thinking about which therapy treatment to undergo. While many people think that chiropractic and physical therapy are the same, they are two different treatment options.
It doesn’t matter if you choose a chiropractor or physical therapist; both guarantee pain relief. These two clinicians may have different educational backgrounds, treatment philosophies, and skillsets, but they provide therapy for the same goal — to improve your quality of life.
If you’re unsure which one to choose, why not combine both for more benefits? We’ve gathered information about the differences between chiropractic and physical therapy and how combining them offers more advantages.
What’s the Difference Between Chiropractic and Physical Therapy?
To those who have the question, “Are chiropractic and physical therapy the same?” in mind, the answer is no. One of the main differences is that chiropractic care focuses on adjustments while physical therapy focuses on movements.
Chiropractic Care vs. Manual Physical Therapy
Chiropractors believe the body can heal itself with the help of proper adjustments. They offer hands-on and instrument-assisted treatments to restore the body to its proper alignment. Chiropractic treatments benefit people who are recovering from injuries or require immediate pain relief.
Physical therapists, on the other hand, offer a more diverse array of treatment options. They provide treatment plans that include soft mobilization, modalities, and corrective exercises. Physical therapy helps people who are suffering from pain and want to improve their movements.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is suitable for:
1. Pain Relief
Two of the most common problems of sitting for too long everyday are neck and back pain. These issues arise when you have a sedentary lifestyle or when you don’t practice proper posture.
With chiropractic care, you’ll experience relief from the pressure on your neck and back. Adjustments done by chiropractors ease muscle and joint tension, providing relief from pain.
2. Posture Improvement
Improper posture is one of the reasons people suffer from pain and other issues in the body. Sitting or standing with improper posture inflict misalignments in the spine and other body parts.
Not only do chiropractors provide adjustments to correct misalignments, but they also educate you about observing proper posture during your daily tasks. They may even prescribe ergonomic mattresses and chairs to correct your posture.
3. Athletic Performance Improvement
Did you know that many varsity teams have chiropractors? Athletes and those with active lifestyles can get many benefits from routine chiropractic care.
Adjustments and other treatments provided by chiropractors correct and address all misalignment issues, tensions, and pain points in the body. They reduce muscle stiffness and give athletes more flexibility. They also reduce the risk of strains, sprains, and sports injuries brought about by pulled muscles.
4. Relief From Headache
Tension in the shoulders and neck because of strenuous physical activity or a lack thereof causes headaches. Chiropractors provide many treatments, including spinal decompression, massage therapy, and myofascial release, to address the root cause of headaches and prevent them from recurring.
Benefits of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy offers:
1. Pain Reduction and Elimination
Like chiropractic treatments, physical therapy also provides pain relief. The approach may be different, but the goal is the same.
Physical therapists use many techniques, including joint and soft tissue mobilization, to lessen pain. They also use ultrasound, taping, and electrical stimulation to restore joints and muscles to normal functioning. These methods eliminate pain and prevent it from recurring.
2. Reduced Risk of Surgery
Relief from pain brought about by injuries and other issues may eliminate the need for surgery. Even if surgery becomes necessary, you can still receive benefits from pre-surgery treatments from physical therapists. With a stronger and more prepared body, expect your recovery to be easier and faster.
3. Mobility Development
If you’re having difficulty walking, running, moving, or standing, physical therapy is among the most viable options you have. Through stretching and strengthening exercises, you’ll have your capacity to move reinstated.
Physical therapists can prescribe a cane, pair of crutches, or another assistive device to help you recover. They also provide a customized treatment plan to specifically address the root cause of your limited range of movement.
4. Balance and Stability Improvement
Physical therapists monitor you for fall risks when undergoing physical therapy. Physical therapists have the required knowledge and experience to safely provide challenging exercises that emulate real-life situations if your body isn’t stable enough. The purpose of these exercises is to improve your balance and stability and reduce your risks of falling or slipping.
5. Age-related Issue Management
As you get older, you are at higher risk of developing different age-related issues, such as osteoporosis and arthritis. Physical therapy, thankfully, can help you manage pain and symptoms brought about by such issues.
If ever you need joint replacements due to aging issues, physical therapists can also help you prepare for the procedure and recuperate faster.
Benefits of Combined Chiropractic and Physical Therapy
Combining chiropractic and physical therapy offers both short- and long-term advantages. Chiropractic care provides short-term benefits, such as immediate relief from pain and headaches. It also provides long-term benefits, including posture correction and athletic performance improvement. The same goes for physical therapy; it offers short-term benefits, such as pain reduction, and long-term benefits, including improved mobility, stability, and balance.
When they are combined, you’ll experience an improvement in your quality of life. You’ll encounter fewer issues and become more productive everyday.
Advanced Chiropractors Group Is Here To Help
We at Advanced Chiropractors Group promote incorporating chiropractic care into people’s overall health routine.
We’ve partnered with chiropractors in different states of the U.S. Call us today, and we’ll connect you to the best ones in your area.
