If you’re in pain, stiff, or trying to get mobility back after an injury you’ve probably come across two main options for non-invasive, drug-free treatments: chiropractic care and physical therapy. Chiropractic and physical therapy have benefits, but which is best for you? In this post, we’ll break down the unique benefits of each so you can decide what’s best for you to live pain-free and active.
For our Chicago community, our Chicago physical therapists offer consultations to help you determine what’s best for you, physical therapy or chiropractic care so you can make an informed decision for your specific condition. Contact us to get started today!
Chiropractic Care vs Physical Therapy
While both chiropractors and physical therapists want to reduce pain and improve mobility they approach it differently. Chiropractic care mainly focuses on spinal health and joint alignment with the idea that correcting misalignments helps the nervous system function better. Physical therapy on the other hand focuses on movement and function using a variety of techniques and exercises to support recovery across a broader range of conditions from joint injuries to post-surgery rehabilitation.
In a nutshell, chiropractic care might be your best bet if you’re in acute back or neck pain, and physical therapy if you’re recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or building up strength after surgery.
Chiropractic Care vs Physical Therapy
Scope of Treatment
Physical therapists are trained to work on many conditions, on the spine and other parts of the body. They use exercises, manual therapy, and tools like heat, cold, or electrical stimulation to help restore movement and reduce discomfort. Physical therapy sessions include a home exercise program so you can continue your recovery independently and not depend on ongoing professional visits.
Chiropractors mainly focus on spinal health, using hands-on adjustments to address pain or misalignments in the spine. They believe these adjustments will not only reduce pain but improve overall health by reducing nerve interference. Chiropractors work with back and neck pain, migraines, joint pain, and even pregnancy-related discomfort but also may give you exercises and posture guidance between appointments.
Techniques Used
In physical therapy your plan will start with a comprehensive assessment of your physical condition, looking at your pain levels, flexibility, range of motion, and any limitations in mobility. From there the therapist will guide you through exercises and techniques to restore function. Physical therapy also includes posture training, flexibility exercises, and strength training.
Chiropractors use spinal manipulations or adjustments. Their technique is all about “releasing” spinal misalignments which may help improve your body’s mobility and reduce symptoms. Chiropractic care sessions are shorter and may require less at-home work but chiropractors may recommend supplements, lifestyle changes, or light exercises for added support.
Pros and Cons of Each
Chiropractic Care
- Pros: Chiropractic sessions are short, 15-20 minutes per visit and many patients get quick relief from pain. Since chiropractors focus on spinal alignment they can be helpful for ongoing pain relief, especially for spinal-related conditions like whiplash or scoliosis.
- Cons: Chiropractic care requires long-term visits as adjustments may not provide lasting results without ongoing treatment. Some people prefer the scientific evidence-based approach of physical therapy as chiropractic care is still debated in some quarters.
Physical Therapy
- Pros: Physical therapy has scientific evidence and is highly individualized, with personalized exercise programs to build strength and prevent future injuries. Physical therapists work with various conditions, from sports injuries to post-surgical rehab.
- The cons are that physical therapy requires a greater time commitment, sessions can be 30-60 minutes multiple times a week, and regular practice at home to see the best results, which may not be for everyone.
Chiropractic Care vs Physical Therapy
When deciding between a chiropractor and a physical therapist, consider the type of pain or injury you have. Acute issues like back or neck pain might respond well to chiropractic adjustments, which can give quick relief. But if you’re recovering from surgery, have a sports injury, or are managing a chronic condition, physical therapy might be the better choice as it focuses on long-term healing and injury prevention.
For our Chicago patients, we encourage you to contact our physical therapists and chiropractors, they will help you determine the best approach for you so you get the right treatment for a healthier more active life.
Bottom Line
Chiropractic care and physical therapy both can help with pain and function but the right choice depends on your situation. Talk to your doctor about your goals and condition to find the right fit. Or if you’re in the Chicago area contact La Clínica SC to see which path will work for you.
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