Chiropractor Vs Osteopathy

1. Chiropractor Vs Osteopathy What is the difference between Chiropractic and Osteopathy? It’s a commonly asked question of two very similar practices ... Osteopathy and Chiropractors share one common ideology; the spine plays an integral role in good health maintenance. The treatment of musculoskeletal aches and pains, or complaints that stem from a spinal dysfunction, are the primary objective of both Osteopaths and Chiropractors. The Differences The two practices can sometimes get confused since they are both targeting the spine for optimal health, however their modes of treatment vary. Chiropractors subscribe to the theory that a dysfunction in the alignment of the spine, a vertebral joint subluxation, causes interference with the body’s functioning and innate intelligence; Osteopathic practitioners operate under the premise that when the musculoskeletal system is treated, the body can have greater access to healing abilities Some terms used to describe the separate practitioners are ‘straight’ chiropractor and ‘therapeutic’ chiropractor. Straight chiropractors manage pain by adjustment spinal alignment and therapeutic, osteopathic practitioners use a holistic method of treatment. They may recommend pain relief supplements, and exercises and many chiropractors also practice acupuncture.Osteopathic physicians, licensed to practice in the United States should not be confused with non-physician osteopaths. Osteopathic physicians who are educated and trained in the United States are considered fully licensed physicians in Canada and are primary healthcare providers.. Techniques Used: Chiropractors are generally trained in a wider variety of complex but safe spinal manipulations than Osteopaths, while Osteopaths tend to incorporate a wider range of techniques in general, usually incorporating stretching, pressure and mobilization into treatments. Many Chiropractors are now also incorporating soft tissue massage and stretching into their appointments. Osteopaths are also trained in Cranio-sacral therapy, which involves very gentle and subtle adjustments of the cranial plates What they have in Common Both practitioners refer to MRI’s and X-Rays in order to treat. Chiropractor visits tend to happen on a more regular basis. Osteopaths tend to have longer patient visits and visits are usually spaced out, although as with everything there is quite a bit of variation depending on the individual practitioners. So the next question is how do you choose? Again it all comes down to individual preference. Try a few treatments out, in the end it is most important that you feel comfortable and satisfied with your doctor and the treatment he or she is providing. .