When dealing with an injury or chronic pain, it is important to seek the appropriate care. However, with a multitude of treatment options, it can be challenging to choose.
For example, for neck and back pain, most people will consider what a chiropractor vs. physical therapist can do to help.
How do these treatment options differ?
A chiropractor concentrates on and treats pinched nerves that restrict the body’s ability to function properly. In comparison, the purpose of a physical therapist is to rehabilitate the muscles of your body.
Ultimately, the benefits of a chiropractor vs. physical therapist differ depending on your ailment.
Nonetheless, to start the healing process, in this article, we explain the differences between a chiropractor and a physical therapist below.
Chiropractor vs. Physical Therapist: Who Should You Visit?
Responsibilities of a Chiropractor vs. Physical Therapist
Chiropractor
There are a variety of reasons that you may visit a chiropractor. A common reason is chronic pain from migraines. In addition, severe injuries like an atlas subluxation from a whiplash injury.
Regardless of why you schedule a chiropractic visit, the goal of the doctor will remain the same—to address underlying spinal nerve issues to improve the patient’s health and quality of life.
To demonstrate, a chiropractor is concerned with more than just the symptoms you’re presenting. A chiropractor addresses the root of your problem with chiropractic care.
By addressing the root of your problem with chiropractic care, not only do you find relief, but you also allow your brain and body to communicate with each other freely. This communication lets you live your life to the fullest!
Physical Therapist
Patients that seek the guidance of physical therapists typically want help rehabilitating an injury.
The duties of a physical therapist include the use of exercises, stretches, and other methods to deal with your pain. These methods will differ from patient to patient. After all, a patient who has a sports injury will differ from a patient with chronic arthritis.
When to See a Chiropractor vs. Physical Therapist
Chiropractors
The benefits of seeing a chiropractor vs. physical therapist depend on your ailment.
There are a wide variety of benefits to be gained from seeing a chiropractor. Not only can you address your pain, but you can improve your overall health. This improvement of your health is achieved by optimizing your nervous system function.
A chiropractor provides the best preventive care to help you achieve and maintain optimal health. Simply put, the best time to see a chiropractor is when you want to improve your overall health.
Physical Therapists
Let’s say you had surgery recently, such as on your knee or shoulder, for example. In this situation, you would want to see a physical therapist.
After joint surgery, a physical therapist can help you regain motion and also reduce area-specific pain. Rehabilitation is critical when it comes to surgeries or injuries that can reduce your overall movement.
This benefit is why physical therapists focus on relieving your pain so that afterward, you can continue to improve your health overall to prevent further injuries.
Take Charge of Your Healing Process
Now that you know more about what benefits you can gain from a chiropractor vs. a physical therapist, you’re ready to start the healing process! Take into consideration what you are experiencing right now.
Are you experiencing chronic pain, and if so, do you know what may have started it? For example, is the pain from an injury or a recent surgery? Questions like these can help you determine if seeing a chiropractor or physical therapist will be most beneficial to you.
If you’re still unsure of who to see, you can always ask! For instance, upper cervical family chiropractors like Begin Within Family Wellness offer patients a complimentary consultation for their first visit. In this visit, you and your chiropractor can determine if you are the right fit for chiropractic care. Regardless, your chiropractor is dedicated to helping you receive the best care so that you can live your life to the fullest.
For more information on how you can schedule your complimentary consultation, feel free to contact the staff at Begin Within today by giving them a call at (480) 699-3086.
