In this article, we will discuss the differences along with the context applied to Singapore practitioners.
With the multitude of options for addressing a muscle or joint problem, let's discuss the three most common type of practitioners, what they focus on and how they differ.
All three are healthcare professionals who specialize in treating musculoskeletal conditions. There is a definite overlap of how they are trained, the treatment methods used and approach to patient care. However, there are differences in what they focus on in terms of techniques and scope of practice.
A physiotherapist focus on the management and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal conditions and look at other medical conditions that are often not covered by the other two professions such as neurological, respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.
A physiotherapist uses a wide variety of techniques from manual therapy, electrotherapy and exercise prescription to improve mobility, muscle strength and function. In Singapore, it is more common for physiotherapists to focus on exercise and other modalities such as electrotherapy/ultrasound vs manual therapy. This is especially common with hospital based physiotherapists who do rarely employ manual therapy methods. A typical session with a physiotherapy sessions lasts 30-40 minutes.
An osteopaths take a holistic approach when looking at musculoskeletal issue, often looking at the body as a whole, for example when a pain is being experienced at the elbow, it could be an issue with the mobility of the shoulder, and thus addressing the mobility of the shoulder, it may lead to solving the cause of the pain. Osteopaths focus more on manual therapy, but do use different modalities that are similar to physiotherapists. They also consider factors such as nutrition, stress and emotional health in their treatment sessions. An osteopath may apply more soft tissue work (i.e. massage) as compared to both the physiotherapist and chiropractors. A typical osteopath sessions lasts from 30 to 45 minutes.
A chiropractor has a primary focus on solving most conditions they encounter in relation to the spine. For example an elbow condition could be related to a trapped nerve in the cervical section of the spine and thus they correct the problem termed as subluxation (incomplete or partial dislocation of a joint) through manual therapy methods known as high velocity thrusts often known as cracking, which they are well known for. Because of their focus on spinal adjustments, they often require an X-ray before any treatment is done. In Singapore, a typical chiropractor session lasts around 10-15 minutes.
In conclusion:
Physiotherapist are often more exercise and equipment based for treatment
Osteopath are more holistic and manual therapy based using both soft tissue and joint manipulation.
Chiropractors are more focused on solving conditions by manipulation of the spine
It is important to note that each type of practitioner does look at addressing musculoskeletal conditions, but there will be differences in each individual practitioners approach beyond their profession scope due to further training and experiences, personal treatment philosophies etc.
A chiropractor may employ more soft tissue work, while an osteopath may focus more on equipment based modalities, and a physiotherapist may use more manual therapy in their approach.
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