However, their services may differ in the scope of techniques and treatments.
For example, a chiropractor can help recover from acute back orneck painthrough joint manipulation.
The reasons for seeing one over the other depend on the nature of your injury.
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A PT also assesses and treats acute spinal problems, but they may not approach treatment the same way.
Your therapist can work with you to improve your ability to perform your day-to-day work and recreational activities.
Research has shown that working with a chiropractor or a physical therapist for various spinal conditions produces similar outcomes.
Your therapist will ask questions about your injury and how it is affecting the way you move.
If you have had surgery, they will ask about the procedure performed and your pre- and post-operative course.
Your PT will also ask about your past medical history and your prior level of function.
Most physical therapy appointments last for 30 to 60 minutes.
Your specific injury and goals will determine how often you oughta go and for how long.
Your PT may perform manual techniques like joint mobilizations,scar tissue massage, or passive stretches.
Various methods may be used to decrease pain or inflammation.
You may also work on functional mobility and balance orgait trainingif you are having difficulty walking.
Ahome therapistmay visit you in your house if you are unable to leave it due to your injury.
Your therapist can help you regain full mobility and help you return to your previous level of activity.
If you haveback pain,neck pain, orsciatica, you may consult with a chiropractor.
They will ask you to describe your past medical history.
A variety of treatments are often used.
These may include:
Joint manipulations are the most common treatment performed by a chiropractor.
A manipulation is used to correct a joint subluxation.
Most sessions with a chiropractor take around 30 minutes.
As with PT, your particular injury will determine how regularly you’ll need to go.
They can assess your condition and provide a spinal adjustment to help you move better and feel better.
Some chiropractors can also treat acute joint injuries, like shoulder pain or hip pain.
How to Choose
So how do you choose between a physical therapist and a chiropractor?
Your therapist will likely prescribe treatments and exercises to decrease pain and improve functional mobility.
With osteoporosis, you may be advised to avoid chiropractic manipulation as there is a risk of injury.
Summary
Both chiropractors and physical therapists use non-invasive physical methods to relieve pain.
Chiropractors focus mainly on joint manipulation to relieve back and neck pain.
This often quickly reduces pain and improves your mobility.
If you have lower back pain, a chiropractor can determine if spinal subluxations may be to blame.
They can then perform joint manipulations to help realign your spine, decreasing your pain and improving your mobility.
Your chiropractor may also teach you exercises and postures to help prevent future problems with your back.
A PT uses various modalities and joint mobilizations to help you move better and feel better.
A personal trainer holds a certificate from an accrediting organization for trainers.
Chiropractic care usually focuses on relieving pain from an acute injury or chronic pain.
PT is intended to help people regain strength and mobility after a surgery or due to a chronic condition.
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