Chiropractor vs Physical Therapist: What's the Difference?

If you're experiencing back pain, neck pain, joint discomfort, or difficult moving, you may wonder whether you should see a chiropractor or a physical therapist. Both professions help people address movement, decrease pain, and function better; but their approaches and areas of emphasis can be different.

What does a Chiropractor do? A chiropractor is a doctor who is a licensed healthcare professional who focuses primarily on the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine and joints, and their relationship with the nervous system.

Chiropractic care commonly includes:

• Spinal and joint examinations

• Chiropractic adjustments or spinal manipulation

• Evaluation of posture and movement

• Treatment of joint restrictions and movility problems

• Exercises and stretching recommendations

• Lifestyle and ergonomic advice

Depending on the chiropractor and state regulations, additional services may include X-rays, soft-tissue techniques, rehabilitation exercises, or other therapies.

One of the primary tools only chiropractors use is the chiropractic adjustment, which is intended to improve joint mobility and function. What does a Physical Therapist do?

A physical therapist is a licensed professional who specializes in helping people restore muscle movement, strength, balance and physical function.

Physical therapy commonly includes:

• Strengthening exercises

• Stretching and flexibility exercises

• Balance and coordination training

• Rehabilitation following injuries or surgery

• Movement and gait training

• Therapeutic exercises

• Education and home exercise programs
  

Physical therapists frequently work with patients recovering from orthopedic injuries, surgeries, strokes, neurological conditions, and other problems affecting movement and function.

What's the Main Difference?

A simple way to understand the difference is that chiropractors often place greater emphasis on the spine, joints, joint mobility, and spinal manipulation, while physical therapists often place greater emphasis on exercise, strengthening, rehabilitation and restoring movement. There is also considerable overlap between the chiropractic and physical therapy. Many chiropractors incorporate exercises and rehabilitation into their care.

Which One Should You See?

The right choice depends on your condition and your goals. If your primary concern involves back pain, neck pain, spinal or joint mobility, or a problem that may benefit from spinal or joint manipulation and improve the nervous system function, a chiropractor may be a good place to start.

If you are primarily recovering from surgery or an injury and need progressive strengthening, balance training, gait training, or extensive rehabilitation, a physical therapist may be particularly appropriate.

In some cases, chiropractic care and physical therapy can complement eachother.

The Bottom Line Chiropractors and Physical Therapists share obtaining health goals. The biggest difference is usually in the methods they emphasize. Chiropractic care commonly focuses on the spine, nervous system and joints and may use adjustments to improve mobility and function. Physical therapy commonly focuses on exercise and rehabilitation to restore strength, flexibility and physical function.

If you're unusure which approach is appropriate for you, we can do an evaluation to see what qualified healthcare professional is the best course of care. We are here to help you; reach out with any questions or concerns you may have.