Understanding Differences in Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care
You are having back problems, maybe from a car accident or years of being an athlete. So do you see a physical therapist or a chiropractor?
If you are not familiar with the differences between these medical professions, you may find it hard to pick which option is best for you. The best way to find which treatment is best, is to be educated about the philosophies of each medical profession and also your personal injury or pain.
Read more below to find more information about physical therapists and chiropractors.
What is a Physical Therapist?
A physical therapist a medical profession that is trained to help you regain movement in certain areas of your body that may have been caused to be inactive for various medical reasons.
Many times doctors will suggest physical therapy, to avoid surgery to the affected area of the body.
What is a Chiropractor?
Chiropractors are medical professionals that are trained to help treat pain and discomfort mostly associated with the spine. While chiropractors work on the spine, they are heavily influenced with the nervous system and work towards adjustments in both the spine and neck to increase the effectiveness of both the nervous and immune system.
Main Differences
When it comes to choosing which method is best for your pain or discomfort, the first step is deciding where the pain originated from and what type of long-term treatment you are looking for. Physical therapy is mainly associated with some sort of trauma to a body part or long-term damage over a period of time. It helps with restoring that range of motion in that area of the body. While it does restore range of motion, physical therapy may also help to improve: strength, balance and posture.
Similar to physical therapy, chiropractic care may help in more ways than one. While the root of chiropractors are focused on the spine, it has deep roots in maintaining the full functioning power of your nervous system, brain and immune system. While you may go to see a chiropractor for painful migraines, you may also see improvement in your overall health.
Consult with your doctor
If you are looking for an alternative form of treatment for pain or discomfort, it is best to speak with your doctor.
Using treatments such as physical therapy and chiropractors may be an alternative to an invasive surgery or even daily medications. They both offer safe alternatives to pain and discomfort and offer long-term benefits that sometimes surgery and medication may not offer.
Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of Victor Tongdee