Differences Between Chiropractic Care and Physical Therapy

Chiropractic care and physical therapy (physiotherapy) have several similarities. Both disciplines help treat and manage pain, discomfort, or stiffness in the body. Trained specialists or licensed professionals practice these two disciplines. The difference between the two practices is in the approach. The goal is the same, but the main difference lies in how the goal is attained.

Chiropractic Care and Physical Therapy - Similarities

Both these procedures aim to manage pain and discomfort using non-surgical and non-invasive techniques. They focus on the wellness of the patient beyond what he or she is experiencing at the time. Both techniques rely heavily on hands-on or manual therapy to treat different conditions.

The two disciplines are often used to treat the same conditions. The specialists in these fields do the following:

Evaluate the symptoms
Take the medical history of the patient
Carry out some tests
Come up with a comprehensive treatment plan

Chiropractic Care and Physical Therapy - Differences

There are some key differences between the two disciplines. With chiropractic care, pain relief and spinal realignment are the key goals. With physical therapy, pain-free movement is the primary goal. Chiropractors perform adjustments and manipulations, allowing the body to heal itself.

To improve the patient’s mobility, physical therapists use:

Stretches
Exercises
Manipulations

Physical therapy can be performed anywhere. However, chiropractors need special equipment and spaces to perform the therapy techniques.

Getting Chiropractic Care

Chiropractors use the hands-on approach to treat inflammation and pain. They do this by manipulating certain parts of the body. This care works on the principle that the body can heal itself with some interventions.

This care does not involve the use of medication or surgery. The therapy treats different conditions, and it is beneficial to people of all ages. Chiropractic treatment focuses on the body’s nervous and musculoskeletal systems.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care

Getting chiropractic care is beneficial for long-term health needs. The chiropractor will use techniques such as spinal manipulation to reduce pain and inflammation. Patients with chronic conditions can benefit from the care. The fact that it is non-invasive means that you do not have to worry about harmful side effects.

This care makes use of different techniques to treat various conditions. The professionals here design individualized treatment programs for each patient. The care helps treat issues including back pain, neck pain, joint pain, and headaches.

Choosing the Right Treatment

In choosing the treatment that is right for you, professional advice is important. You need to consider your condition as well as your specific needs or desired goal. In some cases, both therapies may be necessary to improve your overall quality of life. Your doctor can recommend the best treatment to alleviate your specific symptoms.

It is always advisable to get non-invasive treatment before you try other options. Getting chiropractic care will ensure you avoid harmful side effects such as addiction to medications.

For more on the benefits of chiropractic care and physical therapy or to schedule an appointment, call Brookdale Health in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota at (763) 561-4045 today.