What is the difference between and osteopath and a chiropractor? Well this is one of the
most common questions that I get asked as an osteopath in practice and I get it asked
almost every day. I can guarantee that almost every single one of my patients has asked me
this at some point during their treatments. So I thought I would put it into a video and
let you guys know. We're going to talk about three main differences today; the first is
with the philosophy, the second is with the assessment, and the third is with the treatment.
Number one; the philosophy. Chiropractors believe a problem in the body is a result
of a dysfunction in the spine. When you look at the anatomy of the spine you have the spine,
you have the spinal canal and in that spinal canal you've got the spinal cord. Coming out
of the spine you've got nerve roots and those nerve roots form into nerves. Those nerves
supply organs, muscles, joints and even things like the skin. If the spine is not working
properly and one of the joints is compressing a nerve root that's going to affect the signals
going to those structures that it's supplying and therefore it's going to result in less
function. So by correcting this subluxation you're going to restore this natural function
of that structure. Osteopaths on the other hand believe that a problem can result from
dysfunction anywhere in the body. If you have pain that's going to change the way you move
and the way you function and that's going to cause problems not only in that place but
problems elsewhere. The theory is that let's say you have a problem in your knee you're
going to change the way you walk which is going to change the mechanics of the hip and
therefore the spine, that's going to affect the muscles, the tightness around the spine
and that's going to affect structures higher up and that could even result in something
like a headache. So osteopaths tend to look a little bit more globally. Now when it comes
to number two; the assessment, chiropractors often use, not always, but often use x-rays,
or some other form of imaging or diagnostic equipment. In their first session you'll often
have this assessment done with x-rays for example, they'll bring you back in on your
second time, they'll go through your results and tell you their treatment plan. Then on
the third time you come back in they're going to give you treatment. Osteopaths on the other
hand will usually assess you and treat you on that first session. Now the way that we
work as osteopaths is we'll have a look at you standing first of all, we'll get you moving,
see where any restrictions may be, then we'll have a look and a feel on all the muscles
and joints, see how they're moving, perform special orthopedic tests, try to see if we
can provoke the problem so we can work out exactly what is going on, just by using our
hands and our eyes and then at the end of that assessment we'll treat you. Number three;
the treatments. Chiropractic treatments tend to be quite short around about fifteen minutes.
Chiropractors are more well known for their adjustments. Adjustments are the "clicking"
of necks and backs. That's what chiropractors tend to do; necks, upper backs, lower backs.
Osteopaths tend to do more of the whole body so we treat more globally, a lot more massage
work and our theory is that if you can loosen up the muscles and relax the muscles that
when it comes to adjusting those joints it's going to be a little bit less aggressive on
the body so you'll have less of a treatment reaction. Ultimately though it doesn't matter
who you see whether it is a chiropractor or an osteopath as long as you feel comfortable
with that practitioner and you like the way their treatment style is. If you don't feel
comfortable during your treatments, you're not going to feel relaxed and you're not going
to get better as quick. So find a practitioner that you like rather than the therapy. If
you guys have got any further questions please drop it in the comments section below and
we'll see you guys very soon.