What’s the different between osteopathic and chiropractic therapy

Are there differences between osteopathic and chiropractic therapy?

People often use the terms osteopathic and chiropractic therapy interchangeably, as if they mean exactly the same thing. While it is true that osteopathic care shares many similarities with chiropractic therapy, there are also differences and each approach is unique. So what’s the difference between osteopathic and chiropractic therapy?

They both focus on how the body works, but in chiropractic therapy much more attention is given to the function of the spine to promote good health.

Both Chiropractors and Osteopaths concentrate on achieving pain relief and promoting injury recovery. They will do this through spine and joint adjustments, massage and exercise to encourage healing in conjunction with diet and lifestyle changes.

Although still recognising the importance of the spine and muscular system in good health, an osteopath places much more emphasis on the body as a whole to identify the source of the complaint.

Osteopathy can be beneficial for a host of reasons non-related to the muscular system including respiratory problems, digestive disorders and the treatment of infants and babies with the use of Cranial Osteopathy.

One of the primary goals of an osteopath is to restore or improve blood flow, this has the benefits of reducing inflammation and promoting healing of damaged tissue. Techniques such as massage, physical therapy and body adjustments are used to free the body from pain and discomfort.

Both professionals will subject a person’s body to joint manipulations to improve the existing range of motion to normal, but unlike chiropractors, an osteopath may use a more gentler adjustment approach. They also use a variety of supportive techniques in addition to manipulation from stretching and pressure through to mobilisation.

Osteopaths and chiropractors usually identify the root of a problem by a visual inspection/physical examination. Your Osteopath will also, if required refer you for other tests by qualified professionals eg x-rays and MRIs for information on a patient’s complaint.

Usually, osteopathic treatment sessions last longer than those with a chiropractor and a patient will generally require less visits, spaced over a longer period of time.

Both these effective treatments can be highly beneficial for the relief of pain. If you’re not sure whether the treatment can help you, call us to discuss.

There’s really no need to suffer in silence, help is out there. Book an appointment with us.

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Andy Caughey Parkstone Osteopath in Poole, Dorset

Andy Caughey | Registered Osteopath

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