Chiropractor vs Physical Therapist: What’s the Difference?
If you’re dealing with back pain, neck pain, sciatica, stiffness, or recovering from an injury, you may be wondering whether you should see a chiropractor vs physical therapist. Both professions help people improve movement and function, but they often use different approaches.
At Everybody’s Chiropractic Center in Upper Darby, PA, we provide chiropractic care and other non-invasive treatment options for patients from Upper Darby, Havertown, Drexel Hill, Broomall, and surrounding communities. Understanding the differences between chiropractic care and physical therapy can help you make a more informed decision about your care.
Chiropractor vs Physical Therapist: What’s the Main Difference?
Chiropractors and physical therapists are both licensed healthcare professionals who treat many musculoskeletal conditions, but their treatment approaches are different.
Chiropractors commonly focus on:
- Spinal and joint mobility
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Back and neck pain
- Sciatica and nerve-related symptoms
- Posture and movement
- Conservative treatment of certain musculoskeletal conditions
Physical therapists commonly focus on:
- Strengthening
- Rehabilitation exercises
- Range of motion
- Balance and mobility
- Recovery after surgery or injury
- Functional movement training
There is also considerable overlap. Depending on the condition, some patients may benefit from chiropractic care, physical therapy, or a combination of both.
For more information about the physical therapy profession, visit the American Physical Therapy Association.
What Conditions Do Chiropractors Treat?
Chiropractors evaluate and treat many conditions involving the spine, joints, muscles, and related structures.
At Everybody’s Chiropractic Center, patients commonly visit us for:
- Lower back pain
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Sciatica
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Headaches associated with neck dysfunction
- Joint and muscle pain
- Sports and overuse injuries
- Postural problems
For patients experiencing radiating leg pain or nerve symptoms, learn more about our sciatica treatment in Upper Darby.
Can Chiropractic Help With Back Pain?
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek chiropractic care.
Treatment depends on what is causing the pain and may include chiropractic adjustments, mobility work, therapeutic exercise, soft-tissue techniques, or other conservative treatments.
Some patients with disc-related conditions may also be candidates for spinal decompression therapy.
The goal is to improve function and movement while developing an appropriate treatment plan for the individual patient.
What Does a Physical Therapist Do?
Physical therapy typically emphasizes restoring movement, strength, balance, flexibility, and function through exercise and rehabilitation.
Physical therapists commonly work with patients after:
- Surgery
- Sports injuries
- Joint replacement
- Significant muscle or tendon injuries
- Neurological conditions
- Loss of strength or mobility
Physical therapy can also be useful for patients who need progressive strengthening or functional rehabilitation.
Can Chiropractic and Physical Therapy Work Together?
Yes. Chiropractic care and physical therapy are not necessarily competing treatments.
Some patients benefit from chiropractic care to address joint mobility and spinal function while also using physical therapy for strengthening, stabilization, balance, or rehabilitation.
When another type of care is more appropriate for a patient’s condition, referral or coordinated care may also be recommended.
What Other Treatments Are Available at Everybody’s Chiropractic Center?
Depending on the condition, chiropractic care may be combined with other non-invasive treatment options.
SoftWave Therapy
SoftWave Therapy uses acoustic-wave technology and may be incorporated into treatment for certain muscle, tendon, joint, and other musculoskeletal conditions.
Learn more about SoftWave Therapy at Everybody’s Chiropractic Center.
Spinal Decompression
Spinal decompression uses controlled traction to gently stretch the spine and may be considered for certain patients with disc-related back or neck pain.
Learn more about our spinal decompression treatment in Upper Darby.
Rehabilitation and Exercise
Exercises, stretching, mobility work, and strengthening may also be incorporated into a patient’s treatment plan depending on the examination findings and treatment goals.
Chiropractor vs Physical Therapist: Which Should You Choose?
There isn’t one answer that is right for everyone.
A chiropractor may be an appropriate starting point if you are dealing with:
- Back or neck pain
- Restricted spinal or joint movement
- Sciatica
- Certain disc-related problems
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Postural problems
Physical therapy may be especially appropriate when the primary goal involves:
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Progressive strengthening
- Balance training
- Restoring function after a significant injury
- Relearning movement patterns
In some cases, both chiropractic and physical therapy may be beneficial.
The important first step is determining what is causing your symptoms rather than choosing treatment based only on the type of provider.
Chiropractic Care in Upper Darby, PA
If you’re still unsure about chiropractor vs physical therapist, we can evaluate your condition and explain which conservative treatment options may be appropriate.
At Everybody’s Chiropractic Center, your visit begins with a health history and examination. X-rays or other imaging may be recommended when clinically appropriate.
We welcome patients from Upper Darby, Havertown, Drexel Hill, Broomall, Springfield, and surrounding Delaware County communities.
Schedule an Appointment at Everybody’s Chiropractic Center
Everybody’s Chiropractic Center
115 E Township Line Road, Upper Darby, PA 19082 — View on Google Maps
Call: 610-789-1800