Should You Visit a Chiropractor or a Physical Therapist?
Chiropractors and physical therapists both focus on finding safe, effective, non-invasive treatment methods. They can both offer professional treatment and rehabilitative care to treat chronic pain or an injury, health condition, or illness. Both providers aim to relieve pain and help you move better after an injury or surgery. Chiropractors focus on the body’s natural ability to heal itself and specialize in treating dysfunction of the spine. Physical therapists focus on rehabilitative care that slowly improves range of motion, strength, balance, and flexibility. At ABChiropractic Family & Wellness, we have three chiropractors and one physical therapist in St. Charles, MO. Here’s a look at when you should visit one vs the other.
Similarities and Differences in Physical Therapy and Chiropractic Care
The similarities between a chiropractor and physical therapist are:
- Both have a doctorate.
- Both offer therapeutic exercises and stretches.
- Both focus on physical modalities.
- Both offer nonsurgical and non-invasive treatment options.
- Both are licensed.
- Both offer preventive care.
The differences between a chiropractor and physical therapist are:
- Chiropractors perform spinal adjustments and focus on correcting spinal misalignment.
- Some chiropractors focus on the lower back and neck.
- Physical therapists treat the spine and whole body.
- Chiropractors often use diagnostic imaging to make treatment plans.
- Physical therapists rely on clinical examinations to create treatment plans.
- Chiropractors can offer dietary and nutritional advice and lifestyle modification counseling.
- Chiropractors focus on drug-free pain relief.
- Physical therapists may recommend prescription painkillers.
When to Visit a Physical Therapist
You should visit a physical therapist if an injury, illness, or surgical procedure has limited or prevented your ability to walk, exercise, or move freely. A physical therapist can help you regain mobility, range of motion, strength, balance, and flexibility.
When to Visit a Chiropractor
You should visit a chiropractor if you have a chronic or acute spinal problem that limits your movement, or if you have chronic or acute pain, joint problems, repetitive stress injuries, overuse injuries, sports or work injuries, or auto injuries. A chiropractor can also offer holistic wellness care and preventive care and provide treatment for issues that affect your physical and mental health.
Visit Us for Chiropractic Care and Physical Therapy in St. Charles, MO
At ABChiropractic Family & Wellness, we offer chiropractic care and physical therapy in our comfortable, state of the art office. We have three experienced chiropractors and one physical therapist on our staff, and we work together to take a multidisciplinary, holistic approach towards recovery, healing, and health and wellness. To learn more about how our team can help you, request an appointment online today.
Posted In:
Chiropractic
Physical Therapy
