While this seemingly simple question is commonly asked by patients, the resultant practitioner response is not often as simple. If I had a dollar for every time I have been asked this, I could retire today. First and foremost, each individual practitioner in each profession treats in his own unique way. This article will endeavour to enlighten you on the basic principles of difference between the two professions and shall provide a generalised overview.
Chiropractors diagnose, treat and prevent mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, namely the spine. Their belief is that these disorders affect the nervous system and therefore one’s general health.
Physical therapy aims to maintain restore, maximise and develop one’s functional ability throughout life. Physical therapists are experts in rehabilitation and preventative therapy. It is a holistic approach to treatment that focuses not only on the physical, but the psychological, social and emotional well being of the individual through diagnosis, treatment and intervention.
Chiropractic treatment is concerned with vertebral subluxations of the spine. Treatment mainly involves spinal manipulation but can also include soft tissue therapy, electrotherapeutic modalities, exercises and health and lifestyle advice.
Physical therapy treatment involves mobilisations of joints, soft tissue massage, stretching, neuromuscular re-education, electrotherapeutic modalities and a large focus on rehabilitative exercises and a home exercise program.
Chiropractors practice autonomously and their service combines aspects from both alternative and mainstream medicine. It remains competitive with mainstream medicine and is therefore considered more of a complementary or alternative medicine.
Physical therapists on the other hand practice in numerous different settings such as outpatient clinics, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, extended care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, hospices, education and research centres, schools, occupational environments, fitness centres and private homes. Physical therapy has many specialities, the most common of which include orthopaedics, cardiopulmonary, neurologic, geriatrics and paediatrics.
Physical therapists work alongside and cooperate with mainstream medicine, largely due to the fact it is an evidence based profession that relies heavily on scientific research.
Hopefully this has provided you with a broad understanding of the fundamental differences between Chiropractors and physical therapists and has equipped you well enough to answer the notorious question.
Carla DiMattina
Chiropractors diagnose, treat and prevent mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, namely the spine. Their belief is that these disorders affect the nervous system and therefore one’s general health.
Physical therapy aims to maintain restore, maximise and develop one’s functional ability throughout life. Physical therapists are experts in rehabilitation and preventative therapy. It is a holistic approach to treatment that focuses not only on the physical, but the psychological, social and emotional well being of the individual through diagnosis, treatment and intervention.
Chiropractic treatment is concerned with vertebral subluxations of the spine. Treatment mainly involves spinal manipulation but can also include soft tissue therapy, electrotherapeutic modalities, exercises and health and lifestyle advice.
Physical therapy treatment involves mobilisations of joints, soft tissue massage, stretching, neuromuscular re-education, electrotherapeutic modalities and a large focus on rehabilitative exercises and a home exercise program.
Chiropractors practice autonomously and their service combines aspects from both alternative and mainstream medicine. It remains competitive with mainstream medicine and is therefore considered more of a complementary or alternative medicine.
Physical therapists on the other hand practice in numerous different settings such as outpatient clinics, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, extended care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, hospices, education and research centres, schools, occupational environments, fitness centres and private homes. Physical therapy has many specialities, the most common of which include orthopaedics, cardiopulmonary, neurologic, geriatrics and paediatrics.
Physical therapists work alongside and cooperate with mainstream medicine, largely due to the fact it is an evidence based profession that relies heavily on scientific research.
Hopefully this has provided you with a broad understanding of the fundamental differences between Chiropractors and physical therapists and has equipped you well enough to answer the notorious question.
Carla DiMattina 
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