What is the difference between Chiro and Physio?
(And which is right for me?)
It can be confusing to know what healthcare professional to see and what they all do. This decision can be made even harder by the potential for overlap between professions. Chiropractic and Physiotherapy are examples of two such professions within healthcare.
Education and type of work:
Physiotherapists are often trained to work in the public sector, in hospitals and out-patient clinics. Here they typically work in areas such as cardiovascular, respiratory and post-surgical rehabilitation. Other physio’s may choose to work in private practice, undertaking training in fields such as musculoskeletal care or women’s health. Chiropractors don't tend work in the public space, at least not in Australia. Chiropractic training focuses largely on studying the neuromusculoskeletal system, typically with more emphasis on the spine and manipulative therapy. After graduating university Chiropractors work almost exclusively in private practice, either in their own practice or in allied health and medical centres.
Differences and Similarities:
After graduating, Chiropractors and Physiotherapists have many opportunities to diversify their skillsets.
Some Physiotherapists tend towards quite a hands on approach, whilst others spend a lot more time prescribing rehabilitation. Some Chiropractors will focus predominantly on spinal health and manipulative therapies, whilst others, such as ourselves at Lakelands Health and Performance combine a more multimodal approach including the likes of manipulation, rehabilitation, dry needling, shockwave, etc.
A lot of Chiropractors and Physiotherapists will manipulate, perform soft tissue therapy, prescribe exercises and essentially practice identically. Some may be completely different. The best way to decide who is the best person to see for an injury, ongoing pain or preventative health is not to base your decision on the profession they are a part of, but rather the clinician themselves. What further study they have done, what they are experienced in and what they usually do as part of treatment are all important things to consider. You can then choose the provider that most aligns with you.
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Wondering if Lakelands Health and Performance is right for you? Feel free to explore our website and social platforms for information on our services and practice philosophy. Still not sure? Phone or email us and arrange a conversation with one of our practitioners.