It’s the age-old dilemma: when the niggle in your neck triggers a throbbing headache or an old sports injury has sparked a painful knee or sore back, you ask yourself should I book in to see the physiotherapist or the chiropractor? Don’t let your decision come down to a game of scissors, paper, rock. Find out which treatment is best suited to you so you can make an informed choice.
When you’re not sure which expert to visit: making the distinction between the physio and the chiro
On the surface, you could be excused for thinking chiropractic care and physiotherapy are the same: both disciplines are practiced by certified professionals and they both focus on managing pain. They even treat the same conditions with manual techniques that aim to improve your physical health and stop the pain.
But scratch the surface and you’ll find some notable differences – predominantly in the approach.
First, what’s the difference?
Physiotherapy focuses on improving a person’s mobility and reducing stiffness and pain through manual therapy. Physiotherapists can also help people with neurological conditions (Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis) and chronic diseases (diabetes, osteoarthritis) as well recover from surgery or a stroke.
Chiropractors also treat a range of musculoskeletal conditions such as neck and back pain, however, treatment is focused on spinal manipulation and the benefits are limited. And while some chiropractors claim to be able to treat non-musculoskeletal problems like ear infections, asthma and bedwetting, there is no evidence to support the claims.
It’s all in the approach
Physiotherapists take a hands-on approach, using massage, exercise and stretching to release tight muscles. They also tailor a rehabilitative exercise program to maintain improvement.
Chiropractic treatment involves using the hands to apply a controlled force to a joint of the spine – otherwise known as spinal manipulation or adjustment – to restore mobility and function.
The long term benefits of physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a preferred treatment choice for many because of its long lasting results – long term gains for short term pain – as opposed to the temporary relief from chiropractic adjustments.
That’s because physiotherapists like to identify and treat the cause of your pain rather than just the symptoms.
Spinal manipulation has shown to give only minor, short term improvements for people experiencing chronic lower back pain and it is not always an appropriate form of treatment for neck pain, according to public health information service provider Healthdirect Australia.
Knowledge is power so use it to make your choice
Not surprisingly, we’re on the side of physiotherapy because we see the benefits play out with every patient. It’s safe, it’s effective and it’s gentle. But you should choose the path that is the best fit for you.
We can evaluate and treat your injury, condition or disease, help you control the pain and restore your movement so you can live comfortably. Speak to us to find out more.