Plenty of confusion surrounds physical therapy, chiropractic and massage therapy.

Although there are some clear differences between the three professions, they can also be quite complementary to each other and have some overlapping treatment aspects.

As physical therapists, at SetPT we have worked alongside dedicated chiropractors and massage therapists who have been instrumental in achieving optimal treatment for a patient. Working with a professional who brings both skill and devotion to your treatment can only aid in overall success.

So what are the actual differences between these types of care?

Physical Therapy

Physical therapists are licensed healthcare professionals focused on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of injuries for all age groups and activity levels.  

The goal of physical therapy is to help with movement ability, reduce pain, restore function and improve overall quality of life. Although recovery is a large aspect of what PT focuses on, prevention and education regarding movement are just as paramount to your health.

Physical therapy uses an extensive range of treatments ranging from soft tissue mobilization, massage, range of motion, modalities to manipulation.

Chiropractic Therapy

When considering a chiropractor, people often think of spinal adjustments.

Chiropractors are licensed healthcare professionals that focus on mechanical disorders that affect the muscular-skeletal and nervous system. Chiropractic therapy typically uses treatments for alignment, achieved with techniques like joint manipulation or manual adjustments.

Today, many chiropractors use an integrated approach, expanding their practices to include nutrition, needling and other innovative therapies.  

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is one of the oldest therapeutic practices dating back to over 4,000 years ago. The fundamental philosophy is based on the manipulation of tissues using a variety of techniques.

People tend to think of massage therapy as the reduction of muscle tension or a muscle spasm to relieve pain while using their hands, but the practice is much more expansive. Massage therapy ranges from removing lymph in a drainage technique to improving circulation to reduction of scar tissue. MTs also use techniques that are focused on trigger points release and flexibility.  

Should I See a Physical Therapist, Chiropractor, or Massage Therapist?

The answer depends on you. Each profession has many strengths, and all three can be very beneficial when treating medical issues. Choosing the right discipline often lies not just with the practice but also with the practitioner.

Ask yourself “how much better do I want to feel?” and “how long do I want the treatment to last?” You want to make sure your chosen medical professional takes the time to really listen to your specific needs and concerns relating to your injury.

Here at SET Physical Therapy, we focus on not just treating the diagnosis but treating the individual. If you have questions regarding which treatment might be best for you, please contact your local SetPT physical therapist, we’ll be happy to help!