The difference between osteopathy, physiotherapy and chiropractic

We get asked a lot of questions here at Not Just Backs, but there is one that pops up far more than others: How is osteopathy different from physiotherapy and chiropractic?

Our whole team here have the greatest respect for the chiropractic and physiotherapy professions. In many ways we are trying to achieve the same goals with our patients but we all use slightly different techniques…

All three techniques use manual medicine to treat a person. This means predominantly hands-on techniques or external electrical therapeutic machines like ultrasound. On top of that, all three are regulated health professions, requiring practitioners to train to degree level and to then maintain their clinical skills and professional standards.

Chiropractors tend to use quick thrust, short lever spinal manipulation techniques and term this an “adjustment”. This means placing their hands on a spot where movement is needed and “clicking” it into place. Chiropractors might also use what are termed “low force techniques” with a spinal manipulation tool like an activator. The aim is still to provide the quick thrust movement, but with a lower force than with hands on manipulation.

Physiotherapists tend to use their hands to work mainly on soft tissues like muscle, ligaments and tendons using various techniques to treat things like muscle trigger points. They are also likely to utilise electrical treatment tools like ultrasound.

Osteopaths will also use long lever techniques and be able to perform cranial osteopathy. Cranial osteopathy is unique in that some osteopaths will treat various conditions by working on the cranial joints. As primary healthcare professionals, osteopaths have a broad base of training, allowing them to diagnose, treat and advise upon a wide range of conditions. An osteopath will work to help your body return to normal function, using techniques such as movement, stretching, manipulation or deep tissue massage to help achieve the best outcome.

This is a brief overview, but the bottom line is that: Practitioners of all three disciplines vary in their treatment approaches and post qualification training, and may specialise in the treatment of specific conditions. When seeking treatment you should discuss your symptoms and concerns with your practitioner, and be sure that their skills and treatment style will suit you.

Hopefully this helped you out in learning a little bit more about the differences between osteopathic, chiropractic and physiotherapy practices. If you have more specific questions about your case, don’t hesitate to call us and we will be happy to answer your questions in a consultation.

We get asked a lot of questions here at Not Just Backs, but there is one that pops up far more than others: How is osteopathy different from physiotherapy and chiropractic?

Our whole team here have the greatest respect for the chiropractic and physiotherapy professions. In many ways we are trying to achieve the same goals with our patients but we all use slightly different techniques…

All three techniques use manual medicine to treat a person. This means predominantly hands-on techniques or external electrical therapeutic machines like ultrasound. On top of that, all three are regulated health professions, requiring practitioners to train to degree level and to then maintain their clinical skills and professional standards.

Chiropractors tend to use quick thrust, short lever spinal manipulation techniques and term this an “adjustment”. This means placing their hands on a spot where movement is needed and “clicking” it into place. Chiropractors might also use what are termed “low force techniques” with a spinal manipulation tool like an activator. The aim is still to provide the quick thrust movement, but with a lower force than with hands on manipulation.

Physiotherapists tend to use their hands to work mainly on soft tissues like muscle, ligaments and tendons using various techniques to treat things like muscle trigger points. They are also likely to utilise electrical treatment tools like ultrasound.

Osteopaths will also use long lever techniques and be able to perform cranial osteopathy. Cranial osteopathy is unique in that some osteopaths will treat various conditions by working on the cranial joints. As primary healthcare professionals, osteopaths have a broad base of training, allowing them to diagnose, treat and advise upon a wide range of conditions. An osteopath will work to help your body return to normal function, using techniques such as movement, stretching, manipulation or deep tissue massage to help achieve the best outcome.

This is a brief overview, but the bottom line is that: Practitioners of all three disciplines vary in their treatment approaches and post qualification training, and may specialise in the treatment of specific conditions. When seeking treatment you should discuss your symptoms and concerns with your practitioner, and be sure that their skills and treatment style will suit you.

Hopefully this helped you out in learning a little bit more about the differences between osteopathic, chiropractic and physiotherapy practices. If you have more specific questions about your case, don’t hesitate to call us and we will be happy to answer your questions in a consultation.