When you’re suffering from musculoskeletal problems, the path to recovery can often be long and complex. Most people will use a variety of treatments on this path, from home remedies to medication to physical therapy and chiropractic care. Until you become familiar with these options, many people think of chiropractic care and physical therapy as similar or even the same and may not understand the difference. While they often serve similar goals, chiropractors and physical therapists also have some key differences that mean they may be right for you at different points during your recovery. If you’re curious what the primary differences are between the two, read on.
What Physical Therapists Do
You may see physical therapists called physiotherapists or PTs. These professionals are focused primarily on your ability to move or function without pain to boost your quality of life. The goal of physical therapy treatment will be built around achieving the highest level of movement possible for your body to enable functioning during daily life and activities. To achieve this goal, physical therapists will work with you to perform guided stretches and exercises and develop long-term plans to stay active and healthy.
When you visit a physical therapist, they will start by evaluating your pain and other symptoms as well as current flexibility and range of motion. This will help them to develop a regimen of stretches, exercises, or hands-on manipulations that allow the body to get stronger and move better over time. In some cases, many avoid surgery with physical therapy. In addition to directly addressing any injuries or problems, a physical therapist will take a long-term approach to your care and educate you on ways to prevent more damage in the future, like better posture. These treatments can be paired with at-home remedies like heat or cold therapy and additional stretches that become part of an overall wellness plan to support your continued health. Some treatment plans will only require a few sessions, while others will be a long-term recovery.
What Chiropractors Do
Chiropractic care is a form of healthcare that operates under a philosophy that the body can heal itself when the right interventions are performed. It is a natural and holistic practice that avoids medication and surgery wherever possible, instead working on aligning the spine to improve the function of the body’s many complex systems. Many people seek chiropractic care in response to an injury or chronic pain, though it can also be used as a preventative tool. By focusing on the alignment of the spine, chiropractic care aims to keep the musculoskeletal and nervous systems functioning properly to avoid a range of adverse health impacts.
Visiting a chiropractor will also start out with a thorough evaluation of your symptoms and medical history. This allows your chiropractor to determine the root cause of your issue and make a plan for how to address it. From there, they provide manual adjustments to the impacted areas of the body to promote alignment, manage pain, and reduce inflammation. They may also recommend exercises or lifestyle changes to perform at home.
When to Visit Which Doctor
While there may be some crossover between the use cases for a chiropractor and a physical therapist, they may also be useful in different scenarios.
Physical therapy is usually recommended in response to an event that causes limited movement, such as a car accident injury, surgery, or other health condition. Any scenario where you may need to regain strength or movement is a good time to begin physical therapy. Many people with conditions such as osteoarthritis, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease will benefit from long-term physical therapy as well.
Chiropractic care is often used for the same scenarios as physical therapy, especially when an accident or injury has occurred. However, chiropractic care is also a good choice for preventative care, and many people visit even before a health issue presents itself. It can also be good for minor problems that are not currently inhibiting your daily life but may worsen without attention.
Choosing the Right Treatment for You
In short, physical therapists and chiropractors can serve very similar and complementary functions. Rather than feeling like you need to pick the doctor that is right for you, the answer may be a combination of practices that helps to align your spine while also promoting better movement and strength.
At AICA Orthopedics, our staff includes both chiropractors and physical therapists, along with a range of other specialists. They are able to work together to create comprehensive care plans that address your issues at their root, help you to gain strength, and prevent further issues from occurring. Contact AICA Orthopedics today to begin a path to personalized recovery.
