Chiropractors and Physiotherapists: What's the Difference ?
Chiropractors and Physiotherapists: What’s the Difference?
If you’ve been experiencing chronic pain, chances are you’ve been doing some research on treating it. In your searches, you’ve probably come across two different specialists who could help you treat your symptoms: a chiropractor, and a physiotherapist.
The two professions have quite a bit of overlap. Both treat joint/musculoskeletal problems in efforts to improve movement and strength, reduce pain and help your body regain its full function. But what exactly is the difference between a chiropractor and a physiotherapist?
In short, a chiropractor uses manipulation while a physiotherapist is more likely to use mobilization techniques to treat your pain. But, of course, there is a long answer, as well.
How Chiropractors Treat Pain
When you see a chiropractor, they will find signs of restricted movement in your body and use their hands to adjust your spine and restore normal body function. These movements are gentle, but specific manipulation techniques that aim to make you move better and more freely.
Chiropractors treat common acute and chronic low back including sciatica, but they can also tension headaches and dizziness that is related to the neck, as well as extremity joint conditions.
How Physiotherapists Treat Pain
Physiotherapists, on the other hand, use techniques outside of movements with their hands. This can include manual therapy, acupuncture, electrical therapies, and ultrasound. When you book an appointment with a physiotherapist, they will treat your pain using a range of manipulation and massage techniques, electrical therapies and exercises. This toolkit of techniques complements one another to heal and restore movement in the body.
Physiotherapists also treat back pain, neck pain, and sciatica, but they also commonly see patients with arthritis, swelling in joints, repetitive strain injury, sports injuries and cartilage, ligament and tendon damage.
Should I See A Chiropractor Or A Physio?
Now that you know the differences in how they treat pain, which specialist should you see for the pain you’re experiencing? It can be reduced down to the part of your body that hurts: If you are experiencing back or neck pain, you could benefit greatly from a visit with a chiropractor. Meanwhile, if you have experienced a sports injury to your arm or leg, then a physiotherapist can help you rehabilitate and restore function.
Are You Exploring Chiropractors in Lubbock Texas for Your Back Pain? Contact West Texas Neck & Back!
West Texas Neck & Back is the leading provider of spinal decompression treatments. Our chiropractic treatments are non-invasive, simple, and most of all – effective! Contact us today to set up an appointment and start taking your life back!