Physio VS Chiro

“What are the differences between Physiotherapy and Chiropractic therapy? Which one is better for me? I have a back problem, should I be seeing a Chiro or a Physio?”

These are definitely some of our all-time favorite patient questions.

As Physiotherapists, you probably expect some natural bias towards our own profession and may have experienced some raving about how good Physios are and how terrible Chiros are. But the truth is, some Chiros are amazing, and some terrible. Just like some Physios are amazing and some terrible.

A great Physios and a great Chiro can both reduce pain and aid in injury rehab, using a drug-free and non-invasive approach to improve health and well-being.

The main difference between a Chiropractor and Physiotherapist lies in their initial university training!

The philosophy of Chiropractic therapy is based heavily on the idea that all disorders in the body’s joints, muscles, soft tissues, nerves, organs and bones are due to an imbalance or misalignment of the spine. Due to the strong emphasis on spinal structures, functions, and control, university has equipped Chiropractors with a wider range of specific spinal techniques compared to their Physiotherapists counterparts. No matter what the injury is, a Chiro will likely perform a series of manipulation or adjustments on your spine in order to treat it.

Although Physios do not receive the same extent of training in spinal manipulation as Chiros, Physios are well-trained in various spinal and soft tissue techniques. In addition, Physiotherap

y has a much wider scope of training than a Chiropractic degree. Not only is a Physio trained in treating any kind of sporting injury, they are also equipped with skills in assisting people recovering from surgery, neurological conditions (e.g. strokes, Parkinson’s), men’s and women’s health concerns, respiratory conditions (e.g. cystic fibrosis and bronchitis) etc. That’s why you often see Physios working everywhere, ranging from hospitals to private clinics, sports clubs to aged care facilities.

Despite the differences between Chiro and Physio training, as technology a

nd new research evolve, the knowledge base of these two professions are overlapping more than ever before.

You will be able to see Chiros who perform specific soft tissue techniques and empowering clients with great rehab exercises, and Physios manipulating spines with satisfactory clicks.

The important thing to remember is, it is not the title that dictates your level of care, but your time with the professional, your personal outcomes, how evidence based your treatment is, and an active approach to your rehab.