Many times, people are torn between a chiropractor vs physical therapist. Regarding the treatment of musculoskeletal pain especially, this is true.

Reducing discomfort and enhancing movement are two things both experts stress. Still, their methods and approaches may vary significantly.

Knowing the main variations between a chiropractor and a physical therapist can help you choose the one best for your situation. We shall discuss in this post the five primary differences between these two healthcare providers.

Read on!

Treatment Techniques

Chiropractors concentrate on spinal manipulations and corrections. They increase functioning and assist ease discomfort. They contend that a range of health issues can result from spinal misalignments. Conversely, physical therapists rely on:

• exercises
• stretches
• other rehabilitation techniques

These can all assist in restoring movement and building muscles. Over time they concentrate on increasing mobility, balance, and flexibility. Chiropractors employ hands-on approaches. Exercise regimens catered to the patient’s needs form more of a reliance on physical therapists.

Education and Training

Chiropractors must complete a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree after earning an undergraduate degree. Their course of instruction emphasizes manual treatment and spinal health. Physical therapist education, however, involves earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.

This requires coursework in:

• anatomy
• physiology
• biomechanics
• patient care

These can be followed by clinical training. Both fields need rigorous education. But, physical therapy education includes a broader range of topics. And, these help treat a wider variety of conditions.

Approach to Treatment

Chiropractors concentrate on identifying and correcting spinal-related problems. They often use spinal adjustments. They typically treat conditions like:

• back pain
• neck pain
• headaches

Physical therapists treat a broader range of issues including:

• post-surgical rehabilitation
• joint pain
• neurological disorders

They use:

• therapeutic exercises
• manual techniques
• other modalities like heat and cold therapy

The key difference is that physical therapists provide long-term rehabilitation plans. Chiropractors often focus on immediate relief.

Treatment Goals

Chiropractors seek to align the spinal and neurological systems. This facilitates the body’s healing mechanism. Usually, their approaches center on fast relief of pain.

Following surgery or an injury, physical therapists assist patients restore strength and movement. Among their therapeutic objectives are better movement patterns and prevention of more damage.

A chiropractor could concentrate on temporary pain alleviation. A physical therapist’s goals include long-term functional recovery and wellness.

Certification and Requirements

Chiropractors have to be licensed by passing state and national tests. They have to do this following their chiropractic school completion. A physical therapist qualified following a DPT degree also has to pass licensing tests.

You also have to fulfill specific physical therapist criteria before you can work as one. This covers finishing clinical hours and further education.

Their emphasis areas define the differences, nevertheless. Movement and rehabilitation are the main concerns of physical therapists. Helping patients complete daily tasks is the main emphasis of occupational therapists.

If you’re looking to find a physical therapist in NYC, you can search for certified professionals in your area who meet these standards.

Discover how to compare physical therapists to chiropractors

Your required type of treatment will determine whether you choose a chiropractor vs physical therapist. Chiropractors focus on spinal adjustments meant to alleviate discomfort. To increase general movement, physical therapists offer a wide spectrum of rehabilitation procedures.

Both kinds of experts demand a lot of certifications and knowledge. Still, their methods and objectives are different. See both to find the best road for your recovery even if you are not sure which is better for you.

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