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Chiropractic vs Physiotherapy: What’s Right For You?

Writer's picture: Spinalive ChiropracticSpinalive Chiropractic

Updated: Jun 3, 2022

With both being strong complementary care options for pain management and healing, the chiropractic vs physiotherapy debate can be confusing. Don’t worry, however; we’re here to break it down for you.


The Big Debate


When in search of an appropriate solution to pain or symptoms of it, having a wide variety of available options can be confusing. That’s why it’s important to have all the information you need before embarking on your healing journey.


Before we get to the differences of the chiropractic vs physiotherapy debate, let’s take a look at some ways they are similar.


Both Chiropractors and Physiotherapists:


● Practice non-invasive and non-surgical methods of providing pain relief.

● Have undergone years of study and training to acquire their treatment licenses.

● May use physical modalities like heat or electrical stimulation to help.

Provide in-depth wellness plans that extend to changing their patients’ ways of life; this can include proposing new diets, exercise plans, and other significant lifestyle changes.

● Need to be provided with in-depth information and an accurate history to make informed and personalised recommendations for your treatment.

● There is no real basis to the chiropractic vs physiotherapy debate, as the areas of study differ quite substantially. Therefore, they cannot truly be comparable, so much as they are complementary to one another.


The chiropractic vs physiotherapy debate can be confusing, but we're here to clear that up!
The chiropractic vs physiotherapy debate can be confusing, but we're here to clear that up!

When Should I See A Chiropractor?


A Chiropractor diagnoses and treats conditions of the nervous system, including the brain and spinal column, as well as the musculoskeletal system which encompasses the bones, cartilage, joints, muscles, nerves, and tendons. In general, a chiropractor is concerned with adjusting or realigning the spinal column to provide pain relief. The chiropractor’s focus lies mainly on the back and spine, and they utilise a variety of tools and techniques to help with their spinal adjustments.


It is advisable to see a chiropractor when you are suffering from pain related to your spine and back. Following a discussion and tests, a chiropractor will suggest a method of treatment, and if agreed upon, will perform the required spinal manipulation. This essentially releases pressure within the spine, and also pressure that may be compressing your spinal nerves. The goal is to make the necessary manipulations so that your body can heal on its own.


Depending on the severity of your symptoms, injuries, or disease, more sessions may be required to fully treat the pain. However, the choice is always in your hands, and your chiropractor will always present options that are appropriate for your individual needs.



Spinalive Physiotherapy - Deep Tissue Therapy

When Should I See A Physiotherapist?


Although often misunderstood in the chiropractic vs physiotherapy debate, physiotherapists do distinct work. While the former is concerned with the nervous system and spine, and adjustments to promote the health of both, physiotherapists focus on promoting pain-free movements throughout the entirety of the body. This, in turn, promotes a better quality of life, helping sufferers of injury, accident, or disease regain some measure of independence.


Physiotherapists frequently prescribe home exercises and stretches for their patients to do; with daily repetitions, patients have reported increased rates of improvement and better mobility and functionality. A physiotherapist will also provide insight into making better lifestyle choices and decisions, so their patients are able to prevent further injury or worsening of their conditions. The physiotherapist outlook is one that entails a holistic way of life, which means bigger lifestyle changes will often be proposed alongside treatment.

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