A chiropractor focuses primarily on the alignment of the bones and joints, as well as on disorders and injuries of the musculoskeletal system. In contrast, a physical therapist is primarily a movement specialist who evaluates how the whole body functions and moves.
If your back or joints feel locked, stiff, and sore or maybe haven't responded to other treatments, then a consultation with a chiropractor is recommended. Soft tissue problems are more commonly treated by physiotherapists as well as joint and muscular problems which are restricting movement and causing pain.
Chiropractic and osteopathy may provide some pain relief for trapped nerve symptoms, but physiotherapy is the most effective treatment for long-term pain relief and recovery.
We are often asked whether you can combine Chiropractic care with other modalities such as Physiotherapy or massage. The short answer to this question is that you can, of course, but at the right time. This blog post will give a few handy tips and tricks to help you know when the right time is for you.
In general, it is fair to say that the major difference in approach is that Chiropractors and Osteopaths tend to think joint first then muscle, whereas Physiotherapists will think muscle first then joint.
I would suggest that although both professions do promote that they treat/manage all muscle and joint issues, osteopaths however predominantly treat more spinal problems such as lower back and neck pain. Overall osteopaths treat fewer peripheral joints, e.g. the shoulder, wrist/hand, knee and ankle/foot.
If you constantly sleep wrong and wake up with back pain, leg pain, or neck pain, again, a chiropractor is probably your best ticket to pain relief. Conversely, if you're suffering from infertility, digestion issues, or even the common cold, an osteopath may be the better option for you.
Which profession should you see first? If you are suffering from a mild case of sciatica, visit a physiotherapist first. He or she will help you to identify the cause of your pain, which will help you avoid it in the future. You can then visit a chiropractor for treatment, if necessary.
Physical therapists use spinal manipulation and other manual therapy techniques to get your spine back where it's supposed to be. These techniques, combined with exercise, help get your bones moving properly and your muscles functioning correctly. This may also help relieve pain related to the spinal misalignment.
[3][4] Manipulation techniques as part of manual therapy to improve an individual's movement potential are common within a physiotherapist's scope of practice. [5] In fact, the lumbar spine is the second most common site of manipulation by UK physiotherapists.
A physiotherapist will perform a series of tests that will determine exactly which nerve is irritated and where it is getting pinched. The location of your symptoms or the specific muscles that are painful or have lost power will help to determine the exact nerve that needs to be treated.
A chiropractor can use adjustments to release a pinched nerve, addressing the root cause of the issue. This can help someone recover without requiring invasive procedures or medications that could otherwise lead to side effects.
Chiropractors today often work in conjunction with primary care doctors, pain experts, and surgeons to treat patients with pain. The most positive research on chiropractic therapy has focused on spinal manipulation for low back pain.
The amount of time it takes to heal from a pinched nerve depends on the severity of your injury and the treatment you receive. For minor injuries, you may only need a few days of rest and chiropractic care to feel better. More severe injuries may require weeks or even months of treatment before you see improvement.
Usually, when you get manual manipulation of the spine to correct any of the issues you may be suffering from. In a basic case (noticeable postural changes, one zone of mild pain/ no pain), this initial process takes adults about 2-3 weeks with two spinal corrections throughout the week.
Stretching your back daily is something everyone should do, as the benefits are numerous. Stretching your back reduces tension in the muscles that support the spine, improves the range of your motion, and decreases the risk of back pain. It also helps you keep an ideal alignment.
Any easy starting point to remember the differences between the 3 professions; For Chiropractors think – spine, joints, manipulation, posture and maintenance. Osteopaths think muscle, ligaments, stretching, mobilisation and massage. Physiotherapy thinks rehabilitation, massage, peripheral joints and injury management.
Sciatica can be treated effectively through physical therapy, however in severe (acute or chronic) cases, the combined effect of physical therapy and acupuncture will ensure the outcome to be highly successful.
Chronic Disease Management (CDM)/ Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) Plans/ Medicare rebates are some common names for plans that you can get a partial rebate for your osteopathic appointments. So YES, Osteopathy can be partially covered by medicare!
Once determined, vertebral and pelvic malalignment caused by the protruding disc must be treated so that the exercises to reposition the disc can be maximally effective. This is most effectively done with a chiropractic adjustment.