It can be easy to confuse chiropractic, osteopathy and physiotherapy, especially if your only experience with these different terms is from TV and movies. While the three may be quite similar and are often used interchangeably, there are key differences that make chiro, osteo, and physio unique from one another.
It is important to realize that while similar, the three are not interchangeable, as chiropractic, osteopathy, and physiotherapy all have their own basic principles and treatment procedures. Below we will discuss what these differences are, and how exactly each branch of physical care uniquely tackle the body.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic’s fundamental principle is the prevention and restoration of health problems related to the musculoskeletal system. This means that any issue possibly caused by the spine or the body’s extremities are the major point of concern for a chiropractor.
Chiropractors work under the understanding that problems in the spine—known as spinal subluxations, when the spine becomes unaligned—can lead to a host of issues throughout the body. This is because the spine is connected to the nervous system.
This connection between the nervous system and the spine can lead to conditions all over the body, such as headaches, migraines, back and neck pain, sciatica, and more. Chiropractors tackle these problems with techniques that work to adjust or mobilise the spine and the body’s extremities. Some of these techniques include Cox Flexion-Distraction, Logan Basic, SOT, and more.
If you are experiencing any of the following, a chiropractor may be able to help:
- Whiplash
- Scoliosis
- Sciatica
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic fatigue
- Arthritis
- Disc injuries
- Headaches
- Neck and back pain
- Plantar Fascitis
- Pregnancy issues
- Migraines
- Sports injuries
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapists are concerned with restoring full function, flexibility, and range of movement to muscles and limbs. After an individual experiences physical disability or a certain that limits their motion, a physiotherapist is usually recommended to help them get back to prime condition.
Physiotherapists concern themselves with the full range of systems in the body, including respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, and musculoskeletal. The treatments that physiotherapists can be expected to perform on their patients include applying crutches/braces/splints, TENS, hydrotherapy, interferential, massage, ultrasound, stretching, and exercise and diet help for long-term muscle growth.
Those experiencing any of the following may find help with a physiotherapist:
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- Stroke
- Pregnancy issues
- Heart disease
- Back pain
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Whiplash
- Sports injuries
Osteopathy
Osteopathy is concerned with the detection and treatment of certain musculoskeletal issues through the process of massaging and stretching a patient’s joints and muscles to the full range of motion. Chiropractic and osteopathy have similar fundamental principles: both practices work with the understanding that the best way to achieve perfect health is through the proper care and maintenance of the spine and the tissue and muscles around it. Both practices do not opt for surgery or drugs unless absolutely required.
However, osteopathy is unique from chiropractic in that it prioritizes the soft tissues around the spine more than the spine itself. With certain techniques, they aim to heal the soft tissue and adjust it back to perfect condition. These techniques include facilitated positional release, lymphatic drainage, myofascial release, still’s technique, and more.
If you are experiencing any of the following, osteopathy is an option for help:
- Repetitive migraines and headaches
- Strain injuries
- Foot and hell problems
- Shin splints
- Back and neck pain
- Sciatica
Looking for a Chiropractor in Brisbane?
Whether or not you have decided that a chiropractic is the best step forward for you, First Choice Chiropractic is here to help you make the best choice. We always ensure that first-timers fully understand our process, which is why we have our New Patient Chiropractic Offer for all new customers who walk in.
We understand that it might be intimidating or confusing opting for a chiropractor over medicine and treatment that you may be used to. Our New Patient Offer is here to help you figure out if chiropractor Brisbane services is the option best fit for you. This offer includes the full initial consultation and exam process, as well as full spinal x-rays if required.
Get the most out of your first visit to First Choice Chiropractic, home of the best chiropractor Brisbane services available. Contact us today and ask how you can opt-in for our limited time only New Patient Offer. Start relieving your pain today.
