If you spend time on social media, you’ve probably seen videos of chiropractic adjustments popping up on your feed. In the Philippines, these clips have made chiropractors more visible and widely talked about. And since physical therapy and chiropractic care are both related to pain relief and movement, many people assume they are the same or can be used interchangeably.
In reality, physical therapists and chiropractors have different approaches, training, and goals when it comes to treatment. Here, we’ll talk about the difference between a physical therapy and rehabilitation clinic and a chiropractic office/clinic.
What Is a Physical Therapist?
A physical therapist is a licensed healthcare professional who helps people move better and recover from injuries or surgery. They use exercises, hands-on treatment, and personalized care plans to improve strength, flexibility, and movement. They also help patients prevent future injuries and return to daily activities safely.
What Is a Chiropractor?
A chiropractor is a practitioner who focuses mainly on the spine and joint often through manual adjustments to help reduce pain and stiffness. In the Philippines, chiropractic care is recognized under the Department of Health (DOH) through the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC). However, there is no single professional regulatory body like the PRC that licenses chiropractors, which means training and standards can vary. Because of this, it’s important for patients to be informed and careful when choosing chiropractic care.
What’s the Difference Between a Physical Therapist and a Chiropractor?
In a nutshell, physical therapy focuses on improving how your body moves and functions through exercises, hands-on techniques, and guided rehabilitation based on proper medical assessment. On the other hand, chiropractic care is focused on spinal alignment and joint adjustments to relieve pain and stiffness.
Here are the main differences between a physical therapist and a chiropractor:
- Physical therapists aim to restore overall movement, strength, and function while chiropractors primarily target spinal alignment and joint adjustments to relieve pain.
- Physical therapy uses exercises, manual therapy, and rehabilitation programs. Chiropractic care relies mainly on spinal and joint manipulation.
- Physical therapists treat the whole body while chiropractors focus mainly on the spine and nearby joints.
- Physical therapy focuses on long-term recovery and injury prevention while chiropractic care is more focused on short-term symptom relief.
- Physical therapists are regulated and licensed by the PRC while chiropractors do not have a formal licensing body in the Philippines.
- Physical therapists base their programs on thorough medical assessments, while chiropractors focus on adjustments aimed at relieving discomfort rather than full rehabilitation.
Physical Therapist vs. Chiropractor: Which Is Better to Visit?
It depends on what you want to achieve. If you need long-term recovery, want to regain strength, improve movement, or recover after an injury or surgery, a physical therapist is usually the better choice. A chiropractor can help if your main goal is quick relief from back or neck pain through spinal adjustments.
For most people who want safe and long-term improvement, better mobility, and overall function, physical therapy is generally the safer and more complete option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you go to the chiropractor before or after PT?
Physical therapy is usually recommended first for long-term recovery and mobility. You can visit chiropractors if you are looking for short-term pain relief as needed.
What conditions should not be treated by a chiropractor?
Fractures, severe osteoporosis, spinal cord injuries, and certain neurological conditions are better treated by licensed physical therapists instead of chiropractors.
Is chiropractic treatment considered physical therapy?
No. Chiropractic care focuses on spinal adjustments, while physical therapy focuses on exercises, rehabilitation, and restoring function.
Is it better to see a physical therapist or chiropractor?
Physical therapy is generally safer and more comprehensive if a patient is looking for long-term recovery and rehabilitation.
What can a chiropractor do that a physical therapist cannot?
Chiropractors specialize in spinal and joint manipulation to relieve pain and improve movement as a core part of their practice. While PTs can also do that, it requires additional training or certifications to safely perform those techniques.
Better Recovery Starts with the Right Choice
Choosing the right care can make a big difference in how quickly and fully you recover. Both healthcare professionals can help but in different ways. That’s why it’s important to understand their differences can help you pick the care that best fits your needs and goals so you can move better, feel better, and get back to your daily life safely.
At PMP Pain Center, our physical therapists focus on safe, guided exercises and hands-on therapy to help you recover effectively. Schedule a consultation at the nearest PMP Pain Center in your area if you want to learn more about how our team can help you.
