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Writer's pictureDr. Amy

Soothing the Sibling Rivalry Between Chiropractic and Physical Therapy

A boy and girl touching foreheads, as if challenging each other.

Online or in real life, in your own thoughts or someone else's words, you've probably encountered the question, "Which is better: chiropractic or physical therapy?"


Some chiropractors and PT's ask it, too. It reminds me of two siblings, always coming up with novel ways to compete, so that one can be crowned the "winner."


The reality is that chiropractic and physical therapy each bring unique value, techniques, and skills to the treatment room, and when we work together, patients win.



Chiropractic Basics


A line drawing of a woman's profile with a stem and leaves for a spine.

WebMD defines chiropractic as "a healthcare profession that cares for your neuromusculoskeletal system—the bones, nerves, muscles, tendons, and ligaments."


Chiropractors identify joint dysfunction and correct it by delivering an adjustment. You may hear this dysfunction referred to as "subluxation." When a joint is completely out of its normal position and can't move normally, we call it a dislocation. Your chiropractor may use the term "subluxation" to describe a joint that is "less than dislocated," meaning it has partially lost its position or motion. The chiropractor's goal is to help your body heal and thrive by restoring healthy joint motion and good communication between your brain and body. More on that below.



Physical Therapy, Simplified


An illustration of therapist helping a patient exercise on a stability ball.

Physical therapy, according to Cleveland Clinic, "helps you improve how your body performs physical movements" through "a combination of exercises, stretches and movements that will increase your strength, flexibility and mobility." It benefits performance, from the athletic field to daily life, and aids recovery after injury or surgery.



Two Professions in Harmony


Do you notice the importance of movement in each of these professions?


Every time your body moves, your muscle and bone systems are working together; they cannot act independently. For example, when your bicep contracts, it causes your elbow to bend. 💪 If someone bends your elbow for you, the bicep gets shorter, and the tricep gets longer. It's always both systems, never just one. When there is pain or injury, the initial cause may be one or the other, but both must heal.



Not All Chiropractic Offices Are the Same


Movement and everything else in your body happens under the direction of your nervous system; that bicep won't contract without an instruction from your brain. Chiropractors uniquely consider how healthy spinal joint motion can affect the inner workings of the body via a clear or muddled communication system.



Your brain and spinal cord comprise your Central Nervous System (CNS).

They are housed in the protection of your skull and spinal column.



Some chiropractors focus exclusively on the communication pathway between your brain and body. In their offices, patients exclusively receive chiropractic adjustments, and sometimes, only in specific areas of the spine. When the spine is healthy, the communication pathway which is found inside it (i.e. the spinal cord) is healthy and happy.



Dr. Crowe examining a woman's hip while they both laugh

Other chiropractors, like myself, are more "wholistic with a 'w'", assessing and treating the whole body. You might receive not only adjustments to any region of your spine, but also your ribs, feet, or ears! Treatment plans often include therapies and techniques similar to those recommended in a PT office, as well. Because of this combining of techniques, we are sometimes referred to as "mixers."


When more extensive physical therapy is needed, chiropractors refer to or co-manage care with a physical therapist, and many PT's are learning how to recognize when chiropractic care is indicated and referring to us, too. Like siblings outgrowing their competitive childhood, chiropractors and physical therapists are maturing into good friends and colleagues, and patients are benefiting from it.



The Beautiful Balance


Are you starting to see the harmonious synergy that exists between chiropractic care and physical therapy?


An illustration of stacked rocks with a vine growing and a symbol of synergy at the bottom

Both address your muscular and skeletal systems to help you move better and live more vibrantly. This dynamic duo can address a spectrum of issues, from chronic pain management to post-injury rehabilitation, as well as prevent pain and injury by helping your body function at its highest potential. Working with a practitioner who knows the value of both disciplines and understands the right time for each one, you can be confident you're being offered a comprehensive plan that targets not just symptoms, but the root causes of your discomfort.



They're Both Great, but Which One Is Right for Me?


Some problems heal well whether you choose chiropractic or physical therapy (though many chiropractors would like to flog me for saying so).


Try chiropractic first if you:


Hands surrounding flowers that represent a spine
  • Experience crunching or grinding in your joints

  • Have poor posture

  • Move well through global body movements but have a localized complaint

  • Still feel the same discomfort when someone moves the problem area compared to when you move it yourself using the muscles around it

  • Have unequal range of motion on one side compared to the other that feels like a hard, bony limitation

  • Have tried exercise and medication but your issue hasn't improved




Consider physical therapy if you:


A woman helping an older woman stretch on a mat
  • Recently had surgery

  • Have ongoing concerns from a past surgery

  • Are recovering from a soft tissue injury such as a strain or tear

  • Have unequal range of motion on one side compared to the other that feels like a soft tissue limitation

  • Still have pain after working with a chiropractor for at least 6 visits, and in severe cases, up to 24 or more (Don't give up before your body has had time to respond; your chiropractor will give you an estimate of how long treatment will take.)



These lists are far from exhaustive, but I hope they provided a bit of guidance about how chiropractic and physical therapy compare and complement each other.



 


Next time you visit your chiropractor or engage in a physical therapy session, remember that you're not choosing sides in a sibling rivalry; you're embracing the beauty of holistic care. Chiropractic and physical therapy each bring unique value, techniques, and skills to you, the patient. In the past, our competitive mindset has created confusion in those we serve. For your benefit, though, we're becoming better partners all the time. Your well-being deserves nothing less!



Search for Harmony, Embrace Balance, Live Vibrantly.



Dr. Crowe being greeted by a smiling woman and child at their front door
I come to you!


My name is Dr. Amy Crowe, and I bring chiropractic care to women in the comfort and convenience of their own homes on the Missouri side of the Kansas City metro.


Click here to request your free 10-minute phone consult now!

You may also call or text 816-405-2532.

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