What’s the difference between osteopathy, physiotherapy, and chiropractic?
Physiotherapists, osteopaths and chiropractors are all musculoskeletal (MSK) professionals. So are sports therapists. They are all qualified to diagnose and treat back pain, chronic elbow pain, ankle sprains, etc.
Here at Southamption Physio you will be well taken care of by any of our therapists. The “Physio” in our name stands for the shorthand given by the public to anyone who helps with injuries. Most people we see just want to know that the therapist they’re seeing has the skills to help them. We ensure that all our therapists have the skills to help everyone.
Each of our therapists combines the best of the MSK professions to provide excellent, evidence-based care. We are health professionals first, here to assist you. We will use whatever skills we have to meet your needs and get you the best outcome.
That being said, you may find these differences when you go in for a treatment:
Physiotherapists and sports therapists tend to focus more on exercise interventions. You will likely receive a detailed and thorough exercise prescription.
Osteopaths and chiropractors are more likely to include hands-on interventions in their treatments. This could include spinal manipulation, massage or joint articulations
At Southampton Physio we provide holistic, person-centred and evidence informed care. At the core of this is assisting patients to live an active life aligned with their values. All our therapists are exercise professionals with skills in coaching lifestyle and habit change.
Traditional differences
Physiotherapy developed with nurses in UK hospitals performing massage. Osteopathy and chiropractic developed out of alternative health movements in the USA. These historical roots and the philosophies that inspired them account for much of the difference. Over time though these boundaries are breaking down.
Osteopathy recently became an NHS Allied Health Profession alongside physiotherapy. Many chiropractors are also turning away from their alternative roots. There are still professionals in both fields that see themselves as alternative health providers. Sports therapy developed more recently to fill a need for exercise-related MSK healthcare. They have quickly become a respected and sought out MSK healthcare profession.
Here at Southampton Physio we are evidence-informed complimentary healthcare professionals. We work with GPs and other NHS professionals to provide the best quality care for our patients. We regularly attend and hold CPD events to stay up-to-date with current research and guidelines in order to ensure that our treatments are of the highest quality that they can be.
The right service for you
All our therapists are qualified with a broad range of MSK issues. We also have specialist services for hand injuries and chronic pain management.
If a particular treatment has worked well for you in the past, or you have been recommended a particular therapy, you can specify this when you book.
If you would like to discuss your particular situation in more detail to get the best possible care, book a call back below and one of our team will be in touch.