On paper it might seem like the two professions are identical, the terminology is alike, and the two terms are often used interchangeably. It can be even more confusing if you’re not sure which one you need to see. But the two are quite different in their approach so we’ve put together a guide of both professions so you can make sure you pick the right option for you and your personal journey.
What do they both do?
A Chiropractor will focus mainly on pain relief, specifically pain found in the back, neck, and head as well as some joints. They use gentle manipulations to promote the body to heal-itself. Chiropractors primarily use their hands or a small instrument to apply a controlled, sudden force to the area. In contrast to this, a Physiotherapist focuses on improving your ability to move and function without pain and specialise mostly in rehabilitation. They may use their hands; show you exercises or sometimes use ultrasound or shockwave treatment to treat the injured area.