Chiropractors, Myotherapists, Osteopaths or Physiotherapists, who is the best kind of practitioner and who should I see for my pain or injury?
I am frequently asked different variations of question, and the answer is that it depends. It depends on what ails you, your personal treatment preferences, your level of comfort with the individual practitioner, and their level of skill and particular area of interest.
It is good to trust reliable sources for recommendations and equally important when choosing a practitioner to choose someone who will keep an open mind and provide a holistic view to solving your problem. You want a solution, not a localized treatment that only addresses the symptoms, or you wont get a resolution in a reasonable time frame.
It is also important to keep in mind that whatever style of treatment you choose, you should listen to your practitioner and follow up with any homework they give you. Just like with personal trainers, they can only help you as much as you are willing to help yourself.
The following chart provided is purely to give you a little information on things to consider when choosing your practitioner. Whatever the choice, it is important to seek professional advice when experiencing pain or movement difficulties.
What is it? |
Conditions commonly treated |
Common treatment methods |
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Chiropractor |
Chiropractic is a drug and surgery free modality of treatment concerned with the diagnosis, management and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system; this includes the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health.” “In summary, chiropractors focus on the detection and correction of aberrant spinal function and its subsequent effect on how the nervous system controls and coordinates the body. “
Source: https://chiropractors.asn.au |
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Myotherapist |
“Myotherapy is the evidence based assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal pain and associated conditions”
Source: |
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Osteopath |
“Osteopathy is a hands on approach to healthcare recognising the important link between the structures of your body & the way it works. Osteopaths focus on how your skeleton, joints, muscles, nerves and circulation work together to improve your health & well-being.”
Source: |
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Physiotherapist |
“Using advanced techniques and evidence-based care, physiotherapists assess, diagnose, treat and prevent a wide range of health conditions and movement disorders. Physiotherapy helps repair damage, reduce stiffness and pain, increase mobility and improve quality of life. “
“Physiotherapy extends from health promotion to injury prevention, acute care, rehabilitation, maintenance of functional mobility, chronic disease management, patient and carer education and occupational health.” Source: |
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Additional sources:
