-
February 13, 2021
How to Choose Between a Physiotherapist, Chiropractor, or Massage Therapist
If you’re sitting here wondering how to decide between a physiotherapist, chiropractor, or massage therapist, you are not alone. Whether you’re experiencing muscle pain from a sports-related incident, joint discomfort from chronic overuse at work, or overall physical dysfunction from a specific condition, your symptoms need to be managed appropriately.
One person’s journey from the point of injury to recovery may be very different from someone else — and that’s ok. The unique nature of physical rehabilitation is the reason there is no such thing as a “one size fits all” plan. Instead, these three different kinds of providers are all integral to our healthcare system.
Here, we discuss each of their treatment methods, their differences and similarities in patient care, and the influence of a multi-disciplinary approach so that you can make a well-informed decision in choosing a healthcare provider.
What Does a Physiotherapist Do?
Physiotherapy is a well-recognized healthcare practice that focuses on injury prevention, rehabilitation, recovery and long-term maintenance of physical functioning. Trained in evidence-based movement sciences, physiotherapists work towards pinpointed the root cause of an injury.
The Canadian Physiotherapy Association states that a licensed physiotherapist’s scope of practice allows them to address issues of the musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory systems. Following an assessment, they will prescribe exercises specific to their patient’s injury and/or condition. For the best results, you will be expected to perform these exercises alongside a physiotherapist and independently.
When You Should Seek Physiotherapy Care
Physiotherapists have a larger scope of practice than both chiropractors and massage therapists, allowing them to treat more diverse injuries. From basic injury rehabilitation to pain management for chronic diseases, physiotherapists cover it all.
Here are some common reasons people book an appointment with a physiotherapist:
– Muscle strains and/or ligament sprains
– Neck and back pain (chronic and acute)
– Immobility due to injury, surgery, or a health condition
– Management of neurological disorders (eg. Traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s Disorder, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, or peripheral nerve injury)
– Breathing problems associated with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or emphysema
– Fatigue, pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of muscle strength, associated with injury, cancer treatment, palliative care, etc.
– Pelvic issues following childbirth (eg. bladder or bowel problems)
Physiotherapist Specializations
Under the scope of Physical Therapy, you can also seek out numerous physiotherapy specialists to target specific injuries or conditions. Some areas include oncology, pain sciences, sport, senior health, and pediatrics.
What Does a Chiropractor Do?
Chiropractors have long been known for their non-invasive, hands-on care. Focusing on the musculoskeletal system and spinal manipulation, chiropractors work to correct alignment, restores proper movement, and improves overall physical functioning.
The Canadian Chiropractic Association cites that chiropractic care is evidence-informed to assist in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of spine and joint-related injuries or imbalances. Similar to physiotherapy, chiropractic care focuses on patient wellness and improved long-term physical functioning. However, the difference here is that chiropractors perform manipulations and adjustments while physiotherapists focus on stretching and exercising.
When You Should Seek Chiropractic Care
Although chiropractic care is oftentimes recognized to treat or manage spine-specific conditions, there are several other reasons that you should consider seeking this type of care.
Here are some common reasons people book an appointment with a chiropractor:
– Back/neck pain or immobility
– Spinal misalignment
– Chronic headaches
– Muscle strains or sprains
– Muscle aches, numbness or tingling
– Repetitive strain injury (RSI)
– Work or sport-related injuries
What Does a Massage Therapist Do?
A Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) works with soft tissues of the body such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, connective tissues, and joints. RMTs are specialized to alleviate discomfort from everyday stressors, muscular overuse injuries, and chronic pain.
Based on the Certified Registered Massage Therapy Association, an RMT is highly trained to use specialized massage techniques to address any soreness and pain associated with an injury or health condition. In doing so, they work to restore the body’s natural mobility and overall physical functioning.
When You Should Seek Massage Therapy Care
Seeking out an RMT can be useful for many reasons. While muscle soreness is the most common, this 1-2 hour session can be beneficial for more targeted care.
Here are some common reasons people book an appointment with an RMT:
– Minimize or eliminate pain
– Reduce headaches
– Improve joint mobility
– Reduce muscular tension
– Improve blood circulation
– Improve lymphatic drainage
Types of Massage Therapies
Although the term “massage therapy” is used to describe all the different massage techniques, there are several types practiced across the world. The classic form of massage therapy, known by many in the Western world is the Swedish Massage. However, if you’re looking for a more targeted approach, you can look into other techniques such as sports massages, clinical massages, Shiatsu, or Tuina.
Collaboration is Key
While all three disciplines have their unique differences, in many cases it can be helpful to seek combined therapies for a faster recovery. Using a multi-disciplinary approach, these highly-trained healthcare providers can join forces to get you onto the right path to recovery.
For example, chiropractors work with physiotherapists on complex musculoskeletal issues. Using their different approaches to manual therapy, chiropractors can help diagnose a problem, relieve pain and rehabilitate movement while a physiotherapist can maintain this movement, pain-free!
At the end of the day, these providers are not working against each other. Instead, this sort of overlap is beneficial in the pursuit of patient care and well-being.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with an injury can be difficult, but choosing the right healthcare provider is what matters most. In the efforts to minimize any barriers in this process, My Health Consult can help you to narrow down your search to the perfect healthcare provider in your area. Simply use the Public Healthcare Directory to customize your search options, scroll through the profiles, and book with a clinician — it’s that simple!
