A brief comparison between Physiotherapy, Chiropractic and Osteopathy:
If you're experiencing aches and pains, having trouble with movement, or recovering from an injury, there are several types of practitioners available who may be able to help you.
Physiotherapy, Chiropractic, Osteopathy: what's the difference??
All three practitioners will take a slightly different approach to treatment so it can be difficult to know which one might be right for you.
Physiotherapists specialise in the diagnosis and management of movement disorders. The aim is to rehabilitate and improve a person's ability to move and function, often following injury or surgery. A Physiotherapist uses massage, stretching, and exercises to achieve these aims.
Chiropractors core focus is the diagnosis and correction of disorders of the musculoskeletal system, commonly the spine, using manual adjustments. It can also involve a combination of hands-on care, physical therapy modalities (ultrasounds) and exercise.
Osteopaths focus on the health and well-being of the entire body, rather than just the injured or affected area. They focus on how the skeleton, joints, muscles, nerves, circulation, connective tissue and internal organs function as a holistic (whole body) unit. Osteopathy recognises the important link between the body's structure and the way it functions.
As with Physiotherapists and Chiropractors, Osteopaths use their hands to try and balance the systems within the body. Osteopaths also focus on other hands-on techniques including soft or deep-tissue massage, muscle-stretching, trigger-point release, joint mobilisation, postural/ergonomic advice, prevention exercises ('home-work'), and even nutritional advice.
Patients of Osteopaths commonly include those with back and neck pain, sciatic-type problems, headaches, joint pain, but they also treat more than what you may think – Osteopaths can also help alleviate the signs and symptoms of work-related and repetitive strain injuries, sports injuries, whiplash, tennis elbow, knee pain, shin splints, heel/foot pain, and muscular strains and tendinopathy.
Osteopaths generally work in private practice and do not require a referral from a GP. Treatment is covered by most private health funds and the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Medicare scheme. Osteopathy degrees take 5 years to complete and practitioners must be registered by law with the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency.
Call us to discuss how Osteopathy can help with your health concerns - 9427 8848
by Dr. Anne-Marie Noble, Osteopath at BodyActive Health.
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