What exactly is a chiropractor?!
Question: And i heard that it is similar to physical therapy? Where's the truth in that?
Answers: And i heard that it is similar to physical therapy? Where's the truth in that?
Chiropractic care is an age old practice that stems back to the term "bone setters" and other such practices. One of the original theories behind chiropractic care was that the spine was the center of all energy, and therefore the source of all ailments of the body. Some of that has changed, but those who typically follow this are called the "straights" who believe, for instance, that manipulations can cure cancer. The more "modern" (or "mixers" as they call them) view is more grounded on the treatment of musculoskeletal pain...particularly of the back and neck, but also treat extremity problem and recognizes the limit of treating medical diagnoses. The primary "treatment" method by chiropractors is the "adjustment" a high velocity thrust technique to the vertebral segments to "align" them. Most chiropractors also receive extensive nutritional training and emphasize this as part of a holistic approach to care. Most chiropractors have completed 3-4 years of post-graduate education resulting in a DC or doctorate of chiropractic after 7-8 total years of schooling.
Physical therapy uses a different approach. First, the treatments offered by a physical therapist are more broad than that offered by a DC. We treat a variety of conditions of not just a musculoskeletal basis, but also a neurological basis such as teaching someone to walk again after a stroke, managing lymphedema, or recovery after prolonged illness.
Where people say PTs and DCs are similar is in that they can focus on the spine. However, the approach to spinal care in physical therapy is much more broad (and somewhat unorganized in my opinion). An entry level physical therapy education may or may not include heavy emphasis on the spine. However, those who do emphasize in spinal care continue to persue post entry level education that includes education, fellowships and examinations. Therefore, a PT MIGHT have as much education in spinal care as a DC, but usually not at the entry level. Some PTs do perform "manipulations" which is comparable to an "adjustment" of the spine. Yet, other PTs might focus their spinal care in a more exercise based approach. It is highly dependent on the clinician. Therefore, PTs in terms of treatment to the spine tends to be a bit more dichotomous whereas chiropractic care will be a little more standardized between practicioners. In the end, both PTs and DCs seek to do the same thing...restore the joint to a normal position to relieve pain and improve function. How we go about doing it is variable.
Finally, to the comment that PTs are not doctors, the vast majority of PT programs in the US are now doctorate level programs. They usually take about 7 years to complete and have a heavy emphasis in assessment and diagnostic practices. Yet, there are still many PTs practicing with a BS or MS level degree. Regarding "PTs don't diagnose", every patient is given a "PT diagnosis" after evaluation. In fact, most PT orders state something along the lines of "shoulder pain, eval and treat" and it is up to the PT to assess and apply the appropriate diagnostic category.
a person who works on ur back
a chiropractor is a doctor who specializes in the field of muscles and joints. physiotherapist are NOT doctors and usually advised on exercises and rehabilitative therapy (however, chiropractors do this also). chiropractors receive much more training and are able to diagnose conditions. PTs are not allowed to diagnose people.
A chiropractor is a licensed health professional, not always a doctor; that has attended an accredited school of Chiropractics. Their strategies for pain relief include twisting, moving, and popping of the back, and other joints to provide fast remedy of pain. Their practices have come under scrutiny in the past 20 years or so because many medical doctors believe that they are "quacks" or not helping. I know several people who swear by them. They are usually affordable and/or insurance covers their services.