Chiropractic Care vs. Physical Therapy

Chiropractic Care vs. Physical Therapy: What’s the Difference, and Can They Work Together?

If you’re dealing with pain, stiffness, or limited movement, you might be wondering: should I see a chiropractor or a physical therapist? The truth is, both approaches offer valuable tools for healing and recovery, and in many cases, they work even better together.

At Active Family Chiropractic & Acupuncture, we often see patients who benefit from a combined approach, especially when dealing with chronic pain, injury recovery, or long-standing movement problems.

Let’s take a look at the key differences between chiropractic care and physical therapy, what each offers, and how they can support each other as part of your overall care plan.

What Does a Chiropractor Do?

Chiropractors are healthcare providers who focus on the spine, joints, and nervous system. They are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.

Chiropractic care often includes:

• Spinal and joint adjustments to restore proper alignment and motion
• Soft tissue techniques to reduce tension and inflammation
• Posture correction and ergonomic advice
• Lifestyle recommendations to support spinal health and nervous system function

The primary goal of chiropractic care is to improve joint mobility, relieve pressure on nerves, and support the body’s ability to heal and function well.

Chiropractors commonly help with:

• Back and neck pain
• Headaches and migraines
• Sciatica
• Joint pain
• Disc issues
• Postural problems

They also play a role in preventative care, helping patients maintain healthy movement patterns and avoid future injuries.

What Does a Physical Therapist Do?

Physical therapists focus on helping patients improve strength, flexibility, balance, and functional movement. They often work with people recovering from surgery, injury, or long-term mobility issues.

Physical therapy typically includes:

• Therapeutic exercises to build strength and range of motion
• Manual therapy to improve soft tissue mobility
• Gait and balance training
• Education on movement patterns and injury prevention

Physical therapists create personalized rehab programs and often work closely with physicians, especially in post-surgical recovery or after serious injuries.

Conditions commonly treated by physical therapists include:

• Joint replacements or orthopedic surgery recovery
  Stroke rehabilitation
  Sports injuries
• Balance issues or fall prevention
• Chronic conditions like arthritis or muscle weakness

Key Differences at a Glance

Focus

Chiropractic Care: Spine, joints, nervous system

Physical Therapy: Muscles, movement, function

Approach

Chiropractic Care: Hands-on adjustments and alignment

Physical Therapy: Rehab exercises and movement correction

Common Tools

Chiropractic Care: Spinal manipulation, passive therapies

Physical Therapy: Therapeutic exercises, mobility training

Goals

Chiropractic Care: Restore alignment and reduce nerve stress

Physical Therapy: Improve strength, flexibility, and function

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Can Chiropractic and Physical Therapy Work Together?

Yes, and in many cases, they should.

Combining chiropractic care and physical therapy offers a well-rounded approach that supports both structural alignment and functional movement. This can be especially helpful for:

• Chronic back or neck pain
• Recovery after injuries like sprains or strains
• Athletes looking to improve performance and prevent injury
• Patients managing joint degeneration or arthritis
• Anyone looking for long-term, whole-body wellness

For example, a chiropractor can restore joint alignment and relieve nerve tension, while a physical therapist helps you retrain your muscles and improve movement patterns to keep the problem from coming back.

When used together, these two professions can help patients feel better, move better, and stay healthier over time.

Which One Should You See First?

That depends on your symptoms and goals. If your pain feels sharp, nerve-related, or worsens with movement, a chiropractor may be a good starting point to improve alignment and reduce pressure on sensitive structures.

If you're recovering from surgery, rebuilding strength after an injury, or working on mobility goals, physical therapy might be the best first step.

At Active Family Chiropractic & Acupuncture, we take the time to listen, evaluate your condition, and refer you to physical therapy when it’s the right fit. We believe in working with other professionals to give our patients the best possible outcome.

Better Together: A Team-Based Approach to Healing

You don’t have to choose between chiropractic care and physical therapy. In many cases, the best results come from combining their strengths. By addressing both structure and function, patients can recover more fully and build a stronger, healthier foundation for the future.