Chiropractic and Physiotherapy in Ottawa

Chiropractic or Physiotherapy: Which is right for you?

Skeletal and Muscular Pain ̶ Chiropractor or Physiotherapy?

If you are experiencing skeletal or muscular pain, it maybe difficult to discern what type of treatment will be best for you. Particularly, you will need to know how the two predominate treatments, chiropractic and physiotherapy, differ and which of these will be best suited to your needs.

Physiotherapy and Chiropractic

There is a lot of overlap in these two fields. Physiotherapists and chiropractors both treat joints and musculo-skeletal issues to improve range of motion and strength while also decreasing pain. The biggest difference between the two is that a chiropractor generally uses manipulation and a physiotherapist will typically employ mobilization techniques.

Chiropractic Manipulation

A chiropractor’s method centers on the use of their hands to adjust the joints of the spine and limbs to alleviate pain and restore natural movement. Gentle, specific manipulation techniques increase mobility and decrease pain.

This type of treatment is suitable for chronic and acute lower back and neck pain, tension and neck related headaches, sciatica, neck related dizziness or vertigo, and some extremity joint conditions.

There are many excellent chiropractors in Ottawa, so how do you choose? Begin by speaking to your primary care physician, physical therapist, or a spine specialist. They will be able to provide you with chiropractors in Ottawa that are trustworthy and knowledgeable in their field. Generally, if multiple healthcare professionals recommend the same chiropractor, you can feel confident in choosing that chiropractor.

Physiotherapy Mobilization Techniques

Physiotherapy treatments include a combination of massage and manipulation, electrical therapies, and exercise to heal injuries and restore range of motion. This type of treatment
focuses on the joints and their movement. Almost all restricted joints can be returned to a normal range of motion with the proper mobilization technique performed by an experienced physiotherapist.

Physiotherapy is best used to treat back and neck pain, sciatica, swelling in joints, repetitive strain injuries, sports injuries, arthritis, and ligament or tendon damage.

When choosing your physiotherapist, you will need to take into consideration the recommendations of healthcare professionals you trust as well as the area of specialization of your potential physiotherapist. While all physiotherapists complete the same training to obtain their basic qualifications, many physiotherapists continue study to specialize in a particular type of ailment or treatment. With that in mind, be sure to learn about the physiotherapists particular expertise before committing to a treatment plan.

Physiotherapists in Ottawa are frequently stationed in physical therapy clinics and sports injury treatment centers. These places provide an excellent starting place for finding the physiotherapist in Ottawa that is right for you.

Physiotherapy or Chiropractor?

If your joints or back feel locked up, sore, and stiff or haven’t responded to other treatments, consider consulting with a chiropractor. Soft tissue pain and muscular or joint problems that restrict movement are commonly treated with physiotherapy.

If you are unsure which treatment method is right for you, an over the phone consultation with a physiotherapist or chiropractor will generally be sufficient to determine which is right for you.