Chiropractor vs physical therapy: Where to go when you’re in pain

Chiropractor Vs. Physical Therapy

Pain in your back or neck. Weakness or numbness in your arms or legs. Difficulty bending over or turning your head. These can all be signs of a spinal issue, but you might not know who to turn to for help. 

There are many people who might need help with back or neck issues. After all, it’s reported that more than 31 million Americans are dealing with lower back pain at any given time. In addition, more than 21% of people have an episode of neck pain annually. Both chiropractors and physical therapists have benefits to offer when you’re dealing with a neck or back issue. Some people might wonder if they should seek help from one professional or the other, but the answer is even simpler: You should consider seeing both. 

Why should you visit both a chiropractor and a physical therapy specialist?

Chiropractors and physical therapy specialists have a similar level of education. They also use some of the same techniques to treat their patients. But that doesn’t mean they can help you in the same way. 

Chiropractic care tends to focus on fixing misalignments of the spine or joints, and it’s a short-term solution to what could be a long-term issue. So it makes sense to go to a chiropractor to address the immediate source of your pain. 

After the initial issue has been addressed, it’s then a good idea to consult a physical therapist. These specialists can help you learn if you have underlying issues that could cause spinal problems to reappear. They can then build you a personalized plan to address underlying issues and help keep your pain from returning. 

What may be involved in your physical therapy plan?

After you see a chiropractor to realign your spine, a physical therapist can create a therapy plan that can help it stay aligned. There are many techniques that a physical therapist can include in your treatment plan. 

Some of the therapy methods your specialist could include in your therapy program are: 

  • Cupping/dry needling to improve tightness
  • At-home care that allows you to work with a physical therapist one-on-one in your own home 
  • Virtual therapy sessions where you work with a physical therapist over a secure online video link 

Find physical therapy that works along with your chiropractic care at Armor Physical Therapy

Not sure where you can find a top-notch physical therapy team to work with your chiropractor? Our team at Armor Physical Therapy has experience working alongside many other medical professionals to help you get the highest-quality care. 

We offer complimentary screenings intended to pinpoint the underlying issues causing your spinal problems. Additionally, our specialists excel at constructing therapy plans that are personalized to your needs. We can even help you deal with spinal issues if you don’t have a doctor’s referral for physical therapy. 

Contact us today for more information about all the services we offer for spinal issues or to schedule an initial appointment. 

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