If you’re dealing with pain, stiffness or injury in your muscles, joints or spine, you’re not alone. Musculoskeletal issues are incredibly common and can affect anyone from office workers and tradies to athletes and retirees. When seeking treatment, two types of professionals often come up, a chiropractor (chiro) and a physiotherapist (physio).
But what’s the real difference between physiotherapy and chiropractic care? And how do you know which one suits your needs best?
What’s the Difference Between a Chiropractor and Physiotherapist?
Here are the key differences between physio and chiropractor treatments to help you make an informed choice. Understanding their approaches makes it easier to decide which is best for you. The table below outlines the main distinctions.
| Aspect | Chiropractor | Physiotherapist |
|---|---|---|
| Philosophy | Focuses on spinal alignment and nervous system function | Focuses on body movement, strength, and overall function |
| Techniques | Spinal adjustments, joint manipulation | Exercises, manual therapy, dry needling, electrotherapy |
| Training | Bachelor’s or Master’s in Chiropractic (usually 5 years) | Bachelor’s or Master’s in Physiotherapy (4+ years) |
| Treatment frequency | Often short, frequent visits | Typically longer, less frequent sessions with home exercises |
| Patient education | Posture and ergonomic advice | Emphasis on self-management and rehab strategies |
What Does a Chiropractor Do?
A chiropractor is a healthcare professional specialising in diagnosing and treating mechanical problems of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. Common treatments include spinal adjustments, joint manipulation, and soft tissue techniques. Chiropractors may also advise on posture, ergonomics, and lifestyle to support healing. They often treat back and neck pain, tension headaches, sciatica, and joint pain.
When to see a chiropractor: If you have persistent back or neck pain, restricted joint movement, tension headaches, or nerve-related pain, chiropractic care could be a good option.
What Does a Physiotherapist Do?
Physiotherapists improve movement and physical function, working across injury rehabilitation, chronic conditions, and prevention. Treatments typically include exercise programmes, manual therapy, dry needling, electrotherapy, and education on posture and movement. They help with sports injuries, post-surgery recovery, muscle and joint pain, mobility issues, and neurological conditions.
When to see a physiotherapist: Physiotherapy is best if you’re recovering from injury or surgery, managing chronic pain, or need help improving mobility, strength, or balance.
Can You See Both?
You can absolutely see both, and often combining these approaches gives the best results. While a chiropractor works to relieve spinal tension through adjustments, a physiotherapist can provide exercises to strengthen muscles and maintain alignment. If you’re seeing both, make sure your practitioners communicate so your treatment stays consistent and safe.
Choosing the Right Practitioner for You
Choosing between a chiropractor and a physiotherapist depends on your specific condition, goals, and treatment preferences. Consider the following before making your decision:
- What is the source of your pain or discomfort?
- Are you seeking pain relief, rehabilitation, or both?
- Has your GP provided a referral or diagnosis?
- How comfortable are you with hands-on adjustments compared to exercise-based therapy?
When you speak to a practitioner, ask:
- What treatment do you recommend and why?
- How long will it take to see results?
- What can I do at home to support my recovery?
Remember that your treatment goals, whether focused on pain relief, improving movement, or prevention, should always guide your choice. If you’re unsure, a quick chat with your GP or a call to a local clinic like ours can help point you in the right direction.
For friendly advice, call us on (03) 9509 7691.
