Many people get confused about the differences between chiropractic and physical therapy. While the two are somewhat related in the conditions and injuries they treat, they are separate and distinct areas of treatment. In this article, we are going to discuss the similarities and differences between chiropractors and physical therapists.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic treatment is a form of alternative medicine that involves “adjustments” to the spine and other areas of the body to treat issues that impact the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractic adjustments are often used to treat issues and injuries in the spine, neck, and head.
Physical Therapy
Like chiropractic, physical therapy also approaches treatment through non-surgical means. Physical therapists utilize stretches, exercises, and various other techniques to treat injuries, balance issues, flexibility, range-of-motion problems, and more.
Differences Between the Two
The biggest difference between chiropractic and physical therapy is that PT is meant to help patients recover, and learn how to prevent injuries in the future. By contrast, chiropractic adjustments must be performed by a chiropractor again and again over time to correct injuries and conditions. Physical therapy is also much broader in the scope of injuries that can be treated. Chiropractic is typically only beneficial for conditions and injuries that stem from the spine. Physical therapy can help treat any area of the body – from the shoulder, down to your ankle.
At OrthoRehab Specialists, our physical therapists have been treating Minnesota patients in the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs for over twenty-five years. Our Minneapolis rehabilitation specialists have established relationships for many physicians who refer their patients to us on a routine basis. We also offer direct access to physical therapy, so you can set up an appointment even if you don’t have a prescription from your physician. Contact our Minneapolis or Edina physical therapy clinics today to set up your appointment with one of our therapists.