Should I see a Chiropractor or a Physical Therapist for my pain??

Unsurprisingly, the answer is both!!  

Chiropractic and Physical Therapy are overwhelmingly successful treatment options for individuals suffering with general musculoskeletal pain conditions. You will likely see some improvement no matter which option you choose to take. The overall goals and purpose behind each of the two professions may be similar, but there are some differences that exist between the two. This Blog will explore some of those differences. Let’s take a look at some of the similarities and differences to determine if one or the other (or both) is better for you!!

Some of the Similarities include:

- Both use conservative manual, nonsurgical approaches to managing and improving pain and dysfunction. 

- Both may provide home exercise plans that the patient can perform to help support their treatment in office.

- Both may treat, or co-treat, many of the same conditions!!

Some Differences to consider:

- A referral from your Primary Care Provider is needed to see a Physical Therapist. No referral is necessary for Chiropractic Care. 

- Physical Therapists usually use manual therapy, stretches, and strengthening exercises to improve muscle and joint pain and dysfunction. Chiropractors use adjustments and spinal manipulations to improve joint mobility to reduce pain and dysfunction.  

- Chiropractors can order imaging like X-Rays, MRI, CT Scans, etc. Physical Therapists must refer the patient back to their referring Physician to order additional imaging. 

Beyond these few differences, it is our belief that patients who engage in both Chiropractic and Physical Therapy treatment improve more quickly with more positive outcomes. Performing both simultaneously allows for each therapy to complement each other with Chiropractic manipulations helping to improve the range of motion of fixated and restricted joints, while the Physical Therapy helps to stretch, strengthen, and stabilize the patient’s musculoskeletal support system in and around the injured region. 

Call and set up an appointment with one of our Doctors to see if one or both is a good treatment option for you!