Three therapists walk into a bar

When people find out that I am osteopath the next question is usually ‘what is the difference between an osteopath, a chiropractor and a physiotherapist and which one would be the best for me to see?’ Here is my attempt at a simple answer to that question which I hope makes sense. If there is anything you are not sure about please feel free to contact me for more information.

Osteopath, chiropractor, physiotherapist?

I have made some generalisations so I apologise to all of the therapists who read this and say ‘that’s not what I do!’ This summary is aimed at helping people understand a bit more about why we do what we do as therapists and I have deliberately kept it at a ‘high level’. Feel free to post comments if I have missed something fundamental about the way you practice, as anything that increases understanding can only be a good thing. Probably the most important point to make is that anyone using the title osteopath, chiropractor or physiotherapist is a highly-trained healthcare professional that has studied for 3 – 5 years and must be registered with the appropriate regulatory authority i.e. General Osteopathic Council, General Chiropractic Council or Health and Care Professions Council.

Choosing a therapist can be like entering a maze

What they do

Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment based on the view that when the body is balanced and working well, it will function with the minimum of wear and tear. Osteopaths use a detailed case history and physical examination to identify musculoskeletal problems within your body’s structure and function. The treatment approach can involve a combination of manipulative, structural, cranial and soft tissue techniques which are effective for a wide range of muscular, nerve and joint problems.

Like osteopaths, chiropractors take a case history and perform an examination to diagnose problems involving your muscles, joints and the nervous system. A chiropractic exam is more likely to involve the use of MRI, X-rays or CT scans as well as other diagnostic tests to identify any problems. They treat muscles, joints, and bones using a range of techniques, with an emphasis on manipulation of the spine to resolve any problems identified. Physiotherapists treat problems associated with ligaments, muscles, tendons, and joints and are known for their provision of post- surgical/fracture rehabilitation. As with the other health professionals, they will take a detailed history and use orthopaedic tests to diagnose problems and will use mobilisation techniques, manipulation, stretching and exercises to treat musculoskeletal conditions.

Similarities and differences

Although equally well trained, osteopaths, chiropractors, and physiotherapists treatment approaches are based on different principles and philosophies. Despite those differences, there are many similarities with each profession using orthopaedic and neurological tests to examine and diagnose the problems presented by a patient. They may use different techniques to resolve the problems found, but the end result is always to improve health and to see you getting better.

Who should you see?

Does any of this help you to decide the best type of therapist to see? Probably not! In my experience ‘word of mouth’ is still the most popular way most people find a therapist usually from a good review from friends or family members. The next best thing is to use the internet to identify some therapists you like the sound of and call them. It is a good sign if the person you speak to sounds knowledgeable with a clear understanding of your proof of what is happening. If the therapist is able to explain their thoughts in a clear and understandable way that is even better. Whenever there is a lot of ‘jargon’ with no clear explanation of what might be happening, feel free to walk away and find someone else that you feel comfortable with. Always ask lots of questions and as long as you are happy with the answers and the therapist’s treatment approach you have made the right choice.

The next best thing is to search the internet to identify some therapists that you like the sound of and then call them. It is a good sign if the therapist sounds knowledgeable with a clear understanding of your problem and can provide an explanation of how they could help you. If they respond with a lot of ‘jargon’ and technical terms that leave you confused, feel free to find someone else as they either don’t understand what is going on or have communication difficulties. Always ask lots of questions and as long as you are happy with the answers and the therapist’s treatment approach you have made the right choice.

Choosing a practitioner is really as complicated and simple as that, with one approach to a treatment being very similar to another for resolving musculoskeletal problems.

I chose to practice osteopathy because it suits my philosophy and the way that I like to work, but it is really about the practitioner and whether their approach to treating you works for you.