Chiropractors and physical therapists have some similarities when it comes to what they do. Both practices treat and manage pain and stiffness in your body, and they are licensed professionals who attend graduate school to practice. However, they can differ in some areas, so we’re going to discuss the differences between a chiropractor and a physical therapist and how you know which one you should visit.
Critical Differences Between Chiropractors and Physical Therapists
One of the primary goals of physical therapy is to achieve pain-free movement of your body. Chiropractors focus on pain relief and the alignment of your spine. Physiotherapy focuses on how the body moves and functions as a whole, whereas chiropractic care focuses on back pain, neck and joint pain, and headaches. In physical therapy, you’ll perform stretches and exercises to improve your mobility. Chiropractors perform manipulations and adjustments to help your body heal itself. Lastly, physical therapists work in almost any healthcare environment, including your home. Chiropractors usually need unique spaces and equipment to perform the adjustments and manipulations.
What does a Physical Therapist do?
Physical therapists will begin with an evaluation of your condition. Then they will guide you through stretches and exercises and educate you on ways to stay active and healthy. Some of their treatments include an evaluation, exercises, stretches, posture education, hot and cold therapy, and a wellness plan. It will probably take a few sessions to see improvement, but a chronic condition might require long-term treatment.
What does a Chiropractor do?
Chiropractic care is based on the philosophy that your body can heal itself with a chiropractor’s interventions. Chiropractic care covers people of all ages and a wide range of conditions. However, it mostly focuses on the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. A chiropractor might evaluate your condition using physical exams or tests, perform adjustments or manipulation to decrease pain and inflammation, discuss other forms of treatment, or recommend some at-home exercises or lifestyle adjustments.
Which One is Right for Me?
The type of care you need depends on the condition you have. You might even benefit from seeing both to relieve pain and improve your quality of life. It’s important to talk to your doctor about your options and which one is the best for you.
If you have pain or find it hard to move around easily and feel that PT or chiropractic care could be right for you, call Tieperman Health and Wellness in Frisco, TX today! We have experts in chiropractic treatment and physical therapy who would be happy to help you get back to pain-free living.