Chiropractors and physical therapists are healthcare professionals who provide non-surgical treatments for musculoskeletal conditions. Despite some similarities, there are distinct differences between chiropractic medicine and physical therapy, which individuals should be aware of.
Chiropractors focus on diagnosing and treating disorders of the musculoskeletal system, particularly those involving the spine, using manual adjustments to improve joint function and reduce nerve pressure. In contrast, physical therapists focus on rehabilitating patients after an injury or surgery, using exercises, stretches, massages, and machines to improve movement and function throughout the body.
Both healthcare specialists work with patients to help them restore strength and range of motion in their affected body parts. However, chiropractors typically see patients with back pain, neck pain, migraines, headaches, and similar conditions, while physical therapists treat a wider range of injuries and chronic conditions, such as arthritis, and also work with patients who require surgery or are recovering from one.
Chiropractors must complete a four-year undergraduate degree and a four-year Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) program. During their studies, chiropractors take courses in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and other basic sciences. In addition to academic coursework, students participate in clinical internships to gain hands-on experience treating patients.
Physical therapists must complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree after obtaining a bachelor’s degree program that meets the requirements of a DPT program. Physical therapists study human anatomy and physiology, as well as the biomechanics of movement. They learn how to prevent and treat injuries, rehabilitate patients after injury or surgery, and promote overall health and wellness.
The primary goal of chiropractic medicine is to manipulate the vertebrae into their proper position, reducing pressure on the surrounding nerves, improving the function of the spine and nervous system, and promoting healing to the body. The goal of physical therapy is to improve function, flexibility, and range of motion while reducing pain, and inflammation, and preventing further injury.
Chiropractors use techniques such as spinal manipulation, spinal traction, soft tissue mobilization and massage, and nutritional and lifestyle advice. Many of these techniques are performed by the chiropractor. In comparison, physical therapists use techniques such as passive and active stretching, heat and cold therapy, massage therapy, kinesiology taping, and training in the use of assistive devices. Patients are often required to perform many of these techniques themselves.
If you are experiencing pain in your back and neck due to a spinal misalignment issue, or an injury, or are in recovery from surgery, our highly skilled chiropractic specialists at Polson Family Chiropractic in Mansfield, Texas, can help alleviate your symptoms. We use various non-surgical treatment modalities, and our recommendations will depend on the results of our assessment of your condition. You can receive chiropractic care and physical therapy in a single location, offering you the great convenience of not having to choose two different facilities for two different services.
To schedule an appointment for chiropractic care, kindly call our office today at 817-473-1849 or use our convenient online appointment request form. Chiropractors and physical therapists are both healthcare professionals who specialize in treating musculoskeletal conditions without surgery. Despite having some similarities, there are distinct differences between chiropractic medicine and physical therapy that patients should be aware of.
Chiropractors primarily focus on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal system disorders, particularly those that involve the spine. In contrast, physical therapists focus on rehabilitating patients after an injury or surgery. Both healthcare specialists work with patients to help them restore strength and range of motion in their affected body parts.
Let’s discuss in greater detail the key differences between chiropractors and physical therapists.
Chiropractors use manual adjustments to manipulate the spine and other joints in the body to improve joint function and reduce nerve pressure. On the other hand, physical therapists use exercises, stretches, massages, and even machines to improve movement and function throughout the body.
Chiropractors typically see patients with back pain, neck pain, migraines, headaches, and some other conditions. Physical therapists see these patients too, but they also treat patients with a wide range of injuries and chronic conditions such as arthritis. They also work with patients who require surgery or are recovering from one.
Training
Chiropractors must complete a four-year undergraduate degree and a four-year Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) program. During their studies, chiropractors take courses in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and other basic sciences. In addition to academic coursework, students participate in clinical internships where they gain hands-on experience treating patients.
Physical therapists must complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree after completing a bachelor’s degree program that meets the requirements of a DPT program. Physical therapists study human anatomy and physiology, as well as the biomechanics of movement. They learn how to prevent and treat injuries, rehabilitate patients after injury or surgery, and promote overall health and wellness.
Treatment Goals
The primary goal of chiropractic medicine is to manipulate the vertebrae into their proper position. This helps reduce the pressure on the surrounding nerves, improve the function of the spine and nervous system, and promote healing in the body.
The goal of physical therapy is to improve function, flexibility, and range of motion while restoring mobility. Physical therapists also work to reduce pain and inflammation and prevent further injury.
Treatment Modalities
Chiropractors use different techniques to treat patients, including spinal manipulation, spinal traction, soft tissue mobilization and massage, and nutritional and lifestyle advice. Many of these techniques are performed by the chiropractor.
Physical therapists, on the other hand, use techniques such as passive and active stretching, heat and cold therapy, massage therapy, kinesiology taping, and training in the use of assistive devices. Patients are often required to perform many of these techniques themselves.
Chiropractic Care in Mansfield, TX
If you are experiencing pain in your back and neck due to a spinal misalignment issue, or an injury, or are in recovery from surgery, our highly skilled chiropractic specialists at Polson Family Chiropractic in Mansfield, Texas, can help alleviate your symptoms. We use various non-surgical treatment modalities, and our recommendations will depend on the results of our assessment of your condition. We offer you the great convenience of not having to choose two different facilities for two different services. You can receive chiropractic care and physical therapy in a single location.
To schedule an appointment for chiropractic care, call our office today at 817-473-1849 or use our convenient online appointment request form.