What’s the Difference Between an Osteopath and a Chiropractor?
Muscular pain, body imbalances, and other conditions affecting the muscles and bones are issues that both osteopaths and chiropractors deal with in their day-to-day practice.
While these professionals share various treatment practices, they are different. These professionals differ in training, the conditions they are qualified to treat as well as their ability to prescribe medication. If you’re confused about which health professional to approach, osteopath vs chiropractor, read on.
We discuss the differences between the two.
Difference Between Osteopath and Chiropractor
Education Osteopath vs Chiropractor
The educational path undertaken by these professionals is different. In order to become an osteopath, you must attend osteopathic medical school to earn an osteopathic medicine degree. You must have completed college before you can attend medical school. You must then undertake 3 to 8 years of practical training within a clinical setting before you can sit for the board certification exam. You must pass this exam in order to receive your license to practice.
Chiropractors also attend college and then go on to earn a 4-year degree as a chiropractic doctor. Following this they are required to take the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners test. They must pass this test in order to receive a license to practice.
What does an Osteopath do?
Osteopaths take a holistic approach to treating conditions. They look beyond symptoms to address environmental and lifestyle factors that could have caused the condition.
They focus on improving the function of the body’s musculoskeletal and nervous systems through manipulating the joints and muscles to relieve pain and restore movement. Osteopaths also apply scientific advancements such as medication and imaging as part of treatment programs.
Osteopaths are qualified to address various health conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including:
- Tendinopathies
- Tennis elbow
- Back pain
- Arthritis
- Frozen shoulder
What Chiropractors Do
Like osteopaths, chiropractors also apply manipulation techniques to treat musculoskeletal conditions. They use hand pressure, gentle manipulation, as well as quick thrusts to the joints and spine to release tightness, restore movement, and ease pain. These professionals are qualified to handle various conditions, including:
- Headaches
- Neck pain
- Sciatica
- Low back pain
Should I see a Chiropractor or Osteopath?
Are you even more confused over which health professional to see? Many people wonder whether they should see a chiropractor or an osteopath when afflicted with conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractic treatment is highly effective for treating both acute and chronic pain affecting the back and neck. It can also be effective for the treatment of sciatica and headaches.
Osteopathic treatment is effective for the treatment of muscular and joint pain affecting any part of the body. However, one of the benefits of seeing an osteopath is that they don’t only focus on treating the symptoms but will take a holistic approach.
They will work towards addressing environmental and lifestyle factors that may have contributed to your illness or injury. Making these changes will provide for longer-lasting results and hopefully prevent the issue from recurring.
While you more than often would be referred to a chiropractor by your primary health care provider, you can consult an osteopath as you would a primary care professional. Osteopaths can consult with other healthcare professionals whenever a multidimensional approach is required.
Chiropractic care and osteopathy are both beneficial. Both healthcare professionals focus on conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. They also both apply manual manipulation to treat these conditions. However, if you’re looking for a holistic approach to your health condition, you would do well to seek the care of an osteopath.
Don’t hesitate to contact 360 Osteopathy to schedule a consultation with an experienced chiropractor. We’d be glad to help you on this journey to better health.
