One of the most common questions we get asked as chiropractors is: “What’s the difference between a chiropractor and a physiotherapist?” which is usually followed up by: “who should I see when I have back pain?”. Unfortunately, this can be a tricky question to answer! This insight will break down some of differences and similarities, as well as how to find the right practitioner for you.
So, What’s the Difference?
In Australia, both chiropractors and physiotherapists are registered allied health practitioners under Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Both professions require bachelor’s and master’s degree qualifications, with significant training in musculoskeletal (muscles, bones, joints etc) conditions. Chiropractors typically work in private practice, whereas physiotherapists can work in private and public settings, including hospitals.
When I talk to people about what they think the difference is, most will bring up a couple things; that chiropractors are have a greater focus on the spine and commonly used more manual therapy techniques like spinal adjustments. Whereas physiotherapists are often seen to be more whole body focused, and more likely to use exercise as a treatment. Often people describe chiropractors as “hands-on” and physiotherapists as “hands-off”. This tricky part is that these are often generalisation of the professions and doesn’t always reflect individual practitioners! There is plenty examples of chiropractors who use detailed exercise rehabilitation, and physiotherapists who use a lot of manual therapy, which may confuse prospective patients.
Reframing the Question
Instead of asking “Should I see a chiro or a physio?”, I usually try to reframe the question to: “Who is the right practitioner for me?” Because ultimately the individual practitioner, their approach, personality, and experience matters far more than their professional title.
When choosing who to see, ask yourself:
- Do they have experience working with people like me or the type of pain/condition I have? For example, if you’re an athlete in a specific sport, you want a practitioner who really understands that sport.
- Do they take the time to listen, explain things clearly, and communicate well?
- Do I feel like I could get along with them? One of the best predictors of a good outcome from treatment is based on “therapeutic alliance”. Which is a fancy way of saying that you trust and get along really well with your practitioner.
If the answer is no, you’re less likely to get great results, not because of their qualification, but because they weren’t the right fit for you!
What Do You Value as a Patient?
Everyone values different things when it comes to healthcare. For example:
- Time: Do you prefer shorter, focused appointments or longer sessions with more time to talk?
- Treatment style: Do you want more hands-on care, more exercise guidance, or a mix of both?
Knowing what matters most to you can help you find a practitioner who matches your preferences.
Tips for Finding the Right Practitioner for You
- Ask for recommendations: Asking friends or family for their recommendations of who they’ve had good experiences with can be a great place to start.
- Check their website and social media: You’ll often get a good sense of their approach and treatment style based on how they advertise themselves. Most clinics will also include what types of treatments they specifically offer on their website.
- Get in contact with the clinic: If you can’t find the answers online, giving the practice a call or sending an email enquiry can help you understand if the practitioners align with what you want.
So, whether you choose a chiropractor or a physiotherapist, the most important thing is finding someone you trust, connect with, and feel confident working alongside. That’s the person who’s most likely to help you get the best results for your back pain. If you’re struggling with pain or injury and you’re unsure of what to do, get in touch with the team at DMC Health and Wellness or book online to help get you back on track.
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