Have you ever wondered just what is the difference between these three treatment options? They’re all recognised as effective therapies and share the aim of healing and strengthening the body to alleviate pain. Qualifications in these fields require over 1000 hours of clinical practice and 4-5 years of study for chiropractic and osteopathy and 3 years for physiotherapy. Most importantly, they can all achieve good results for their patients. So, we know there are many similarities between them but what differentiates them from each other?
Back pain is one of the major causes of disability in the country, losing us on average 10 million working days a year. So it’s important to get the treatment you need to get better quickly. Here’s a broad outline of the three treatments.
- Chiropractic treatment works primarily on the causes of locking and stiffness in the joints of the spine. A chiropractor uses various techniques to free restricted joints, including quick, precise thrusts of the hands; gentle manual movements, perhaps using a specialised treatment bench; or gentle tapping with a hand-held instrument.
- Physiotherapy works with you to restore movement and functionality where there’s been an injury. This might be a knee, shoulder or arm injuries, or post-operative orthopedics. Self-help advice and rehabilitative exercises are an important part of your care. Our physiotherapist might also advise laser treatment, dry needling and massage as part of your therapy.
- Osteopaths tend to use similar techniques to chiropractors when easing back pain, but often use massage instead.
Spinal manipulation treatments as provided by chiropractors and osteopaths are recommended by NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). They’re regulated like medical doctors and dentists with laws that ensure practitioners are properly qualified and adhere to the high standards and codes of practice.
Here at Sundial, our professional team works closely together: chiropractors might refer you to our physiotherapist for a course of treatment or a massage with one of our excellent massage therapists. We bring you the best possible package of care to get great results quickly. Book in for a check up today.