GeneralWhat Do I Need, a Chiropractor or an Osteopath?

Most people will have heard of both chiropractors and osteopaths but many might not be aware of the differences between the two or which one they need. If this is you, then read on to find out what each of these roles involves and the factors you should consider when choosing the right practitioner for your needs.

What is a Chiropractor?

Chiropractors diagnose, treat and prevent disorders of the musculoskeletal system. The main focus is on the joints and spine and chiropractors use spinal adjustments to restore functionality and relieve pain without surgery or medication.

Chiropractic is considered an alternative treatment, meaning it isn’t widely available on the NHS. By law, all chiropractors practising in the UK must undertake a four-year degree and be registered with the General Chiropractic Council.

Chiropractors may be able to help with neck, back, shoulder and elbow pain and pain from ongoing conditions like arthritis.

What is an Osteopath?

Osteopathy uses movement, stretching and massage on muscles and joints to detect, treat and prevent health problems.

Osteopaths’ aims include improving joint mobility, relieving tension, reducing pain, enhancing blood supply and circulation and aiding the body’s healing.

Osteopaths must be trained to degree level with university courses typically taking four to five years to complete. They must then register with the General Osteopathic Council to practice.

Osteopathy is available on the NHS in some areas of the UK meaning this may be more suitable after a personal injury.

It can be used to treat a range of disorders, including:

• Back, neck and shoulder pain
• Conditions such as tennis elbow
• Arthritis
• Pelvic or hip pain
• Sports injuries
• Work-related pain
• Pregnancy-related pain

Treatments Performed by Both

Both chiropractors and osteopaths use techniques such as stretching, exercise and massage to treat musculoskeletal conditions, however, chiropractors’ primary focus for treatment is on spinal adjustments, whereas osteopaths will more typical use massages, manipulation and stretching.

What to Consider When Choosing a Practitioner

Whether you’re looking for a chiropractor or an osteopath, the process for choosing a practitioner is very similar.

Who are they?

All chiropractors and osteopaths must be registered with the appropriate council and be fully qualified. You should also ensure that they have the appropriate insurance in place to treat patients.

Are you comfortable with them?

Both chiropractors and osteopaths work in very close proximity to their patients and will need to touch your body to carry out treatments. You need to know that you’ll feel comfortable having them do this, otherwise, you may be tense and treatments may not work.

What type of treatment do they offer?

You should ask the chiropractor or osteopath what methods and techniques they use. You can then familiarise yourself with the treatments and what they involve. You could request a brochure or free consultation to get a better understanding of what your treatment may involve.

What is their approach?

Each practitioner may have a slightly different focus or philosophy and what will work for some people, won’t work for others. Are you interested in finding out how your wider lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise may be impacting your overall health and contributing to your specific disorder? Or would you rather your practitioner simply treat the pain regardless? This is a personal decision that will affect how you choose to treat yourself.

Are they recommended?

Whether you’re working with a chiropractor or osteopath, you should seek out recommendations from family, friends and people you know. You can also look the practitioner up online and on social media and read reviews to get an idea of what others have said about their experiences.

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