Physiotherapy vs Chiropractic: What’s the Difference?
It can be quite easy to confuse what a chiropractor does with what a physiotherapist does. On the surface, they appear to offer a similar set of services with similar goals, but there is a clear distinction between the two. At Electra Health you can see both under one roof: our team offers chiropractic care in downtown Vancouver alongside physiotherapy at 970 Burrard Street.
Quick answer: Physiotherapists focus on restoring movement, strength and function through exercise, hands-on therapy and education. Chiropractors focus on the spine and joints, mainly using adjustments to improve alignment and mobility. Both are regulated health professionals in BC: physiotherapists by the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC (CHCPBC) and chiropractors by the College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC). At Electra Health you can see both at 970 Burrard Street, open 7 days a week, 7 AM–9 PM.
| Physiotherapy | Chiropractic | |
|---|---|---|
| Main focus | Movement, strength and function across the whole body | Alignment and mobility of the spine and joints |
| Typical tools | Exercise programs, manual therapy, education and acupuncture | Spinal and joint adjustments, soft tissue work, the Activator and Graston Technique |
| Common reasons to book | Sports injuries, rehab after surgery, sprains and strains, ongoing pain | Low back pain, neck pain, stiffness, headaches linked to the neck |
| First visit at Electra | 60-minute initial assessment, $175 | 45-minute initial visit, $150 (or 30 minutes, $135) |
| Referral needed? | No | No |
| Insurance | Extended health plans and ICBC | Extended health plans and ICBC |
Weighing osteopathy too? See osteopath vs chiropractor.
Vancouver Physiotherapy Clinic
Electra Health – 970 Burrard Street, MZ1, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2R4
Open 7 days a week from 7 am to 9 pm
604-685-4325 (HEAL)
Physiotherapists, also known as physical therapists, work largely with patients in a rehabilitative manner. Some patients have an acute injury, while others are managing a chronic condition. In any case, the goal is to help the patient restore a healthier level of mobility and function. As part of the process, physiotherapists also work closely with their patients in the management and reduction of pain.
The key is that physiotherapists work with their patients in an effort to improve overall movement. Treatment programs can include massage, stretches, and a variety of other exercises.
By contrast, a chiropractor focuses more on the musculoskeletal system of the body. While this can also work to improve mobility in the patient, the emphasis is more on the proper alignment of the skeletal system. It is quite common for people to associate chiropractic medicine with the alignment of the spine. This is a major area in the field, but chiropractors can work with the entirety of the musculoskeletal system.
The typical treatment plans for chiropractors can be quite different from what you would receive from a physiotherapist. The latter often involves more rehabilitation through specific exercises, whereas chiropractors take a very direct approach with the manipulation of bones and joints. It is not uncommon for patients to hear “cracking” as the chiropractor works to re-align the spine and treat what are known as “subluxations.”
Both physiotherapists and chiropractors go through extensive education and training before they are certified and qualified to provide their respective services. Both also need to keep their techniques and certification up to date on a regular basis. That said, just as some family doctors are better suited to address your needs than others, the same can be said about physiotherapists and chiropractors as well.
While some people see the two schools of thought as being at odds with one another, offering distinctly different approaches to possibly similar sets of problems, that isn’t necessarily true. In fact, the exact opposite belief can carry a lot more weight: chiropractic and physiotherapy can be quite complementary, offering even greater value to the patient when used together than when they are used separately.
Another noted distinction is that physiotherapy is more likely to have a set timeline for treatment. After the patient has reached a certain level of recovery, they often no longer need physiotherapy. By contrast, chiropractic medicine is also preventative medicine. This means that it is not uncommon for someone to have chiropractic adjustments on a regular basis, even if he or she feels healthy and aligned. This is about maintenance and management.
That’s why our physiotherapists have a strong relationship with many trusted Vancouver chiropractors. It is very easy to get a referral to a chiropractor who can help to supplement the treatments that you are receiving in physiotherapy, aiding and accelerating the recovery process.
Vancouver Physiotherapy Clinic
Electra Health – 970 Burrard Street, MZ1, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2R4
Open 7 days a week from 7 am to 9 pm
604-685-4325 (HEAL)
BACK to Physiotherapy Clinic
Physiotherapy vs chiropractic: your questions answered
No. Neither one is better across the board. Physiotherapy suits you best when you need to rebuild strength, movement and function, for example after an injury or surgery. Chiropractic suits you best when stiffness or pain in your spine or joints is the main problem. Many of our patients use both, and we will tell you honestly which one fits.
Yes. Many of our patients combine the two. Our physiotherapists and chiropractors work under one roof at 970 Burrard Street, so with your consent they can compare notes and plan care that fits together.
No. You can book either one directly. Some extended health plans ask for a referral before they reimburse you, so check your plan if you are claiming.
No, an adjustment usually doesn’t hurt. You might hear a pop or click as gas releases from the joint, and some people feel mild soreness for a day afterwards. If you prefer a gentler option, ask about the Activator, a handheld tool that adjusts with a quick, low-force pulse.
Yes. Both treat back pain. Chiropractic eases stiffness and restores movement in the spine with adjustments, while physiotherapy builds the strength and movement habits that help keep pain from coming back. Not sure where to start? Call us at 604-685-4325 and we will point you to the right practitioner.
Yes. Most extended health plans cover both, each with its own yearly limit, and ICBC covers both after a car accident. We direct bill many plans for physiotherapy and chiropractic, so you often pay only what your plan doesn’t cover. See direct billing.
No. Chiropractors use the title Doctor (Dr.) because they complete a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, usually four years after undergraduate studies, but they are not medical doctors and they don’t prescribe medication.