Physical Therapy v Chiropractic v Massage: What’s the difference?

Professionals in these three practices share a common theme that might have people confused as to what the difference is: they all use their hands to treat patients. When it comes to injury prevention and recovery, there are a variety of suggested treatment options. People throw around the idea of physical therapy, chiropractic care and massage therapy. Without proper understanding of these approaches, one may be unsure which route is the most appropriate. It’s important to do what is the absolute best for your body in order to provide proper recovery and avoid future injury. See below for the differences in these three approaches and find which option might be best for you and your team.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapists are not often seen as traditional healthcare providers; however, they do have a role in hospitals and other healthcare settings. More often than not, massage therapy takes place in a spa setting with a focus on health and wellness. Many studies show a reduction of pain, decrease in anxiety and relaxation may take place by way of massage therapy. There are a variety of types of massage therapy including aromatherapy, hot stone, deep tissue and sports massage. These professionals are able to target specific areas that carry tension, providing relief for arthritis, insomnia, headaches and other ailments.

Chiropractic

Similar to massage and physical therapy, chiropractic care treats a variety of conditions including lower back pain, pregnancy pain, digestive issues, neck pain, headaches and blood pressure. A chiropractor’s approach is to release subluxations located in the spine. This can provide relief and allow the nervous system and the rest of the body to perform at its best ability. Overall, chiropractic care is focused on any misalignment in the spinal vertebrae.

Physical Therapy

A physical therapists primary goal is to minimize patients’ pain or discomfort and increase function. By careful observation of the joints and an evaluation on a patient’s movements, a physical therapist can diagnose and craft a unique program suited to the individual. For physical therapists, it’s all about the movement. Whether it’s preventative care or treating an injury, physical therapy aims to provide treatment by way of movement and stretching.

There is, inevitably, some overlap with these three professions. The end goals are all very similar, in that they aim to provide relief from pain, stress or injury. The differences lie in their methods and practices as well as schooling and certifications. If you’re seeking to prevent injury on the job site or are in need of a unique injury-recovery plan just for you, On-Site Solutions Physical Therapy is here to help.