Meta Description: Chiro, Physio, Masso, and Osteo are drug-free, non-invasion manual therapy, but are distinctively different. Let’s find out how.
If you have ever suffered through a stiff neck, sore back or knee pain, then you most probably took some treatment to relieve the pain either from chiropractor, physiotherapist, masseuse, osteopath.
It’s pretty confusing sometimes to make a distinction among these four types of treatments. In a nutshell, all of these medical practitioners provide almost the same thing: which is to offer manual techniques of non-invasive and drug-free treatments that improve overall physical health.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all these medical professions and their different approaches.
- Physiotherapy
Physiotherapists have expertise in diagnosing, managing and preventing movement disorders.
The main purpose of physiotherapy is to reestablish and enhance the movement and functional abilities of a human body. Physiotherapists specialize in physiology and anatomy to make assessments and treat people with a diverse range of health conditions.
Although physiotherapists are often known for treating sports injuries, sore back, and stiff neck, they also have the expertise in treating premature babies, patients with spinal or brain damage, and those who are suffering from a stroke. They also work with patients of Parkinson’s disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, and cystic fibrosis.
Their practice consists of a combination of manual therapy including physical and electro-physical agent and movement training. That repairs damage decreases the tension and pain, improves mobility and overall physical health.
The treatment of physiotherapy is an evidence-based one and physios are obligated to practice only if their effectiveness has been proven in scientific research. It is the practice of clinical reasoning and sheers wisdom where every individual need of the patients are taken into account.
- Chiropractic Therapy
The prime focus of every chiropractor is the diagnosis, correction and preventing of disorders of the musculoskeletal system, which includes spines, joints, ligaments, pelvis, and muscles.
The practice of chiropractic is always associated with the manipulation and correction of the spine and neck. However, it also consists of a combination of physical therapy modalities, exercise, and hands-on care.
Chiropractic is generally the practice of spinal manipulation, which is highly effective, especially lower back pain, any type of sudden injury caused by either from being tackled in sports or even moving furniture. Many studies have shown that chiropractic treatment is beneficial for treating severe neck pain and even headaches.
One of the major benefits of chiropractic adjustments as it brings direct relief to the nerve system of the body, that aligns all your body’s functions. As a result, your tension is reduced.
Stress and tension tend to create hormones that increase the reaction of your body’s stress. These hormones trigger chronic inflammation and anxiety and curbing the immune system to resist.
Chiropractic adjustments eliminate the reaction of your body’s stress and its affiliates and prevent your body from having any stress-related problems you may suffer.
- Osteopathy
Just as Chiro and Physio, Osteopathy is also non-invasive manual therapy with the purpose of improving the overall health of the human body by strengthening the musculoskeletal structure. Their practice includes the neurological and orthopedic testing, manipulation of skin tissues, spinal adjustments, stretching muscles, gentle pressure and massage along with recommending exercises and a healthy diet.
Osteopathy practitioners have a focus on the holistic functioning of joints, muscles, nerves, circulation, skeleton, internal organs, and connective tissue. The practitioner may also recommend changing workplace ergonomics for a better posture.
For instance, if a patient goes for a check-up of a sore knee, osteopaths may examine your pelvis, back, and ankle. Furthermore, they might also inquire about the factors that are indirectly linked to your injury and may also ask about your medical history to conduct a thorough diagnosis.
- Massotherapy
Masso or Massage therapy consists of a hands-on technique that has been practiced for thousands of years. The aim of massotherapy is to improve blood circulation, reduce stress, tension and anxiety and promote tranquillity throughout the entire body.
The practice involves the manipulation of muscles, and other tissues with hands, fingers, forearms, elbows or even feet.
Massotherapy is quite helpful in treating depression and anxiety. Research has shown that many times depression is triggered due to fatigue and chronic pain. Regular massotherapy sessions tend to elevate the mood, improve energy levels, decrease pain and promote patients on physical and emotional levels.
In conclusion, the difference is in the philosophy of each profession.
Physiotherapist base all their methods on proven researched evidence. That is why they are the most recognized by insurances and government.
Chiropractors and osteopaths are mainly different in one way;
a chiropractor believes that if something is out of place it should be put back in place right away but an osteopath will try and direct the body so that it heals itself.
So to know which one is for you, ask yourself which philosophy do you agree with more?
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