What Is The Difference Between a Physiotherapist and a Chiropractor?
If you’re experiencing pain from an injury, long term discomfort & stiffness doing everyday activities, you are probably wondering whether you should see a physiotherapist or a chiropractor (or both). What are the advantages and specialties of each one? These are very common questions I hear.
On the surface, physiotherapists and chiropractors seem very similar, but there are some notable differences between them. While both are trained specialists to help you move and feel better, and both offer a wide range of benefits, there are specific reasons and scenarios in which you may want to choose a physiotherapist or a chiropractor.
What is a
Chiropractor
The main difference between a physiotherapist and a chiropractor has to do with the spine. A chiropractor focuses more on the diagnosis and treatment of the spine, including mobility and functionality, as well as neurological tissues and the nervous system. Chiropractors often treat headaches, repetitive strain issues, neck pain, leg pain and back pain using manual techniques to manipulate the spine and return it to a normal state. Often, many problems with the spine affect other areas of the body, and a chiropractic adjustment can help to alleviate these issues.
If you are in search for a chiropractor in Phuket make sure to click here to see a directory.
What is a
Physiotherapist
A physiotherapist, on the other hand, focuses more on body movement patterns and functionality of specific body parts and joints such as the shoulders, hips, wrists and ankles. Physiotherapists aim to improve muscle weaknesses or imbalances which can be due to injuries, surgery, or repetitive strain. We also handle more post-surgical or post-stroke rehabilitations than chiropractors normally do. Overall, with physiotherapy there is a larger emphasis on using specific, targeted exercises for rehabilitating muscles and restoring movement.
Looking for physios in Phuket? Click here for a directory on physio clinics located in Phuket
