The Physical Therapy Difference

Physical Therapy & Chiropractors: What's the Difference?

Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy is a health profession that evaluates, diagnoses and provides treatment to individuals to develop, maintain and restore maximum movement and function throughout life. This includes providing treatment in circumstances where movement and function are threatened by aging, injury, disease or environmental factors. Components of movement and function that are evaluated by a physical therapist include strength, range of motion, flexibility, balance, posture, body mechanics, coordination, endurance and general mobility such as walking, stair climbing, and getting in and out of a chair or bed. A physical therapist evaluates the components of movement and develops an individualized program to decrease deficits and restore function. Physical therapists help people with orthopedic conditions such as low back pain or osteoporosis; joint and soft tissue injuries such as fractures and dislocations; neurological conditions such as stroke and Parkinson's disease; workplace injuries including repetitive stress disorders and sports injuries. Physical therapy treatment programs consist of education about the cause of the problem, “hands on,” manual techniques and instructions in exercise to improve function.

Chiropractor

Chiropractic is a health care profession that diagnoses, treats and assists in the prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine, as theoretically these disorders affect a patient’s general health via the nervous system. A chiropractor’s purpose is to restore function and stability to your spine. This is done by realigning the vertebrae in a patient’s spine using spinal manipulation. Releasing tension in the spine allows for muscles to be relaxed and relieving pain associated with the misalignment such as back pain, neck pain, and headaches, to name a few. A chiropractor also affects the patient’s nervous system. The nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord. The brain is at the very top of the nervous system. The spinal cord runs through the spine and branches off in pairs at each vertebral level. The nervous system controls every muscle, organ and cell of your body. With correct alignment of the spine, it allows the brain to talk to every part of your body which promotes better movement, balance, and nerve function.

The Spine & Sport Difference

At Spine & Sport, you will be given an individualized plan to reach your goal, whether that is to be pain free, or to return to an active lifestyle. This plan of care has been specifically tailored to treat your problem after a thorough evaluation by a licensed Physical Therapist who considers both your medical history and goals you would like to reach. At each treatment, you will receive one-on-one care to ensure you are progressing at what is to be expected by yourself and A physical therapist. The goal of Physical Therapy is to thoroughly treat you during a specified time period so that you return to your daily living activities in a pain free manner.number of sessions per week to heal the problem area. These sessions are covered under most insurance plans. The Physical Therapist also provides a home plan of care exercise program which includes various exercises and stretches which are designed so that the original problem does not return.to keep the problem from coming back. Completing this plan of care will allow you to never have to return for the same problem. This will save you time and money in the long run. If you are in pain or have tried other options but are not attaining your desired results, see the difference Spine & Sport can make.