Are you someone who suffers from muscle or joint pain? If so, you may be thinking about seeing an osteopath or a chiropractor for neuromuscular treatment.
An osteopath and a chiropractor both treat similar issues. Though, many people are unsure of the difference between an osteopath vs chiropractor.
If you’re someone in need of treatment, it’s essential to know which specialist is right for you.
Keep reading to learn what sets these two types of holistic medical professionals apart.
Chiropractor Guide
A chiropractor is a healthcare professional in the neuromusculoskeletal system. Some examples of the neuromuscular system include the spine, muscles, joints, nerves, etc.
Chiropractors go through years of schooling to earn their Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine license. However, they are technically not medical doctors.
Many people will visit a chiropractor to relieve their muscles and joints from pain or discomfort. To treat these cases, chiropractors will provide an adjustment to specific areas like your spine or neck.
During these adjustments, you will typically hear a cracking noise. This is simply caused by the stretching and releasing of fluid bubbles in your joints.
These joint manipulations can decrease muscle tension and pain. They can also improve your posture and even help with things like headaches or allergies.
Chiropractors also use massaging techniques, electrical stimulation therapy, and other types of holistic methods.
Looking for a reputable chiropractor in London? Check out spinecentral.co.uk for great advice on finding the best one for you.
Osteopath Guide
Now, you may be wondering, what is an osteopath? An osteopath is similar to a chiropractor in that they focus on the musculoskeletal system. However, they focus more on the entire body rather than just the manipulation of bones, muscles, joints, etc.
Another difference is that osteopaths are licensed, medical doctors. This allows them to prescribe medication to their patients.
Osteopaths are holistic so this typically isn’t the first treatment option. They also treat many of the same issues that chiropractors treat. This includes muscle/joint pain, poor posture, arthritis, etc.
With that said, osteopaths do not use the adjustment techniques that chiropractors use.
Instead, osteopaths will use techniques like massaging, stretching, or applying pressure. They will sometimes even use methods like dry needling, which is similar to acupuncture.
Osteopaths believe that everything is connected to the human body. This makes them able to diagnose and treat a variety of different conditions.
Osteopath vs Chiropractor
Both osteopathy and chiropractic are effective treatments for many musculoskeletal problems, but they are not the same thing. What sets them apart from other healthcare providers is that they both offer a unique and holistic approach.
If you are still wondering about osteopath vs chiropractor, talk to your doctor to see which one is right for you.
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