What Is The Difference Between A Physical Therapist And A Chiropractor?
This is a very frequently asked question. A physical therapist and a chiropractor are not the same, although they have similar activities. In both maneuvers and movements are performed that help us when there is pain.
These two professions have a different training. Upon graduation from each, a license to practice them is obtained. This license authorizes to work independently, in a specialty hospital or in a general clinic.
Find out below what are the differences between a physiotherapist and a chiropractor so that you are clear when requesting care.
What is a physical therapist?
To be a physiotherapist, you need to study a degree in physical therapy or physiotherapy. Physical therapists focus on treating muscle, ligament, and joint injuries. They support patients to learn how to use them again.
A physical therapist also works in conjunction with the rehabilitation team. The classic example is the recovery process after knee surgery.
What diagnoses does a physical therapist make?
To reach an accurate diagnosis, the physical therapist must know the complete case of the patient, including the medical diagnosis. You will then be able to make a physical therapy diagnosis. For this you will use one of two main systems:
- The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health of the World Health Organization (WHO).
- The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) System.
Although both are systems Different diagnostic tests coincide in that they identify the part of the body affected by injuries or surgeries, indicate whether the affected body part performs movements or has a sensitivity function, measure the limitation that results from the affected body part, and determine the general impact of the injury in the patient’s life.
What treatments does a physical therapist perform?
After having made the physiotherapy diagnosis, the treatment stage begins. The physical therapist will evaluate the functional prognosis for the program to be used.
The most commonly used approaches can be divided into the following:
- Therapies and manual exercises: m asoterapia, m muscle and myofascial mobilizations, t lymphatic drainage techniques, k inesiotherapy.
- Treatments using physical and natural agents: u Ultrasound hot or cold, h idroterapia, m agnetotherapy, and transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS).
What is a chiropractor?
Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who use manipulation of parts of the body. One of the main characteristics of chiropractic is to focus on the spine and the nervous system.
They generally use techniques of adjustment and spinal manipulation. These maneuvers are applied to reduce pain and inflammation. Its main objective is to correct postural problems. They have as part of their philosophy support the body’s natural ability to heal itself .
What diagnoses does a chiropractor make?
Chiropractic diagnoses focus on problems that affect the nerves, muscles, bones, and joints. If necessary, you can also order X-rays to look at the position of bones and joints.
Another part of the diagnosis is made by palpating the joints of the spine. The goal of palpation is to identify problems and their possible causes.
What treatments does a chiropractor perform?
In chiropractic various approaches are used. In addition to the techniques of adjustment and spinal manipulation are the following:
- Hot and cold therapies .
- Electrical stimulation techniques .
- Relaxation exercises and lifestyle changes.
- Nutritional guides and diet supplements.
Main Similarities Between Physiotherapist and Chiropractor
Physical therapists and chiropractors have a common goal: relieve your patients . However, they use different techniques and ways to achieve it.
Among the main similarities of both professions are the following:
- They use manual techniques and therapies that include body movements.
- They seek to control pain through non-invasive techniques and without surgery.
- They can treat the same ailment in a complementary way.
- They offer comprehensive wellness plans for their patients.
- They examine patients and perform diagnoses, treatments, and prognoses.
- They are health professions authorized to practice under license.
Main differences between the physiotherapist and the chiropractor
Just as they have several similarities, there are also very marked differences between both disciplines:
- Physiotherapy has as one of its objectives the painless movement . Instead, chiropractic focuses on relieving pain by align the column.
- Physical therapists help the patient with exercises and stretches to improve your mobility. In contrast, the chiropractor it seeks the body to heal itself with manipulations and adjustments.
- The physical therapist observes how the body moves and works as a whole . Chiropractor focuses on pain of back, neck, joints and head.
Physiotherapy or Chiropractic?
To determine what type of therapy is needed, the following question must be answered: what condition or discomfort do you suffer from? In the same way, it will be necessary to identify if there are other specific needs.
So it depends of the condition if physical therapy or chiropractic care is required. Both disciplines should alleviate pain and improve quality of life.
Physical therapists may specialize in population groups, such as children or older adults. Or they can do it for types of injuries, such as sports or post-surgical.
The chiropractor’s care is focused on disorders of the nervous and musculoskeletal system. Their principle is that the body heal itself.
The doctor’s advice is important in deciding the type of therapy needed. He can recommend the appropriate one based on the clinical picture.
