Question 1

i want to know what is the difference between chiropractor and physical therapist?

Accepted Answer

Many similarities: While there are many similarities, there are also a few differences.  In general and without getting into too much detail, chiropractors tend to focus on adjustments and manipulations, while therapists focus more on exercise.  Both will do modalities such as massage, ultrasound, muscle stim, etc.  There is also difference in the training/schooling between the two.

Question 2

how do a physical therapist and a chiropractor differ?

Accepted Answer

Treatment plan: A physical therapist  treats on referral from a physician.  They have clinical practices for neuro-rehabilitation, joint and muscle rehabilitation, cardiac rehabilitation, and other specialties.  They may be trained in soft tissue or craniosacral manipulation.  Chiropractic physicians treat independently, utilizing x-rays, and manipulation of spinal alignment to treat pain and health conditions.

Question 3

what to do if i have a lot of nerve tension in my back and hamstrings. would i see a chiropractor or a physical therapist?

Accepted Answer

Different sequence: First I would see either an orthopedist or a physiatrist (an MD specialist in musculo-skeletal problems).  Let them diagnose the problem and decide upon which route for treatment is the best for you.

Question 4

what do you recommend if i have a lot of nerve tension in my back and hamstrings. would i see a chiropractor or a physical therapist?

Accepted Answer

Evaluation: It depends on the exact symptoms. Recommend assessment with a musculoskeletal specialist (e.g. Sports medicine, incl. Physical medicine ; rehab, orthopaedics). Nerve pain can radiate and be electric-like down the leg from the back. Muscle tension can be a tightness or spasm. Sprains can cause pain as well. The dr may prescribe pt or referral to see a chiropractor depending on what they find.

Question 5

who should i see for scoliosis? chiropractor? physical therapist? orthopedic specialist?

Accepted Answer

Start with ortho: I would first have an evaluation by a spine orthopedist to figure out the extent of the problem and determine if further treatment in necessary.

Question 6

cervical strain issue. it's gotten worse over the years. my neck pops and proceeds with paid and more cracking. i went to a chiropractor several years ago and i believe he ruined my neck / cervical area by poor manipulation. i went to a physical therapist

Accepted Answer

If : If you haven't had one yet, you need an mri.  Popping and cracking can result from multiple causes, including arthritis and degenerative disc disease.  If after a thorough evaluation including proper imaging studies, and appropriate conservative treatments (such as the physical therapy and anti-inflammatory meds that you have tried), you can consider seeing a pain specialist for cortisone injections into the neck guided by live xr (called fluoroscopy).  This is often more successful at reducing the pain and inflammation than the other treatments you listed.  However being more invasive, you want to make sure that you have tried other conservative efforts first.

Question 7

can a physical  therapist be better than a chiropractor? im not too comfortable with someone manipulating my body but the tension headaches (neck pain) daily is not good. im a pretty tight person as well and posture isnt too great?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Chiropractors have extensive education in medical management and their treatments can include giving IV therapies (allowed in Mo) and not just hands on manipulations. They do not require a referral. PTs now graduate with a Dr. Of PT degree and state law varies regarding if they can treat without MD/DO referral. 
Call each to discuss your problem but w/o referral I suspect Dr Chiropractic is needed

Question 8

hard pressure on my feet, feet&leg hurt which  doctor (chiropractor,  physical therapist, podiatrist, orthopedic, or acupunpuncturist or?)should i see

Accepted Answer

Any one of the Docs: would do, so as to be properly evaluated and Diagnosed and treatment started.
Good Luck.

Question 9

physical therapist or chiropracter for back pain?

Accepted Answer

Both: At our institute we have both. I feel thar formal physical therapy is important. I feel that a well-trained chiropractor can also help. If either makes you feel worse, then i would stop that type of treatment.

Question 10

what's the difference between an orthopedic and a physical therapist?

Accepted Answer

Different training: An orthopedic surgeon is trained in disease of the joints and bones. A physical therapist is usually not a physician. Physicians trained in that area are physical medicine specialists. The last to field are involved in the rehabilitation of patients with many diseases.

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Doctor answers about:

Difference between chiropractor and physical therapist

A member asked:

I want to know what is the difference between chiropractor and physical therapist?

A member asked:

How do a physical therapist and a chiropractor differ?

A member asked:

What to do if i have a lot of nerve tension in my back and hamstrings. would i see a chiropractor or a physical therapist?

A member asked:

What do you recommend if i have a lot of nerve tension in my back and hamstrings. would i see a chiropractor or a physical therapist?

A member asked:

Who should i see for scoliosis? chiropractor? physical therapist? orthopedic specialist?

A member asked:

Cervical strain issue. it's gotten worse over the years. my neck pops and proceeds with paid and more cracking. i went to a chiropractor several years ago and i believe he ruined my neck / cervical area by poor manipulation. i went to a physical therapist

A member asked:

Can a physical therapist be better than a chiropractor? im not too comfortable with someone manipulating my body but the tension headaches (neck pain) daily is not good. im a pretty tight person as well and posture isnt too great?

A member asked:

Hard pressure on my feet, feet&leg hurt which doctor (chiropractor, physical therapist, podiatrist, orthopedic, or acupunpuncturist or?)should i see

A member asked:

Physical therapist or chiropracter for back pain?

A member asked:

What's the difference between an orthopedic and a physical therapist?

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