Physio vs Chiro: What’s the difference?

It can be difficult to seek treatments if you aren’t sure exactly how treatments differ. If there is a specific physical issue you are experiencing, choosing the correct type of treatment for you is important. Below we offer a guide to the differences between physiotherapy and chiropractic.

What is physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is a proven discipline to help treat and prevent physical injury. It works to restore function and movement to muscles and can help the rehabilitation process after injuries, as well as provide pre and post-op rehab. It is often a hands-on treatment method that includes putting a treatment plan together based on sports massage, acupuncture and other techniques.

What is a physiotherapist?

A physiotherapist is a trained individual who practises physiotherapy, assessing and treating patients affected by injury, disability or health conditions.

What is chiropractic?

This is a form of alternative medicine based on diagnoses, treatment and preventative treatment techniques of the musculoskeletal system, commonly focused on the spine and joints, and their connection to the nervous system. When people think of chiropractic, they think of joints being ‘cracked’ but this is just one adjustment technique. Overall, chiropractors use various adjustments to restore joint function and support the nervous system. 

What is a chiropractor?

This is a professional who practises chiropractic treatment. With an emphasis on hands-on adjustment and manipulation of the spin, they aim to diagnose and treat biomechanical issues.

The differences

Physiotherapy:

• Focuses on the whole body and how it functions
• Based on recovering mobility and improving performance with range of movement, flexibility and strength. 
• Physios can apply treatment dynamically in a range of environments
• Movement is the ultimate aim.

Chiropractic:

• Focuses more so on spine, joints, back and neck pain.
• Based on performing manipulations and adjustments to help the body heal itself and relieve pain.
• Chiropractors often need a specialised space to perform treatment techniques
• Alignment is the ultimate aim.

In order to decide the best treatment for you…

Physiotherapy may be more suited if:

• You experience pain during movement or exercise
• You have limited physical movement following an injury, surgery or health condition
• You require an improvement in muscular strength or range of movement

Chiropractic may be more suited if:

• You experience musculoskeletal pain in your back, neck or joints
• You are experiencing headaches due to injury
• Your skeletal system or nervous system is causing issues that need aligning

Contact Cairnhill Physiotherapy today and book an appointment with an expert physio who can help you diagnose any issues and inform you of a treatment plan.