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Chiropractic or physical therapy: what does a patient need?

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Physical therapy and chiropractic share many characteristics, however their differences leave patients wondering which is best for their medical condition.

Other practices such as acupuncture, podiatry, massage therapists and even personal trainers are muddying the waters even more.

The following is a look into physical therapy and chiropractic to inform patients what the professions are all about in order to make an informed decision about their use.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy or physiotherapy is a type of treatment people need when health problems or injuries make everyday movements and tasks difficult. It also aids movement, may relieve pain and helps improve or restore physical function.

“We’re trained to treat disorders from pediatrics, to geriatrics to orthopedics. We’re specifically trained to identify impairments that may impede function,” said Jeff Ryg, staff physical therapist for IU Health Rehabilitation Services.

Therapists work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.

Weakness, back pain, shoulder pain, athletic injuries, tendonitis, arthritis or multiple sclerosis are just a few examples of problems that may require physical therapy.

Physical therapists cannot prescribe medicine, however their manual techniques and a type of therapy called manipulation outweigh chiropractic techniques.

“There’s been a lot of terminology regarding manipulation. It’s been shown to be a very effective intervention for patients with low back pain. It’s our most effective treatment for patients with acute back pain. It has been shown to be effective on everyone, but most successful with this sub group,” said Ryn. One or two sessions seems to have a lasting effect on patients’ pain.

Interventions may also include therapeutic exercise, functional training, manual therapy techniques, assistive and adaptive devices and equipment, and physical agents and electrotherapeutic modalities.

The key to physical therapy is working to educate patients and help them strive towards independence.

The state of Indiana requires a physician referral to visit a physical therapist. Physical therapy advocates are working with legislators to remove that hurdle.

Chiropractics

Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on disorders of theĀ musculoskeletal systemĀ and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health.Ā Chiropractic care is used most often to treat neuromusculoskeletal complaints, including but not limited to back pain, neck pain,Ā pain in the joints of the arms or legs and headaches.

They also specialize in orthopedics, spine injuries, asthma, computer ergonomics and even ear infections.

Karen Erickson, a spokesperson for the American Chiropractic Association, said, “It’s changed dramatically in the past 10 years. Chiropractors are credentialed in hospitals, the VA system, Medicare and most insurers reimburse for chiropractics. The culture of medicine has changed and more and more physicians are referring their patients and becoming less afraid of how to utilize chiropractics.”

Chiropractors focus mainly on the structure of the body and the function of the body by looking at the alignment of the spine and the pelvis which houses the central nervous system.

By making sure the alignment and joints that contain the spinal cord are moving at optimal performance, it allows the body to function at a more perfect level. It also reduces inflammation. Not only will the joints become more flexible, but chiropractors have the ability to “normalize” neurological functions.

“If someone has a knee surgery, they need physical therapy to rebuild muscle strength, but chiropractors are the only health care profession that addresses the relationship between function and how that affects the nervous system,” said Erickson. “What we do can help someone be more successful in physical therapy.”

The most common therapeutic procedure performed by doctors of chiropractic is known as “spinal manipulation,” also called “chiropractic adjustment.”

Chiropractors have broad skills and are also trained to recommend therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises, as well as to provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counseling.

Chiropractic adjustment rarely causes discomfort. However, patients may sometimes experience mild soreness or aching following treatment (as with some forms of exercise) that usually is resolved within 12 to 48 hours.

Chiropractors are also board certified and require extensive medical training. Only a few states allow them to prescribe medicine.

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