What Is the Difference Between Chiropractic and Physical Therapy?
If you’ve suffered an injury at work or in a car accident, you might need chiropractic treatment and physical therapy. Both play an important role in helping people recover from an auto accident and work-related injuries. However, the treatment provided is quite different. Learn the difference between chiropractic and physical therapy, so you’ll understand how both can help. Then, you can schedule your appointment to begin undergoing your treatment.
What Do Chiropractors Do?
To understand what chiropractors do, you first need to know what the word “chiropractic” means. It means “done by hand,” and that provides insight into this field. Chiropractors use their hands to fix mechanical disorders in the joints and spine. Chiropractors firmly believe that spine care is necessary to alleviate pain. If your spine is out of alignment, it can cause pain, numbness, and other symptoms. Once it is back in alignment, most people notice a significant reduction in symptoms. In fact, the reduction in symptoms can begin after the first treatment.
Education Requirements to Become a Chiropractor
Chiropractors are highly trained medical professionals. First, they set take at least 60 semester-hour college credits, and most get a bachelor’s degree. Then, they need to graduate from a four-year Doctor of Chiropractic program. During the first two years of the program, students are trained in laboratory and classroom settings. For the final two years, students get clinical experience.
After graduating, chiropractors can get licensed. Many continue with their education, as well, so they can become specialists in sports rehabilitation, nutrition, and other disciplines. Also, they stay on top of the latest techniques with continued education.
What Do Physical Therapists Do?
In general, many refer to physical therapists as movement specialists. These specialists are tasked with understanding how the body functions and moves. Physical therapists provide manual therapy that is similar to the techniques provided by chiropractors.
For example, most physical therapists can adjust your spine and joints to improve mobility and reduce pain. They also use exercises to strengthen the injured area and provide mobility. The exercises are also used to reduce the risk of injuring the area again. Finally, physical therapists provide education. The information provided helps people manage their symptoms and speed down the road to recovery.
Education Requirements to Become a Physical Therapist
Before becoming a physical therapist in New York, students must obtain a bachelor’s degree. Then, they have two options. They can get a master’s degree or a doctoral degree in physical therapy. Like chiropractors, education includes both classroom work and clinical. Students work directly with patients to learn how to provide the best care possible. Once they graduate from school, they can get their license to practice. They also take continuing education classes throughout their careers.
Chiropractors and Physical Therapists — Two Important Components for Recovery
You want to have a speedy recovery after experiencing an accident at work or on the road. Chiropractors and physical therapists can help you reach your recovery goals as quickly as possible. Visit a top Brooklyn medical clinic that has both on staff so that you can start your recovery today!