Solihull Birmingham Osteopaths compares Chiropractic, Osteopathic and Physiotherapy treatments

Osteopath, Chiropractor or Physiotherapist, which one do I need, and what is the difference? This is a common question from members of the public and depending on who you ask you will probably get different answers. It is far easier to compare the similarities between them rather than the differences.

Firstly it is important to stress that this is an opinion based on experience of having worked alongside all professions

Lets begin by stating that all three professions treat the same patients, it is probably that each profession has a slightly different approach thats all. Within the professions you will get individuals with certain specialities that they have more experience in, and feel more comfortable with.

All three professions are regulated by their respective governing bodies and are highly trained. All three follow a recognised university degree programme. Physiotherapy can be either a 3 or 4 year programme of training whereas Osteopaths and Chiropractors cover a 5 year training programme.

Currently the Physiotherapists are found mostly within the NHS on completion of their training as they are the largest employers. Osteopaths and Chiropractors are mainly in private practice but will at some stage in the future perhaps be working within the NHS framework.

The training of each profession is slightly different but increasingly there appears to be more crossover.

For a long time Osteopaths and Chiropractors were performing High Velocity Thrusts (HVT’s) which is the cracking of backs and necks and requires much expertise. Now we see Physiotherapists training in this type of treatment, however many practitioners perform these techniques after short training workshops, and the lack of training in this area may be a cause of concern.

Acupuncture is another similar workshop training that can produce practitioners with little experience. The public should be informed and made aware of the length of training in this activity as poor results from an inexperienced practitioner can give the profession a bad name.

Physiotherapists are trained in electrotherapy and more Osteopaths and Chiropractors now use this form of treatment.

Chiropractors use the title “Doctor” in front of their name whereas Osteopaths refused this option as they felt the public may confuse them with GP’s. Most Chiropractors are not GP’s and are only using the title “Doctor of Chiropractic”

The general public are confused about who does what and are told such a variety of answers to their questions they are understandably confused.

Atlas Pain Relief Centre aims to be honest with their patients and put their welfare first.Having had all three professions working under one roof Atlas practitioners have discussed these questions being asked by patients.

All three professions are constantly being asked the differences between Chiropractors, Osteopaths and Physiotherapists.

Let us look at some of the questions that are asked on a regular basis.

"I am told i need an xray in order to see the condition and determine alignment of my spine"

Well maybe if a fracture or pathology is suspected, but xrays are not good for you and shouldn’t be a routine proceedure. There should be no need to pay for xrays as your GP will refer you for free. This can be done within no more than 2 weeks but if they consider it urgent then it can be done the same day. If you pay privately for xrays then ensure you do not sign to say that they are the property of the practitioner. You pay for them, so you own them and take them home with you, that way you can get a second opinion on the xray. If your practitioner is reluctant for you to do this then refuse the xray and go elsewhere.

"Your spine is out of alignment and needs a lot of treatment to get it back in line"

The human spine varies in shape and size between individuals and adapts to a variety of situations. To attempt to make a spine that is naturally different to become more traditional would only upset the harmony of the back and create more problems that you may already have. If your spine fails to function correctly then perhaps you may be experiencing a facet lock which is basically vertebrae getting stuck creating a restriction in movement and often accompanied with muscle spasm. You experienced practitioner should be capable of feeling this restriction and releasing it for you. If you find that you are told to keep returning for the same treatment, then question the treatment plan. Facet locks will not be evident via scans or xrays as they are a problem of function, in other words if you take a photograph of a door when closed, you wouldn’t be able to determine if it is stuck and fails to open would you!

"Your pelvis is out of line or twisted"

You may experience a rotated ilia which refers to this condition however they are simple to adjust and should not need to be corrected more than a couple of times. If this continues to occur then there is an underlying problem which needs attention. Continual adjustments (cracking your back and neck) leads to hypermobile joints which will give you more problems. Some practitioners use the term “your pelvis is out, or misaligned” far too often, when in fact it may not be. What springs to mind here is “If your only tool is a hammer, you will always see the world as a nail”

If you get the same treatment everytime you go, then maybe it is a set routine you are getting and not customised for you. Chances are, everyone may be getting the same treatment as you, even though you all present with different problems.

Before any treatment takes place ask for a diagnosis. If they seem unsure then get another opinion. If you see no apparent improvement after 4 treatments consider looking for a second opinion.

At Atlas they resolve most back and neck pain between 4 and 6 treatments with more complicated conditions taking obviously longer.

They have clinics in Tamworth Staffordshire and Solihull, West Midlands near Birmingham.

Specialising in back pain and sports injuries and offering treatments from industry respected practitioners treating back pain, whiplash, sciatica, trapped nerves, bulging discs, muscle spasms and stiff necks Atlas Pain Relief Centre can offer a variety of treatment options to suit your needs.

Treatments will involve educating the patients on their condition, explaining via models of the spine what is wrong and how the treatment plan intends to correct the problem and more importantly how to prevent this from occuring again.

Finally, how much will it cost?

This depends on individuals and location. Ask how long you will be getting for treatment and how much each session costs. When you have this information compare other professions for value. Ask yourself if you are only offered 10 mins per session ” am i on a production line and is this sufficient time to help me”

25 may be cheaper than £35 but if you compare 10 minutes to 30 minutes you can make value comparisons. The cheapest isn’t always the best and word of mouth recommendations are valuable”

If you would like any advice on back or neck problems then visit www.solihullbackpainclinic.co.uk