Posted on April 22, 2016 by Kate Halsall
This week I booked myself in to see the Osteopath who previously helped me with my back. When one of my clients asked why an Osteopath and not a Chiropractor I only had two answers – I don’t like having my neck cracked and that’s what Chiropractors do (from past experience), and that I was sticking with someone who had helped previously! I honestly did not know the difference between the two professions! So here is my best summary for the differences between Chiropractors vs Osteopaths – but before you make a decision on which professional to visit, speak to your doctor!
Firstly it’s important to note that chiropractors and osteopaths are both VERY similar. They both look at the full body and they both employ physical movements in order to treat pain and injuries. But there are a few keys areas which distinguish them:
Chiropractors
- Hands on manipulation of the spine.
- They will “crack you” – your joints that is! Because Chiropractors specialise in the joints, bones and spine they will make “adjustments” to help regain functionality and alleviate pain.
- Chiropractors are qualified to take and read x-rays and MRIs
Osteopaths
- Look at soft tissue, muscles, joints, nerves and movement
- Apply mobilisation and stretching and typically work on a larger area of the body
- Osteopaths often take a more “holistic” approach and they can still “crack you” but they will employ different methods to that of a chiropractor.
To summarise, both professions work with the muscloskeletal system and they both treat similar ailments: lower back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain etc. But when looking at chiropractor vs osteopath, as always, it’s about finding what works for you. Make sure that they have suitable qualifications, insurance and have experience in helping with your ailments.
Further In-Depth Explanations:
http://www.chiropractic-uk.co.uk/About-About-Chiropractic-3-mi.aspx
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Osteopathy/Pages/Introduction.aspx
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chiropractic/Pages/Introduction.aspx
http://www.healthcentre.org.uk/osteopaths/osteopath-difference-chiropractor.html
http://osteopathy.com.sg/osteopaths-chiropractors-similarities-differences/
https://www.simplyhealth.co.uk/sh/pages/individuals/difference-chiropractic-osteopathy.jsp