Physiotherapy or Chiropractic Care?

Physiotherapists and Chiropractors are both health care practitioners that can help you overcome pain and dysfunction related to your musculoskeletal and nervous systems (ie. muscles, joints, bones, ligaments, fascia, tendons and nerves).  Many people are often confused about whom they should seek treatment from and what the best course of therapy is.  The answer to this question is not very straightforward but I’ll try my best to demystify the difference between physios and chiros and help you make an informed decision about your care.

There is a very common misconception that when you see a chiropractor they will usually “crack” your back or “adjust your spine” and in 5 minutes your visit will be complete and you will be required to sign up to a 5 year maintenance program so that your back pain does not return.  This may be the case for a very small percentage of chiropractors but the truth is that many chiros nowadays are practicing using a very multifaceted approach that includes soft tissue release (including ART® or graston techniques among others), acupuncture and adjustments if they deem this to be necessary. Chiropractors have their own unique perspective and assessment system when assessing your condition that usually involves looking closer at how the spine and the nerves that exit your spinal cord influence the area in your body that is injured.

Very similarly, physiotherapists treat patients using a multimodal approach that includes but is not limited to joint mobilizations, soft tissue release techniques, acupuncture, modalities such as ultrasound, laser, shockwave therapy, electrical current and even some highly trained physiotherapists can perform manipulations to your joints if necessary. But what really sets physiotherapists apart from other professionals is their expertise in prescriptive exercise so that your muscles can function optimally and so that the connection between the muscle and your brain is enhanced (aka motor control). After an injury you may end up with muscle loss. Very quickly muscle imbalances will develop because you will start to compensate.  Specific exercises may be necessary to help you return to your normal, pre-injury state.

Bottom line, both professionals can help you succeed. Make sure you are seeing a professional that you feel most comfortable with and that can answer all your questions and provide information about what treatments they will be doing and why these treatments will benefit you. Their explanations should make logical sense to you.

The chiropractors and physiotherapists at Rebalance Sports Medicine work together in a team to ensure that you get the best results possible.  If you are still unsure which professional is right for you, rest assured that your therapist will let you know if another professional will be better suited to help you get better.  It is also important to note that sometimes it may be beneficial to see both physio and chiro for optimal recovery. Your therapist will keep an open line of communication with you so that you know what the best plan of action is for you.

We are conveniently located downtown Toronto just steps away from King Station. Contact us today to book your appointment and get on your way to Recovery at Rebalance!!