A Comparison – Physiotherapy, Osteopathy & Chiropractic

Definition

Physiotherapy helps restore movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness or disability. www.csp.org.uk

Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of medical conditions not just back pain, neck pain etc (musculoskeletal conditions).  It works with the structure and function of the body, and is based on the principle that the well-being of an individual depends on the skeleton, muscles, ligaments and connective tissues functioning smoothly together. www.osteopathy.org.uk

Chiropractic is a primary health-care profession that specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and overall management of conditions that are due to problems with the joints, ligaments, tendons and nerves, especially related to the spine. www.chiropractic-uk.co.uk

Origins

Pehr Henrik Ling – a Swedish Theologian. Developed a system of gymnastic movements and massage for pain. In 1813 founded the “Royal Gymnastic Central Institute.” In 1894 four nurses in Great Britain formed the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

Andrew Taylor Still – an American doctor. In 1874 discovered the relationship between the structure of the body, its function with respect to pain & general physiology through manipulation of joints and muscles. He named his discovery – Osteopathy. He successfully treated patients suffering from acute dysentery, gastroenteritis to sciatica.

Daniel David Palmer – an American grocer and magnetic healer. In 1895 working as a healer, he performed his first chiropractic manipulation subsequently helping the patient’s hearing improve. His son BJ Palmer was responsible for bringing chiropractic to the masses.

Which treatment improves health?

Physiotherapy focuses on pain and does not focus on improving the health of tissues.  It tends to focus on symptoms only potentially meaning symptoms can return quickly.

Osteopathy & Chiropractic treat to improve the health of the affected and unhealthy tissues which then reduces pain.  The healthier the tissues the quicker recovery time and the longer the patient remains pain free.

Osteopathy & Chiropractic treat to improve the health of the affected and unhealthy tissues which then reduces pain.  The healthier the tissues the quicker recovery time and the longer the patient remains pain free.

Is treatment Holistic?

Generally speaking no.  Physiotherapy follows the current medical model.  The treatment is focussed at the site of the pain addressing the symptom of the problem and not the causes.

Both Osteopathy and Chiropractic are holistic.  Consider a patient suffering from neck pain: The Chiropractor/Osteopath would also address the poor shoulder positioning and poor middle back function.  This approach treats the cause of the problem as opposed to “putting off the pain” therefore making the treatment more effective.

Both Osteopathy and Chiropractic are holistic.  Consider a patient suffering from neck pain: The Chiropractor/Osteopath would also address the poor shoulder positioning and poor middle back function.  This approach treats the cause of the problem as opposed to “putting off the pain” therefore making the treatment more effective.

How long is the training?

Basic training is 3 years. Training is mostly hospital based so expertise tends to be more in rehabilitation/ stroke etc.  Physiotherapists are trained to work within a hospital environment – tertiary care. This means that a physiotherapist is also trained to work under a consultant or GP. Once qualified knowledge is backed up by Continuous Professional Development.

Basic training for both Osteopathy and Chiropractic is 4/5 years.  Training is mostly based within community clinics so the problems they excel at are back, neck, shoulder problems as well as many other musculoskeletal problems.  Chiropractors and Osteopaths are trained to work independently of consultant and GPs.  This means they are capable of forming their own diagnosis, do their own tests and their own treatment – primary care.  A GP or consultant referral is not necessary to see a Chiropractor or Osteopath.   This extra responsibility is reflected in the longer training.  Once qualified knowledge is backed up by Continuous Professional Development.

Basic training for both Osteopathy and Chiropractic is 4/5 years.  Training is mostly based within community clinics so the problems they excel at are back, neck, shoulder problems as well as many other musculoskeletal problems.  Chiropractors and Osteopaths are trained to work independently of consultant and GPs.  This means they are capable of forming their own diagnosis, do their own tests and their own treatment – primary care.  A GP or consultant referral is not necessary to see a Chiropractor or Osteopath.   This extra responsibility is reflected in the longer training.  Once qualified knowledge is backed up by Continuous Professional Development.

What is treated?

MUSCLE

MUSCLE & JOINT

JOINT

Who can carry out manipulations?

NO

YES

YES

Is the treatment hands on?

Little hands on treatment tends to be more focus on electrotherapy and exercise

YES, less dependency exercises and electrotherapy

YES, less dependency exercises and electrotherapy