What is the difference between chiropractic and osteopathic practice

In fact both are primary health care professionals using a hands-on approach to patient health care. In both professions this includes a detailed examination and diagnosis, followed by treatment, and the potential for referral.

Another common element of both professions is they also subscribe to the concept of a holistic approach, treating the body as a whole rather than just addressing the obvious symptoms.

Having pointed out the similarities, in order to help answer the question of differences we must take a look into what each profession encompasses and the training required for Osteopaths and Chiropractors here in New Zealand. Osteopaths focus on gently mobilising the muscles, ligaments and joints, while also incorporating therapeutic massage techniques, cranial treatment, muscle stretches and exercise programs to help relieve pain and improve the overall function of the body.

This includes treating complaints that may seem unrelated to the spine or joints. Most appointments with an Osteopath last about 30 minutes, with the initial consultation usually lasting longer. Osteopaths in New Zealand are registered ACC treatment providers no referral required and some private health insurers cover Osteopathic treatments.

Chiropractors believe good maintenance of the spine and nervous system will allow the body to better function at optimal levels and ultimately heal itself.

Most Chiropractic appointments will be for a period of 15 minutes, with initial consultations as long as 30 minutes to an hour. Another key difference lies in the method of treatment. Osteopaths utilise a wider range of techniques while Chiropractors routinely just perform spinal adjustments. While assessing patients, Chiropractors tend to rely more heavily on diagnostic equipment such as x-rays and MRI scans to analyse the shape of the spine prior to working on the patient while osteopaths use manual techniques such as palpation.

To conclude, both treatments share many similarities, and the difference between the two can often come down to the individual practitioner. No one profession is better than the other, and both are highly effective for treating common complaints such as neck and back pain.

The two professions often work in conjunction with one another under the bracket of non-invasive physical therapies. Is Chiropractic Treatment Safe? One quick search of chiropractic treatment online and you will find…. Share This. If necessary a phone call can be arranged with a practitioner before you book for an appointment. You may also be interested in Should you see a Physiotherapist or Chiropractor? What is the difference between chiropractic and osteopathy?

What are the practical difference between the treatments? Which conditions are best suited to chiropractic or osteopathy? How will you know who to choose if you are in pain? Are you in pain and in need of treatment? If necessary a phone call can be arranged with a practitioner before you book for an appointment You may also be interested in Should you see a Physiotherapist or Chiropractor?

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American trained osteopaths have full medical practice rights, both in the United States, and in 44 other countries around the world.

Osteopaths that have a Diploma in Osteopathy usually focus their work on spinal manipulation — much like a chiropractor. In terms of the similarities between the two practices, both Osteopaths and Chiropractors believe that having the correct spinal alignment is the key to overall better health.