differences between a physical therapist and a chiropractor include:
- Focus — Physical therapists take a holistic view, considering your entire body and how it moves. They focus on helping to restore and improve your overall movement patterns and function. Chiropractors primarily focus on the spine and its connection to the nervous system, as misalignments in the spine can cause various health problems.
- Treatment techniques — Physical therapists use a variety of techniques, including therapeutic exercises, manual therapy and patient education. Therapeutic exercises are designed to help strengthen specific muscles, increase flexibility, and improve balance and coordination. Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques like joint mobilization and stretching to help improve movement and reduce pain. Patient education can empower you with tools and exercises to help you manage your condition and prevent future injuries. Chiropractors primarily use spinal adjustments, applying a quick, controlled force to manipulate specific joints in the spine. They may also use other therapies like massage, heat therapy and electrical stimulation.
- Treatment length — Physical therapy sessions often involve a series of visits with gradual progression toward independent management. A physical therapy plan may start with two to three visits per week. These visits will gradually decrease as you learn exercises and self-care techniques to manage your condition on your own. An ultimate goal of physical therapy is to help equip you with the tools and knowledge to potentially help prevent future injuries and maintain optimal movement. Chiropractic care can be more variable in terms of treatment length. Some patients may go for chiropractic adjustments for immediate pain relief and may only require a few visits. Others may choose to have ongoing chiropractic care as a form of preventive maintenance. This involves scheduling regular adjustments to help maintain spinal health.
What does a physical therapist do?
A physical therapist undergoes extensive training in anatomy, physiology and exercise science. During a physical therapy session, you may expect:
- Detailed evaluation — Your physical therapist will ask questions about your medical history, symptoms and lifestyle. They may also do tests to assess your range of motion, strength and coordination.
- Personalized treatment plan — Based on your evaluation, they will design a program specific to your needs, which may include:
- Exercises tailored to your goals and limitations.
- Manual therapy techniques to help address pain and improve joint mobility.
- Education on proper movement patterns and preventive strategies.
Why use physical therapy?
Physical therapy can be beneficial for a variety of situations, including:
- Recovering from injury or surgery — Physical therapy can help strengthen muscles, improve flexibility and restore function after an injury or surgery. Common injuries and surgeries include a torn ACL or rotator cuff repair.
- Managing chronic conditions — Physical therapy can help manage pain associated with conditions like arthritis, back pain and neuropathy.
- Improving mobility and performance — Physical therapy can help athletes improve their performance and prevent future injuries by optimizing movement patterns and strengthening core muscles.
- Posture correction and balance training — Physical therapy can help improve your posture and balance, reducing your risk of falls and improving your overall well-being.
What does a chiropractor do?
Chiropractors primarily focus on the spine and its connection to the nervous system. A typical chiropractic treatment may include:
- Spinal adjustments — Chiropractors use their hands or special instruments to apply a quick, controlled thrust to a specific joint in the spine to improve alignment.
- Other therapies — Some chiropractors may also use massage, heat therapy and electrical stimulation alongside adjustments.
Why use chiropractic care?
Chiropractic care can be helpful for:
- Back pain, neck pain and headaches — Many people seek chiropractic care for back pain, neck pain and headaches; misalignments in the spine can contribute to these issues.
- Improving joint mobility — Chiropractic adjustments can often improve joint mobility and range of motion.
- Pain management — Chiropractic care may offer pain relief for some musculoskeletal issues.
Choosing your path to recovery with REPAIR SI
The world of musculoskeletal health can feel complex, but with a better understanding of physical therapists and chiropractors, you’re well on your way to choosing the path that can best support your recovery. If you’re unsure which path to choose or if you’re curious about the potential benefits of both, our experienced team at REPAIR SI can help. We can help identify the root cause of your pain and assess whether physical therapy, chiropractic care or a combination of both would be most effective for your needs. We are committed to helping you get back to moving with confidence and better ease, and we can help guide you toward the recovery path that’s right for you.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.