You may be wondering: “Who should I see for my back pain, a Chiropractor, Osteopath or Physiotherapist?”
Perhaps you are wondering: “What’s the difference?”
Each profession has its own different philosophy and method, but there are some similarities.
Chiropractors, osteopaths and physiotherapists: an overview
Chiropractors and Osteopaths in the UK overall are similar. There is a considerable overlap between the two professions and we treat roughly the same conditions with joint manipulation and muscle techniques. What’s more, the training is similar and we often both attend the same Post-Graduate courses. That being said, there are several small differences in the way we work.
In reality there is a wide variation in which clinicians from both professions practice: some give more gentle ‘balancing’ treatments whilst others give more intensive joint manipulation with deeper muscle massage or muscle releasing. There is no one right answer and the proof of the pudding is finding a clinician who helps you, be they a Chiropractor or Osteopath. Many clinicians also add adjunctive treatments, Nutrition, Acupuncture, Rehabilitation and in my case Alexander Technique.
Physiotherapy is often practiced quite differently, more focusing on rehabilitation exercises after surgery or injury or hospitalization. Private Physiotherapists can use more joint mobilizations and massage which does have some overlap with Chiropractors and Osteopaths, but they generally do not do full joint manipulations in the same way. NHS Physiotherapy in the UK is often now based more on exercise programs with less hands on treatment.
Is Chiropractic better than Osteopathy?
No trials have been done to effectively compare the Chiropractic and Osteopathic methods of adjustment, so it is unfair to claim one is better than the other. Trails have compared Chiropractic to Physiotherapy, showing that Chiropractic is highly effective at treating lower back pain and at preventing it from recurring, up to three or even five years later.
Chiropractors have traditionally used X-rays more that osteopaths to help diagnose conditions. However, it has been shown that X-rays or scans are not always essential in treating lower back pain and Chiropractors are tending to X-ray less now.
Chiropractic work is recognised worldwide and is overall better known, especially in the United States and Australasia. Osteopathy has been in practised in England for longer and so it is better known here.
If you want to try one of the treatments, always consult a registered clinician, either of the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) or the General Osteopathic Council (GOC).
What is the difference between Chiropractors and Osteopaths?
Technical differences in joint manipulation between Chiropractors and Osteopaths
Although both professions treat the same conditions with adjustment techniques, there is a technical difference in the way in which manipulation is done.
Chiropractors use short lever, high velocity thrust, with traction and minimal rotation (see how Chiropractic adjustments work) – a manipulation that is specific to the site of injury or misalignment.
Osteopaths use a long lever, low velocity thrust, with traction and minimal rotation; a more general way of manipulating.
In reality I suspect there is an overlap and it will probably vary on the individual clinician and how they have developed their own unique way of working.
History of Chiropractic and Osteopathy
Both professions were founded at the same time and in the same town (Iowa, United States) at a time when medical services were poor and sparse. It does seem rather a coincidence!
Osteopathy was founded in the 1860s by Andrew Taylor Still, who was a medical surgeon who served in the Union Army. When he lost his three children in 1864 to spinal meningitis, he became disillusioned with orthodox medicine. He began thinking and developed Osteopathy as a holistic treatment.
Chiropractic was founded in 1895 by Daniel David Palmer. He focused on the biomechanics, function and structure of the spine, musculoskeletal and neurological systems and the role played by the proper function of these systems in the preservation and restoration of health. Chiropractors believe the body will heal itself if the structure and function are corrected.
I have written more about the history and philosophy of Chiropractic here.
Comparing Osteopathic and Chiropractic Philosophy
Nervous System vs Blood Vascular System
Osteopaths believe that health occurs when the blood vascular system is working properly
Chiropractor believe that health occurs when the spine and nervous system is working properly.
Both philosophies are equally valid. In some conditions there is more of a nervous irritation or pressure, and some conditions there is more of a circulatory imbalance.
Osteopathy and Chiropractic have similar core principles
I hope this helps your decision process in whether to choose a Chiropractor or an Osteopath. It’s best if you don’t travel too far, if possible. If a friend recommends a local clinician then be brave and give them a try. Good luck with your treatment!
