Do You Need Physical Therapy or Chiropractic Care?

At face value, both physical therapy and chiropractic care look very similar. Both disciplines are practiced by licensed professionals who handle treating pain and stiffness in the human body. However, the way each discipline goes about administering treatments can slightly differ. This is why it is good to know what each discipline entails and the benefits that come with choosing one or the other.

Physical therapy is all about focusing on improving quality of life by helping the patient move without any associated pain. Physical Therapists are able to evaluate the pain and flexibility of their patients and then create a plan of care to try to achieve the highest possible level of movement through stretches and exercises. Physical Therapists also try to educate their patients on how stay active and healthy. These therapists can practice their craft anywhere whether this be in hospitals, athletic facilities, rehabilitation centers, schools and even your own home. They treat a wide variety of patients who have pain and limited movement due to an accident, surgery, or a health condition such as rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis.

Chiropractic care is all about easing pain and inflammation by manipulating certain parts of the body so that the body can heal itself. Like physical therapy, chiropractic care does not involve taking any medication or undergoing invasive surgery. In fact, you should probably go to a chiropractor first to see if they can resolve the issue before resorting to surgery. Chiropractors mainly focus on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. They will evaluate you based off some physical exams and then use certain techniques like spinal manipulation to ease pain. This profession focuses on treating patients who have chronic headaches or back, neck, or joint pain.

When it comes to physical therapy or chiropractic care, both manage pain through hands-on therapy. Depending on your specific needs, you may want to choose one or both disciplines to help improve your range-of-motion. Whichever you choose, just know both treatments will help improve your overall quality of life.

For more information on physical therapy and chiropractic care, click here.

Article written by William Graves.