Chiropractic Versus Physical Therapy

Chiropractic Versus Physical Therapy

Before choosing between chiropractic and physical therapy, you should consider how the two practitioners diagnose the problem. Both types of doctors use manual therapy and hands-on techniques, and they may co-treat the same condition. When choosing between chiropractic and physical therapy, it is important to look at your symptoms, health history, and budget. Read on for more information. And don’t forget to ask about their diagnostic tests. You might be surprised at the difference!

Treatment methods

Physical therapy and chiropractic treatments each use their own approach in treating musculoskeletal problems. Physical therapists focus on improving joint mobility and correcting issues associated with gait, balance, and muscle coordination. While physical therapists focus on identifying physical problems, chiropractic’s address underlying causes and prescribe medication to reduce pain. In addition, both methods are equally effective in recovering from injuries and aging. But which is better for you? Let’s take a closer look.

When you’re looking for a chiropractor, make sure to check whether your insurance covers the service. Some chiropractors do not accept insurance. If you have pain that is limited to your spine, you’ll probably want to visit a physical therapist. Physical therapists use exercises and treatment methods to correct overall problems. Physical therapists also accept health insurance, though you may have to pay a co-pay.

Besides the chiropractic adjustment, physical therapists can also apply a variety of hands-on soft-tissue therapies. They may use a pin and stretch, instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization, or a specialized Graston technique. These treatments may not be as effective as a spinal adjustment, though. If the underlying mechanical problem isn’t addressed, physical therapy will fail.

Diagnostic tests

Chiropractic and physical therapy practitioners use a variety of diagnostic tests to determine the cause and extent of a patient’s symptoms. These tests involve measuring the range of motion of a joint and looking for signs of compensation, discomfort, or resistance. For the most part, range of motion tests are painless, but patients may experience some discomfort if they’re testing after an injury or operation. However, some tests have administrative uses, such as helping with insurance reimbursements.

Movement-based tests such as the kinematic and postural evaluation can be helpful in identifying what specific movement problems may be affecting a patient. Functional assessments can also help the chiropractor understand what is causing the problem and develop a treatment plan to address it. Ultimately, the goal of treatment should be to increase the patient’s range of motion and improve their symptoms. The following are a few examples of the different types of movement tests used in chiropractic and physical therapy.

Chiropractic Versus Physical Therapy

Electro-diagnostic testing (EMG) is another test used to determine the source of pain. It can be used to assess the condition of peripheral nerves in low back and neck injuries. Other uses include diagnosing cubital tunnel syndrome and carpal tunnel syndrome. The results of this test must be interpreted in the context of the patient’s overall clinical picture, which is usually a result of pain. A chiropractic and physical therapy practitioner may perform EMGs within the scope of their practice.