Physiotherapy vs Chiropractic Care – A Physio’s Perspective
As a physiotherapist, I often get asked, “What’s the difference between physiotherapy and chiropractic care?” It’s a great question, and understanding the distinction can help you choose the right care for your needs. Here’s my take on the most common queries I hear in the clinic.
What’s the main difference between physiotherapy and chiropractic care?
Both professions aim to improve your quality of life, but the approaches differ. Chiropractic care is generally more focused on spinal alignment and the nervous system, with manual adjustments being the primary treatment method.
Physiotherapy, on the other hand, has a much broader scope. We don’t just focus on one part of the body; we look at how everything works together. Our goal is to restore movement, improve function, and prevent future problems using a wide variety of techniques and tools.
Why is physiotherapy often the go-to choice?
One reason people gravitate toward physiotherapy is its versatility. We can treat everything from sports injuries to post-surgical recovery, chronic pain, and even balance issues. Our treatments include:
- Hands-on techniques like massage and joint mobilisation.
- Tailored exercise programs to strengthen your body and improve mobility.
- Advanced techniques like dry needling, hydrotherapy, blood flow restriction training and the use of technology like force plates and dynamometers to give exact measures of your strength and movement.
- Education to help you prevent future injuries and stay active.
This variety allows us to customise care for just about anyone, whether you’re a weekend warrior, a desk worker, or someone recovering from surgery.
Can I see both a physiotherapist and a chiropractor?
Yes, absolutely. While physiotherapy covers a wide range of issues, some patients choose to combine care with chiropractic treatment. For example, you might use chiropractic adjustments for short-term relief and physiotherapy for rehabilitation and long-term recovery. It’s all about finding the right balance for your needs.
What conditions do physiotherapists treat?
This is one of the most exciting parts of our profession—we work with a wide range of people and conditions! Common things we help with include:
- Post-surgery rehabilitation (like knee or hip replacements).
- Sports injuries, whether you’re a professional athlete or a weekend warrior.
- Chronic conditions such as arthritis or lower back pain.
- Workplace injuries, helping you get back to work safely.
- Improving mobility and balance to reduce falls or discomfort in daily life.
Why choose physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is all about movement and recovery. What sets us apart is our holistic approach—we don’t just treat the symptoms; we tackle the root cause. Plus, our treatment plans are tailored to your goals, whether that’s running your next marathon, getting back to gardening, or simply living without pain.
How do I get started?
If you’ve been wondering whether physiotherapy can help you, book a consultation. We’ll assess your situation, answer your questions, and create a treatment plan that suits your lifestyle.
As a physio, my goal is to empower you to live your best, most active life. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or just looking to move better, physiotherapy has something to offer.
Let’s chat about how we can help—book your appointment today!
