Physiotherapist, Chiropractor or Osteopath: What’s the Difference?

If you have a problem with your muscles, bones or joints, you may be wondering which type of practitioner can help you the most: a physiotherapist, a chiropractor or an osteopath. While these professions have some similarities, they also have some important differences in terms of their education, regulation, techniques and specialities. In this article, we will compare and contrast these three professions and help you make an informed choice for your health and overall well-being.

For the professionals, his can either be a simple answer or a question that has a politically loaded answer. There is a lot of grey area between all professions in the blog. What has to be kept in mind, is that all professionals should have the same goal, doing what is best for the patient. As with all things in life, there are lots of different ways to approach a problem and one way may not be better than the other. It is always down to the individual to find what works best for them.  There are lots of nuances and finer details that I suggest you speak to the individuals involved for an answer. This article is a general overview to answer this reoccurring question. 

Education

All three professions require a high level of academic and practical training, but the duration and content of their courses may vary.

• Physiotherapists: To become a physiotherapist in the UK, you need to complete a three- or four-year undergraduate degree or a two-year postgraduate degree in physiotherapy, accredited by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). You also need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), the statutory regulator for physiotherapists and other allied health professionals. Physiotherapists may also undertake further training and qualifications in specific areas of practice, such as sports, paediatrics or neurology.
• Chiropractors: To become a chiropractor in the UK, you need to complete a four- or five-year undergraduate degree or a two-year postgraduate degree in chiropractic, accredited by the General Chiropractic Council (GCC), the statutory regulator for chiropractors. You also need to register with the GCC and abide by its code of practice and standards of proficiency. Chiropractors may also pursue further training and qualifications in specific areas of practice, such as paediatrics, orthopaedics or radiology.
• Osteopaths: To become an osteopath in the UK, you need to complete a four- or five-year undergraduate degree or a one- or two-year postgraduate degree in osteopathy, accredited by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), the statutory regulator for osteopaths. You also need to register with the GOsC and comply with its code of practice and standards of competence. Osteopaths may also undertake further training and qualifications in specific areas of practice, such as cranial, visceral or animal osteopathy.

Regulation

All three professions are regulated by law in the UK, which means that they have to meet certain standards of education, conduct and practice to protect the public from harm.

• Physiotherapists: Physiotherapists are regulated by the HCPC, which sets the standards of education, training, performance and ethics for 16 health and care professions, including physiotherapists. The HCPC also maintains a register of physiotherapists and other professionals who meet these standards, and can take action against those who do not. The CSP is the professional body and trade union for physiotherapists, which provides guidance, support and representation for its members, as well as promoting the profession to the public and policymakers.
• Chiropractors: Chiropractors are regulated by the GCC, which sets the standards of education, practice and conduct for chiropractors. The GCC also maintains a register of chiropractors who meet these standards, and can investigate and sanction those who do not. The British Chiropractic Association (BCA) is the largest professional association and trade union for chiropractors, which provides advice, services and benefits for its members, as well as promoting the profession to the public and policymakers.
• Osteopaths: Osteopaths are regulated by the GOsC, which sets the standards of education, practice and behaviour for osteopaths. The GOsC also maintains a register of osteopaths who meet these standards, and can deal with complaints and discipline those who do not. The Institute of Osteopathy (iO) is the professional membership organisation and trade union for osteopaths, which provides support, guidance and representation for its members, as well as promoting the profession to the public and policymakers.

Techniques

All three professions use a range of techniques to assess, diagnose and treat problems affecting the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, muscles, joints and connective tissues. However, they may have different approaches and emphases in their methods.

• Physiotherapists: Physiotherapists use a variety of techniques, such as manual therapy, exercise therapy, electrotherapy, hydrotherapy and acupuncture, to help restore movement and function, reduce pain and inflammation, and prevent further injury or disability. They also provide education and advice on how to manage your condition, improve your lifestyle and prevent recurrence. Physiotherapists work with people of all ages and with a wide range of health conditions, such as sports injuries, arthritis, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, cystic fibrosis and chronic pain.
• Chiropractors: Chiropractors use mainly manual techniques, such as spinal manipulation, mobilisation, massage and stretching, to improve the alignment, movement and function of the spine and other joints, and to relieve pressure on the nerves and muscles. They also provide advice on exercise, nutrition and lifestyle changes to support your recovery and wellbeing. Chiropractors work with people of all ages and with a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, such as back pain, neck pain, headache, sciatica, shoulder pain and sports injuries.
• Osteopaths: Osteopaths use mainly manual techniques, such as manipulation, mobilisation, massage and cranial osteopathy, to improve the structure, movement and balance of the whole body, and to enhance the blood supply, nerve function and self-healing mechanisms of the tissues. They also provide advice on posture, exercise and lifestyle modifications to complement your treatment and health. Osteopaths work with people of all ages and with a range of musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal conditions, such as back pain, neck pain, headache, arthritis, digestive disorders, asthma and menstrual problems.

Specialities

All three professions have some areas of practice that they are best known for or that they have a special interest or expertise in. However, this does not mean that they cannot treat other conditions or that they are the only ones who can treat these conditions.

• Physiotherapists: Physiotherapists are often associated with rehabilitation after surgery, injury or illness, as they help people regain their strength, mobility and function. They are also involved in prevention and health promotion, as they help people avoid injuries and maintain their fitness and wellbeing. Physiotherapists work in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, schools, sports clubs, workplaces and homes.
• Chiropractors: Chiropractors are often recognised for their treatment of back pain and other spinal problems, but they are able to look at most areas of the body. They are also involved in wellness and prevention, as they help people improve their biomechanics, posture, and overall health. The main aim of Chiropractors is to give the body the best environment for the body to heal and to thrive. Chiropractors work mainly in private practices, but may also work in multidisciplinary clinics, sports teams, charities and workplaces.
• Osteopaths: Osteopaths are often known for their holistic and individualised approach, as they consider the whole person and their unique history, lifestyle and needs. They are also involved in health maintenance and optimisation, as they help people improve their vitality, resilience and balance. Osteopaths work mainly in private practices, but may also work in community health centres, hospitals, schools, sports clubs and animal clinics.

Conclusion

Physiotherapists, chiropractors and osteopaths are all qualified and regulated professionals who can help you with your musculoskeletal problems and improve your health and wellbeing. They have some similarities, but also some differences, in their education, regulation, techniques and specialities. Depending on your condition, preferences and goals, you may choose to see one or more of these practitioners, or you may seek advice from your GP or other healthcare provider on the best option for you. You can find a registered physiotherapist¹, chiropractor² or osteopath³ near you by using the online directories provided by their respective regulators or professional bodies.