Physical Therapy vs. Chiropractic Care: Which is Right for You?
When you're injured or not as mobile as you once were, proper treatment is needed to get you back on your feet. BodyFit Physical Therapy often receives the question from Canton residents: “Is physical therapy better than chiropractic care?”
While both techniques are similar in that they eliminate pain and restore functionality, they differ in their techniques and long-term recovery objectives. BodyFit Physical Therapy wants to inform you of the difference so you can best choose what's right for your body.
Understanding Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is the process of restoring movement, strength, and function after injury, surgery, or problematic, chronic issues. At our Canton, CT, physical therapy center, you'll find that your therapist tailors a treatment program just for you.
Common elements of physical therapy include:
- Strengthening and flexibility exercises
- Manual therapy techniques
- Balance and coordination exercises
- Post-surgical treatment
- Pain management
- Injury prevention techniques
The BodyFit physical therapy professionals always have Canton, CT clients' best interests in mind. They concentrate on the essential elements of physical therapy to ease symptoms and improve situations. Whether you have a knee issue, chronic back pain, or a post-surgical condition, physical therapy is a great way to get started on the path to effective, long-term wellness.
Understanding Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care centers around evaluation and hands-on re-alignment with the spine as a focus. For instance, where someone goes to a chiropractor for back pain, the chiropractor will employ spinal manipulation, also known as an adjustment, to ease discomfort not only in the back but also the neck, headaches, and other musculoskeletal issues believed to be caused by misalignment of the spine.
Chiropractic care can reduce spinal and joint pain, relieve short-term symptoms, and improve spinal alignment.
However, chiropractic care may not address underlying muscle weakness, post-surgical needs, or functional movement impairments the way physical therapy would.
When Should You Visit a Therapist for Physical Therapy or Chiropractic Care?
Knowing when to seek treatment will prevent a minor problem from becoming a significant, long-term issue.
Visit a Physical Therapist if you:
- Had surgery (joint replacement, ACL reconstruction, spinal fusion, etc.)
- Suffer from chronic muscle and joint pain that interferes with daily functional activities
- Sustained a sports injury (ligament tear, sprain, strain, etc.)
- Are noticing a decline in mobility, strength, and stability
- Experienced a stroke or neurological disorder, or injury that requires a step-by-step approach to recovery
- Want to prevent injury with re-education for muscle recruitment patterns
Visit a Chiropractor if you:
- Suffer from acute low back, neck pain, or spinal discomfort (strain or sprain) without complicated structural involvement
- Have headaches or migraines you believe are related to spinal misalignment
- Want to avoid physical therapy by receiving manual adjustments for temporary relief of minor joint dysfunction or restriction
- Want spinal manipulation to be the primary means of treatment for spinal realignment
If you're still unsure, consult with BodyFit Physical Therapy in Canton, CT, to determine your needs and get you on the road to recovery.
Key Differences Between Physical Therapy and Chiropractic Care
The table below summarizes the key differences between physical therapy and chiropractic care:
| Physical Therapy | Chiropractic Care |
| Restores strength, mobility, and function | Focuses on spinal adjustments |
| Treats a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions | Primarily addresses spinal and joint issues |
| Personalized exercises, manual therapy, and education | Manual spin manipulation |
| Long-term prevention focus | Focuses on symptom relief |
You won't just receive assessment and treatment for the symptoms at hand with an active recovery regimen with a physical therapist in Canton, CT. Your needs will be taken into account as a whole for the best possible treatment plan for total wellness and recovery goals.
Why Choose BodyFit Physical Therapy Near Canton, CT?
At BodyFit Physical Therapy, we're proud to serve the Canton, CT community with expert, patient-centered care. Our physical therapy clinic offers:
- Highly trained and experienced physical therapists
- Customized treatment plans tailored to your needs
- Evidence-based techniques that deliver real, lasting results
- State-of-the-art facilities and equipment
- Compassionate support every step of your recovery journey
We treat a wide range of conditions, from sports injuries and surgical rehabilitation to chronic pain management and balance disorders. Our goal is simple: to help you move better, feel better, and live better.
Get Started with Physical Therapy in Canton, CT Today
Still on the fence about what's best for you between physical therapy and chiropractor services? Call us for an evaluation. BodyFit Physical Therapy in Canton, CT, offers licensed physical therapists who can help.
You can contact BodyFit Physical Therapy at [860-507-7365] or through our online booking system. Our physical therapy center is located nearby and eager to help you regain full strength and mobility.
