Chiropractors vs. Physical Therapists: Differences and How to Choose
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Medically reviewed by Mohamad Hassan, PT
Both physical therapists and chiropractors can help you move better and feel better after an injury by using non-invasive methods to help treat pain. However, their services may differ in the scope of techniques and treatments.
For example, physical therapists (PT) can assist you in slowly improving mobility after an injury through prescriptive exercises. A chiropractor can help with quick recovery from acute back or neck pain through a treatment called joint manipulation.
Understanding the differences between the two can help you decide whether to see a physical therapist or chiropractor for your particular injury. This article will discuss the similarities and differences between physical therapists and chiropractors, and help you determine how to choose the one that is right for you.
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Physical Therapist vs. Chiropractor
The goals of physical therapy and chiropractic care are similar: to help you move better with less pain after an injury or surgery. The reasons for seeing one over the other depend on the nature of your injury.
If you have an acute problem with your back or neck, then a chiropractor may be the best choice. Your chiropractor can quickly assess your condition and provide a spinal adjustment that may quickly relieve your pain and improve your mobility.
A PT may also assess and treat acute spinal problems, but they may not approach treatment the same way. They may offer exercises that slowly improve range of motion and strength to help treat your pain.
Both chiropractors and physical therapists should offer you guidance and strategies to keep your pain away and to prevent future problems.
If you have had an injury or surgery and are experiencing a loss of functional mobility, then working with a physical therapist is a good idea. Your therapist can work with you to improve your ability to perform your day-to-day work and recreational activities.
Research has shown that working with a chiropractor or a physical therapist for various spinal conditions produces similar outcomes.
Similarities
Similarities between physical therapists and chiropractors may include:
Both are trained at a doctoral level. (Some physical therapists may practice with a bachelor’s or master’s degree.)
Both may prescribe exercises to improve strength or range of motion.
Both use physical modalities, like electrical stimulation or heat, to help you feel better.
Both use nonsurgical techniques to help you move better and feel better.
Both must pass a board or licensing examination to practice.
Differences
While it may seem that physical therapy and chiropractic care are the same, there are several differences between the two. Differences may include:
Chiropractors often perform manipulations for perceived or known spinal subluxations (partial dislocations of a joint).
Chiropractors often attempt to correct spinal malalignment, believing that this is placing pressure on nerves.
Chiropractors often limit their treatment to the low back and neck, while physical therapists tend to be general practitioners who treat the spine and extremities.
Chiropractors routinely order X-rays to examine bony anatomy that helps guide treatment, while physical therapists use their clinical examination to make treatment decisions, and many do not rely on diagnostic imaging to guide treatment.
Chiropractors often offer nutrition advice and many sell dietary supplements in their clinics.
Physical therapists often work to help you prevent injury.
Physical therapists often prescribe home exercise programs for their patients to perform daily in order to achieve their rehab goals.
Physical therapists work in a variety of settings like hospitals, schools, clinics, and nursing homes, while chiropractors typically only work in an outpatient clinic setting.
What to Expect From Physical Therapy
When you visit a PT, you can expect to start your care with an initial evaluation. Your therapist will ask questions about your injury and how it is affecting the way you move.
If you have had surgery, they will ask about the procedure performed and your pre- and post-operative course. Your PT will also ask about your past medical history and your prior level of function.
Once they have a detailed history, your physical therapist will likely perform an examination, looking for issues that may be causing your pain or functional limitation.
Once your physical therapist has gathered information about your function and your impairments, they will establish a plan of care and discuss the goals for therapy. Most physical therapy appointments last for 30 to 60 minutes. Your specific injury and goals will determine how often you need to go and for how long.
Your PT may perform manual techniques like joint mobilizations, scar tissue massage, or passive stretches. Various methods may be used to decrease pain or inflammation.
You may also work on functional mobility and balance or gait training if you are having difficulty walking. Exercises will be performed in the clinic, and a home exercise program will be prescribed and updated regularly as you improve in therapy.
If you are hospitalized, a physical therapist may come to your room to help improve your functional mobility related to walking and stair climbing.
When to See a Physical Therapist
If you are feeling pain that limits your ability to walk, sit, or engage in your normal work or recreational activities, then you may benefit from working with a physical therapist. A home therapist may visit you in your house if you are unable to leave it due to your injury.
Likewise, if you have had surgery and are not moving well, working with a physical therapist may be a good idea. Your therapist can help you regain full mobility and help you return to your previous level of activity.
What to Expect From a Chiropractor
Most, but not all, people visit a chiropractor because of back or neck issues. If you have back pain, neck pain, or sciatica, you may consult with a chiropractor.
During your meeting, the chiropractor will ask questions about your pain, what brought it on, and what your symptoms are. They will ask you to describe your past medical history.
Your chiropractor will conduct an examination of your condition, including:
Spinal range of motion tests
A neurological screen, like neural tension tests and deep tendon reflexes
Tests to assess your physical strength
An examination to identify possible spinal subluxations
Once your chiropractor assesses your condition, they will provide treatment. A variety of treatments are often used. These may include:
Heat or ice
Electrical stimulation
Spinal or peripheral joint manipulations to correct perceived subluxations
Exercises for flexibility, posture, or strength
Joint manipulations are the most common treatment performed by a chiropractor. A manipulation is used to correct a joint subluxation. It occurs when a chiropractor “cracks your back,” and it has been shown to decrease pain and improve spinal or peripheral joint motion.
Most sessions with a chiropractor take around 30 minutes. As with PT, your particular injury will determine how regularly you'll need to go.
When to See a Chiropractor
If you have an acute spinal problem that is limiting your movement, a visit to your chiropractor may be in order. They can assess your condition and provide a spinal adjustment to help you move better and feel better. Some chiropractors can also treat acute joint injuries, like shoulder pain or hip pain.
Paying for your health care should also be considered when deciding on a physical therapist or a chiropractor. Both may be participating providers with your insurance, but many chiropractors are cash-based, meaning they will not accept insurance for your care.
Related:What Is an Osteopath?
How to Choose
So how do you choose between a physical therapist and a chiropractor? While no one can make the decision for you, there are some variables to consider that may make the choice clear.
In general, if you have an acute spinal condition like neck pain or sciatica, then a visit to a chiropractor may be just what is needed to help you get moving again. Keep in mind that the chiropractor you choose may not accept health insurance, so be prepared to pay for the services in full.
If you are having trouble moving due to peripheral joint pain, a sports injury, or surgery, then working with a physical therapist is probably your best choice. Your therapist will likely prescribe treatments and exercises to decrease pain and improve functional mobility. They will also likely accept your health insurance for payment, but you may have to pay a deductible or co-payment for each session of therapy.
Summary
Both chiropractors and physical therapists use non-invasive physical methods to relieve pain. Chiropractors focus mainly on joint manipulation to relieve back and neck pain. PTs prescribe a series of exercises to improve strength in all areas of the body, often to help people recover from certain types of surgery.
Since many factors should be considered when deciding between a physical therapist or chiropractor, talking to a physician may be helpful. If you intend to use insurance for your care, consult your insurance company to find out if the healthcare provider you want to see is in your network.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a chiropractor help with?
If your back “goes out” and you are having acute back pain, neck pain, or sciatica, a chiropractor can quickly adjust your spine to obtain optimal alignment. This often quickly reduces pain and improves your mobility.
Hoe does a chiropractor help with lower back pain?
If you have lower back pain, a chiropractor can determine if spinal subluxations may be to blame. They can then perform joint manipulations to help realign your spine, decreasing your pain and improving your mobility. Your chiropractor may also teach you exercises and postures to help prevent future problems with your back.
What is the difference between a physical therapist and a personal trainer?
A physical therapist is a healthcare professional educated at the doctoral level who has extensive knowledge in anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, and exercise prescription. A PT uses various modalities and joint mobilizations to help you move better and feel better.
A personal trainer holds a certificate from an accrediting organization for trainers. They often have college degrees, but the level of their required education is far less than that of a physical therapist. Personal trainers are excellent at motivating you during exercise and are able to effectively prescribe exercises for you to achieve your fitness goals.
What are the effects of physical therapy and chiropractic care?
Chiropractic care usually focuses on relieving pain from an acute injury or chronic pain. PT is intended to help people regain strength and mobility after a surgery or due to a chronic condition.
