Physiotherapy, Chiropractic, Osteopathy. What’s the Difference?
If you’ve ever wondered whether to see a physiotherapist, chiropractor, or osteopath, you’re not alone. Each profession offers unique approaches to musculoskeletal health, and understanding the differences can help you choose the right fit for your needs.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy helps the body regain normal movement and function after injury, illness, or disability. Physiotherapists assess and treat musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory systems, considering how these areas interact to impact overall function.
Physiotherapy is evidence-based, meaning treatments and exercises are guided by rigorous scientific research. The focus is on managing the whole person, not just the isolated injury, while promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.
A key strength of physiotherapy is functional load management. This includes:
Prescribing exercises for recovery
Advising on which activities to continue or avoid
Guiding return to sport or everyday tasks
Physiotherapists often work closely with doctors and medical specialists to ensure coordinated care.
Who might prefer physiotherapy?
Clients who enjoy taking ownership of their recovery, progressing from treatment to meaningful goals, and actively participating in exercises and load management often find physiotherapy a good fit.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic is considered a complementary or alternative health practice, primarily concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, especially of the spine.
Chiropractors are highly skilled in manual assessment and treatment, often using:
Spinal adjustments
Massage or myofascial release
Posture exercises
Education and advice
Chiropractic uses a holistic approach, with a focus on preventing medication use and avoiding surgery.
Who might prefer chiropractic?
Clients who enjoy hands-on, passive treatment, such as regular adjustments, and prefer a practitioner-led approach often choose chiropractic.
Osteopathy
Osteopathy is another complementary or alternative medicine that focuses on musculoskeletal health, using manual treatment techniques as the primary approach.
Osteopaths typically:
Assess and treat the broader body to identify contributing factors to a local injury
Offer education and some exercises to support recovery
Focus on improving musculoskeletal structure and balance
Like chiropractic, osteopathy is less guided by evidence-based research and takes a holistic approach to health.
Who might prefer osteopathy?
Clients who value a broader treatment scope across the body and enjoy hands-on management may prefer osteopathy.
Combining Approaches
In many cases, clients benefit from combining physiotherapy with chiropractic or osteopathy. When communication between practitioners is clear, clients can enjoy maximal benefit and progress toward their goals more efficiently.
If you’d like to learn more about how physiotherapy can help manage your injury, click here!
