Living with back pain can make even simple tasks feel difficult. You want relief, but it’s not always clear where to turn for help. When you’re deciding between seeing a physiotherapist or a chiropractor, you might feel unsure about which path is right for you.
The practitioner you should see depends on the source of your pain, your symptoms, and your overall health goals, as both professionals can help manage back pain, but they approach treatment from different perspectives. Recognizing these differences can help you make an informed choice for what may work for you.
Physio & Chiro: What’s the Difference?
Chiropractors and physiotherapists play separate roles, with different perspectives on discomfort and how to manage treatment. Physiotherapists are often more focused on muscles, joints and ligaments, whereas chiropractors tend to focus more on the mobility dysfunction of your spine and joints.
How a Physiotherapist Helps
A physiotherapist focuses on your body’s movement patterns and function. They work to restore mobility and reduce pain in your muscles, joints, and ligaments. Think of them as movement specialists who use exercise and manual therapy to help you get back to your daily activities.
How a Chiropractor Helps
A chiropractor concentrates on the health of your spine and its connection to your musculoskeletal system. Their goal is to improve how your spine moves and functions to relieve pain. They often address issues related to joint alignment, particularly in your back and neck.
What to Expect During Treatment
Your first visit sets the stage for your recovery plan. Both practitioners can start with a detailed assessment to understand your condition. From there, they create a personalized treatment plan for you.
A Physiotherapy Session
Your physiotherapist can assess your movement, strength, and the source of your pain. A treatment plan can be tailored to you. Make sure you check out what to wear before your appointment so that you’re comfortable. A session may include:
- Personalized exercise programs to build strength and flexibility
- Hands-on joint mobilization to ease stiffness and improve range of motion
- Soft tissue work or massage to release muscle tension
- Education on how to move safely and prevent future injury
A Chiropractor Session
Your chiropractor can examine your spine, posture, and nervous system function. A treatment session may involve a combination of these techniques. Check out what to wear for a chiropractor appointment so that you can feel focused on your health. A session may include:
- Spinal adjustments, which are quick, controlled movements applied to your joints
- Soft tissue therapy to relax the muscles surrounding your spine
- Advice on posture and lifestyle habits that support spinal health
- Therapeutic techniques like ultrasound or gentle traction
How to Know Who to See for Your Back Pain
The right choice often depends on the type of pain you’re experiencing and what you want to achieve with treatment.
Consider a Physio if You Have:
- Pain that comes from a muscle strain or sports injury
- Difficulty with mobility or stiffness after an accident
- Chronic pain that gets worse with certain movements or activities
- A need for rehabilitation to return to work or daily life with confidence
- Chronic headaches or neck stiffness
Consider a Chiropractor if You Have:
- Sharp, specific pain in your back or neck
- Pain that travels down your leg, which may be related to sciatica
- Joint pain or noticeable issues with your posture
- Chronic headaches or neck stiffness that affects your day
Help for Other Injuries & Pains
Sometimes, the approach that may work for you involves more than 1 type of treatment. This is especially true after a complex event like a motor vehicle accident or when dealing with chronic pain. A collaborative approach can support your healing from multiple angles.
Recovery After an Accident
If you’ve been in an accident, you might have several injuries like whiplash, back pain, or even a concussion. Getting the right care is important for your recovery. Our team can assess all your symptoms, including those requiring specific concussion care, and create a comprehensive plan to help you heal properly.
A Team Approach to Your Health
Physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and massage therapy can work together to support you. For example, a chiropractor can help with spinal alignment, while a physiotherapist can work on improving muscle function. Adding massage therapy can also help relieve muscle tension and support your overall treatment plan.
When You Should Not See a Chiropractor for Back Pain
While chiropractic care is a helpful option for many people, it’s not always the first step. Certain symptoms suggest you should seek other medical advice first. Your safety and well-being are always the top priority.
Red Flags & Important Signs
You should see a medical doctor right away if your back pain is paired with any of these symptoms. These could be signs of a more serious condition. Pay close attention to:
- Numbness or progressive weakness in your legs
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Pain that is severe and continues to get worse instead of better
- Pain that started because of a major fall or other trauma
Let’s Get You Moving Again
At Running Shoe Restorative Healthcare, our commitment is to your well-being. We create a welcoming environment where you can feel safe, understood, and confident about your treatment plan. Contact us in Calgary to discuss your goals and learn how our tailored, 1-on-1 care can get you back to moving and feeling like new.
