Differences Between a Chiropractor and a Physio?
Multiple patients often ask us the difference between a Chiropractor and a Physiotherapist
I have noticed multiple differences between both professions which makes each unique and better suited to different individuals with different conditions.
1. Muscle vs Joint
Chiropractors often focus more attention on the movement of our joints, in particular the spinal joints. This is because imbalance and restriction in these joints can cause loss of motion and muscular compensation patterns.
Physios often will look more in to the muscles of our body and look to address muscular imbalances directly, relaxing tight muscles through massage therapy and strengthening weak muscles through exercise and rehabilitation.
2. Mobilisations vs Adjustments
When the problem is being caused by joint restrictions, Chiropractors will often resolve this issue with a series of Chiropractic adjustments, these are defined as high velocity, low amplitude thrusts applied to the spine or extremity joint to help improve mobility and joint function.
Physios often use lighter gentler techniques such as joint mobilisations or stretching techniques to help ease the joints to work easier and more efficiently.
3. Exercises
For Physiotherapists, exercise and rehabilitation is integral to help their clients with their pains. Physios will often perform detailed assessments and provide bespoke rehab plans equipped with multiple exercises designed to help the muscle, ligament, soft tissue heal to the best of its ability .For cases such as ligament or muscle tears affecting sporting performance, physios are a great option.
Chiropractors also provide exercise advice but usually not in as greater detail as Physios. Here at JS Chiropractic, we provide all our patients 2-3 easy simple exercises to do from home that will only take 5-10 minutes a day and will help maximise their recovery.
To conclude both professions have their benefits but when used together can be an excellent team helping address patient issues from both a Chiropractic “lets get the joint moving properly” approach and a Physio “lets get the muscle working better” approach.