Physical Therapist vs. Chiropractor

cairo

1 Posts
 
Posted - 02/11/2006 :  17:38:12  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
My neck has been bothering me lately and I was told by my friends to see a chiropractor. Other friends say I should see a physical therapist. What do you guys recommend? What is the difference between the two?

PT Guy

22 Posts
 
Posted - 02/12/2006 :  13:05:08  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Without knowing further details about your neck and condition I really can't make a recommendation as far as what you should do. I would consult with your physician, however, and get his recommendation.
As far as the difference between a chiropractor and a physical therapist, there is a huge difference. Chiropractors are trained to manipulate joints in order to get the joints back into alignment in hopes of reducing pain and promoting function. Physical therapists helps patients get their joints back into alignment as well but conduct a more detail evaulation as to why an individual is out of alignment. ie. is there weakness in an area, poor posture, poor functional mechanics, poor flexibility, poor join mobility, hyper joint mobility, instability etc... From the problem list PT's work with the patients to help correct their problems in hopes of creating a lasting solution. When I am unable to get a patient back into alignment with conventional methods I will send the patient to see a chiropractor but have them come back to work with me in PT so that we can create a lasting effect. The results are very positive when we work together in these instances. In other cases, I often do see many individuals become dependent on chiropractors as some of the above issues were not addressed by the chiropractor. The goal of physical therapists are to help their patients become self dependent so that they can manage their condition on their own. I hope this helps.