It is a common dilemma that, understandably, patients have when choosing who to see for a musculoskeletal problem. It is quite natural to presume that if there are three distinct professions, then they must focus on different aspects of musculoskeletal conditions.
The fact is that chiropractors, osteopaths and physiotherapists offer treatment for predominantly all the musculoskeletal conditions that one can experience. The difference is the level of training and thus the level of knowledge, and therefore the level of intervention that each profession can undertake.
Due to the sensitivity of each of the professions, any comment made here on a chiropractic website, might be viewed negatively by professionals in the other two therapies. This is not the intent in any way. The intent is, to the best of the knowledge available, provide information to you, the public, to be able to make an educated evaluation across the three professions.
However, that being said, it seems clear that the comprehension of the public is somewhat blurred, by the fact that physiotherapists use the term “manipulate” in a manner different to the meaning used by a chiropractor or osteopath.
Physiotherapists can learn the techniques of manipulation similar to osteopaths and chiropractors but this does not form the basis of their undergraduate training.
The public believe that physiotherapists are the first port of call in regards to sports injuries. This is not the case. Physiotherapists are no more qualified to deal with sports injuries than chiropractors or osteopaths.
The public also believe that it is physiotherapists that give out exercises and the other two professions do not. Again this is not true. All professions give patients exercises.
Another misconception is that physiotherapists are the only profession that deals with rehabilitation. The first rehabilitation gym was designed and opened by chiropractors who advocate and direct rehab for many patients.
The main difference between a chiropractor and an osteopath is the bench that they use. An osteopath uses a flat plinth, which is a simple bed, often with a cut out to house the patient’s nose when they are lying on their front. A chiropractor on the other hand uses a mechanised bench which allows them to offer a greater range of treatment techniques than the osteopath.
Chiropractors are also trained to take and read X-rays and therefore have a degree more diagnostic knowledge than both the other two professions.
Ultimately, though, as a patient, one should be directed towards the clinician in whom one has the most confidence.
17th May 2019