Physical therapists (PTs) and chiropractors are medical professionals who can help patients control and alleviate physical pain, oftentimes using hands-on therapeutic treatments. These specialists are not medical doctors, but they do have extensive education and training in physical medicine.
There are certain similarities and key differences between these two specialists, particularly in their methods of treating patients. Let’s talk about what a physical therapist does, what a chiropractor does, and where you can go for an evaluation and therapeutic treatment for your aches and pains.
What Do Physical Therapists Do?
A physical therapist can help to restore your physical function and improve your ability to move. You may see a physical therapist if you are recovering from an injury or surgery. Patients who have chronic pain conditions, such as arthritis, can also find relief from physical therapy.
Physical therapists also show patients how to avoid injury, and how to stay healthy and strong. A sports team might have a physical therapist on board their leadership team.
Pain relief, mobility, flexibility, and range of motion are all improved by physical therapy exercises. Physical therapists may also use:
- Hands-on manipulation
- Heat therapy
- Cold therapy
- Ultrasound
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy
What Does a Chiropractor Do?
Chiropractors also use hands-on manipulation to treat patients, and their goal is the same – to relieve pain and inflammation and to regain function. However, a chiropractor’s approach focuses on bringing the body’s structures into alignment in order to foster proper functioning of the nervous system, thereby lessening pain.
This is why a chiropractor often treats a patient with spinal manipulations. By getting the vertebrae in the right position, the doctor is enabling healing by alleviating areas of pressure.
Chiropractors frequently see patients who have:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Knee pain
- Sacroiliac pain (low-back pain)
- Migraines
- Tension headaches
- Whiplash
Chiropractors and Physical Therapists in Blue Springs, MO
Both physical therapists and chiropractors provide noninvasive, complementary treatments to patients who suffer from bone, joint, and/or muscle conditions that are causing pain and disability. For you as a patient, our medical team here at Core Medical Center takes the guesswork out of selecting a specialist: As a multispecialty practice, we have experienced physical therapists and chiropractors on our staff. We take a multifaceted approach to treating patients, with the goal always being to help you get strong and healthy.
We will first conduct a thorough evaluation of your medical history and your particular type of pain. Based on the results of our evaluation, we will recommend the treatment that is most likely to benefit you.
There may be multiple options that would be effective. In addition to physical therapy and chiropractic care, we also provide complementary and alternative medicine (COM), MedSpa services, and interventional pain treatments.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment at Core Medical Center, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (816) 427-0201 or by filling out our easy-to-use appointment request form online now. We look forward to being your healthcare partner!
