A common question often asked is 'What is the difference between an Osteopath and a Chiropractor?'  A short answer here might be 'twenty minutes': you will get at least thirty minutes with most Osteopaths, and ten minutes or less with most Chiropractors.

Both Osteopaths and Chiropractors treat musculoskeletal conditions, back pain, neck pain and headaches.  Osteopaths and Chiropractors are two distinct healthcare professions, and both primarily treat musculoskeletal conditions and injuries.

Both Osteopaths and Chiropractors undergo a rigorous degree level training, in order to practice here in NZ.  For both Osteopaths and Chiropractors this is now a four year degree covering anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, clinical methods, Osteopathic evaluation and diagnosis, and of course, Osteopathic technique and manipulation (and for Chiropractors, Chiropractic evaluation and diagnosis, and Chiropractic technique and manipulation).

Although there may be some similarities (e.g. both use manipulation) there are considerable differences between Osteopathy and Chiropractic.  Chiropractors nearly always require x-rays at the beginning of a course of Chiropractic treatment, adding to the overall cost of treatment, which in some instances can be considerable. Osteopaths only sometimes or rarely suggest x-rays (but may ask for the report from the x-rays a patient may already have).  Unlike Chiropractors, Osteopaths would generally not require x-rays or imaging at the start of treatment.  It is true that modern imaging can be helpful, and I may suggest an ultrasound scan for a rotator cuff issue, for example.  Imaging may be helpful, but for Osteopaths, is rarely, if ever, essential -  and generally does not change the mode of treament, nor its outcome.  Usually from the history, and a careful and thorough clinical and Osteopathic examination, I would have enough to go on, to begin treatment.

Chiropractic treatment is generally short (10 minutes or less) and (most) Chiropractors will often want to see a patient weekly, and treatment may continue for a very long time (all adding to overall treatment cost).  An Osteopathic treatment is generally longer (30 minutes or more) and typically an Osteopath would hope to resolve most issues within only a few treatments, rather than treatment continuing for weeks or months as Chiropractic treatments often do.

Chiropractors only manipulate, whereas Osteopaths will also do other things (massage, muscle energy techniques and stretching to muscles) and (much slower) articulation,  movement through a joint's  'range of motion'.  Chiropractors use 'short-lever' manipulation techniques, often to a single spinal segment, and use this model in their diagnosis also.  Osteopaths use 'long-lever' articulation, where arms or legs can be levers to the midline (i.e. spine) in addition to manipulation. 

My own approach to manipulation (if we chose to do this) often involves a series or chain of spinal segments, to adjust a more global pattern of asymmetry or imbalance (perhaps a scoliosis or pelvic torsion). Chiropractic often only focuses on a single spinal segment.  In contrast to most other models of Healthcare (including Chiropractic and Physiotherapy) Osteopathy frequently takes a more 'holistic' or 'global' view, and rarely sees one part of the body existing in isolation from other parts.

Perhaps a single spinal segment does have some dysfunction or restriction (the spinal subluxation of Chiropractic, or the somatic dysfunction or osteopathic lesion of Osteopathy), yet such dysfunction exists within the context of the entire spine.  Something rarely exists in isolation  -  as far as backs are concerned -  and spines tend to behave 'globally' where one part can affect other parts (e.g. the upper back and scapular region, via muscle attachment, may result in neck pain).  Of course, there are times when things may be more specific and isolated (e.g. a torn meniscus is a discrete separate injury) but it can be helpful to see the spine as a unit  (This is a key Osteopathic principal).  In fact, it can help to see the 'Body as a Unit' and take a more global view of (any) altered biomechanics (e.g. leg length discrepancy, scoliosis or global muscle imbalance may all predispose to back pain).

Chiropractic treatment can be very short (perhaps 10 minutes, or much less!)  Generally, people will get at least 30 minutes with an Osteopath  -  as we do other things, which take a little time, and don't jump straight into the deep-end and do a (cold) manipulation.  As such, I would like to think that Osteopathy is a far more gentle (and more thorough) treatment.

A Physiotherapy treatment is typically around 15 minutes -  and is more 'exercise based'  -  whereas Osteopathy is more 'treatment-based'   (although I may also prescribe specific exercises -  and generally do so).  I also frequently combine Osteopathy with Acupuncture (depending on your preference) within the same treatment.  Whatever can give the best possible results.

Of course, different approaches (Osteopathy, Chiropractic, Physiotherapy) suit different people -  and there are overlaps and similarities between the professions (e.g. all three manipulate the spine and neck).  The best thing is to find someone you are comfortable with, someone with a good reputation, and someone who gets good results, who 'does it for you'.  Physiotherapists, perhaps, are very good with peripheral joints, (feet, hands, knees, shoulders) although their treatment approach may be primarily 'exercise based'.  Due to their training, and its emphasis, Osteopaths and Chiropractors may be better when treating the neck and spine and get better results -  although certainly Osteopaths also treat peripheral joints, and get very good results here also.

Please feel free to book a Free Phone Consultation if you would like to discuss anything further, and how Osteopathy and/or Acupuncture  may be able to help you.

 

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