There are great similarities between physiotherapy and chiropractic care. For instance, both disciplines treat stiffness and pain in the body and are offered by licensed professionals. However, the difference comes in the approaches, says a chiropractor in Lewes, DE. Below is a closer look at the two disciplines to analyze their benefits and differences. Plus, it helps you know how to choose the right one between the two for your mobility and pain problems.
Similarities Between Chiropractic Care and Physiotherapy
Both chiropractors and physiotherapists have similar objectives. However, they use different approaches to achieve them. Below are some similarities between the two professionals.
Both use hands-on therapy to handle specific conditions
Both evaluate symptoms by examining health history, exams, and order tests
Both may co-treat or treat the same body condition
Both focus on pain and discomfort management using nonsurgical and non-invasive techniques
Both focus on wellness plans beyond the treatment
Both are licensed professionals who have undergone thorough training and education.
Key Differences
Chiropractic Care
- Misalignment of your spine and Pain relief as the primary goal
- Focuses on back, joint, and neck pains as well as headaches, leg, and arm pains.
- Performs adjustments or manipulations to help your body heal itself
- Require specialized equipment and spaces to perform manipulations and adjustments
Physiotherapy
- Pain-free mobility is the primary goal
- Focuses on body mobility and functioning
- Helps you perform exercises and stretches to improve your body mobility
- Work in any space like your home or healthcare environment
Chiropractic Treatment Approach
A chiropractor views the body as possessing inherent interconnectedness and can heal itself. This is the principle that guides the use of non-invasive treatment approaches but hands-on to heal patients and help them cope with their conditions.
The first thing a chiropractor does is to assess the body and your spinal as well as muscular misalignment bringing about the stress within your central nervous system, resulting in acute or chronic pain.
They examine if you have a neck or back injury. The doctor treats musculoskeletal issues like:
Low back pain, neck, and back pain
Sports injuries
Sciatica pain
Whiplash and other vehicular accident injuries
Chronic headaches
Arthritis
Besides, chiropractors use their extensive knowledge and experience to further specialize in orthopedics, pediatrics, nutrition, and sports medicine.
Physiotherapy Treatment Approach
Here, the specialists diagnose physical abnormalities to restore their strength and improve their balance. Plus, they help patients gain a greater sense of mobility and range of motion. The professionals can identify health risks and engage you directly to improve your wellbeing and overall fitness.
Physiotherapists develop a personalized plan based on your underlying condition and focus on your long-term rehabilitation to prevent future injuries and restore your health. You can visit a physiotherapist to get remedy and treatment for reasons like:
Surgery recovery
Sports injuries
Increase mobility for an aging adult
Recover from diseases like stroke or multiple sclerosis
Just like chiropractors, specialists can specialize in geriatrics, sports medicine, and occupational therapy.
Verdict
Both physiotherapy and Chiropractors are complimenting therapies that benefit your overall wellbeing. If you have a spinal injury or injury touching on your spine, you may want to consider a chiropractor as their treatment is more centered on stimulating your spine and correcting misalignment causing your injury.
However, both professionals restore your health and prevent the possibility of future injuries. Your choice of who to prefer should solely depend on the nature of your injury. This is a personal decision that boils down to your underlying condition and current level of health.
Conclusion
It’s essential that you maintain good posture to relax your spine alignment and eliminate undue pressure on the spine. This helps prevent future spinal problems, joint, and muscle pains. Combine good posture with regular stretching exercises to build physical strength to prevent chronic pain. Chiropractors are well-versed in spinal health and treatment.
