Chiropractic Corrective Exercises vs. Physical Therapy

In some ways, chiropractic corrective exercise and physical therapy are alike. These methods manage and treat pain or stiffness in the body. In the event of an injury, both can help you move better and feel great! 

However, the approaches of these methods can slightly differ. Understanding the differences can make it easier to decide what method best suits you. Here are a few things to consider when choosing between the two.

Similarities Between Chiropractic Care and Physiotherapy

Some of the similarities between the two include:
 

• Both advocate for exercises to enhance your range of motion and strength.

• Practitioners of both must pass a licensing or board exam to practice.

• Both practitioners are well-trained. Some physiotherapists are holders of bachelor’s or master’s degrees.

• Both techniques use nonsurgical procedures to help you feel and move better.

• Both apply physical modalities. To help improve your health, they may use heat, electrical stimulation, and other treatments.

In short, the objectives of chiropractic and physiotherapy care are similar. They both aim to promote better movement with less pain after surgery or an accident.

Differences Between the Two

While both treatments may seem similar, differences between them exist. Some of these include:
 

• Physiotherapy’s goal is to achieve painless movement. Chiropractic care focuses on alignment and pain relief of your spine.

• Chiropractors mainly focus on issues resulting in neck pain and back pain. They also deal with headaches and joint pains in your legs or arms. On the other hand, physical therapy focuses on how your body functions or moves.

• Chiropractors perform physical therapy in most healthcare environments or at homes. Chiropractic care requires specialized equipment and spaces. This enables the chiropractor to perform manipulations and adjustments.

• A physical therapist will help you perform exercises and stretches. They also perform manipulations for specific conditions, improving your mobility. Chiropractic care helps your body heal itself through adjustments and manipulations.

What Physical Therapy Involves

When you visit a physiotherapist, your care will start with an initial evaluation. They will ask how the injury affects your movement and if you have had surgery. After getting your detailed history, they will examine you to determine the root cause of your problem. 

Your therapist will then formulate a rehab plan. Most sessions often take about 30 to 60 minutes. They may use passive stretches, scar tissue massage, or joint mobilization.

What Chiropractic Care Involves

Your chiropractor will start by asking about the nature of your pain and what caused it. They will enquire about your symptoms and past medical history. Chiropractors use joint manipulations to correct joint subluxations. It is the most common treatment in chiropractic care. It improves your spinal joint movement and decreases pain.

The Takeaway

Injury can inhibit you from performing daily tasks. But with the help of the correct treatment and healthcare provider, you can have a better quality of life. Listen to your body but do not hesitate to visit your chiropractor when you need assistance.

For more on chiropractic corrective exercises and physical therapy, visit Chiropractic Nashville at our office in Nashville, Tennessee. Call (615) 205-1022 today to schedule an appointment.