If you’re experiencing pain or carrying an injury, you may decide to book an appointment with a physiotherapist, chiropractor, osteopath or myotherapist. But how do you know which practitioner is right for you and which profession will deliver you with the most benefit? This article will help you to decide between physio, chiro, osteo and myo.

What are the differences between physiotherapy, chiropractic, osteopathy and myotherapy?

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists are experts of the musculoskeletal system, helping people of all ages with injury, illness or disability to increase mobility. They specialise in rehabilitation, helping their patients to recover, manage pain and prevent reoccurrence of disease. During a visit to the physio, you can expect a thorough assessment and tailored recovery plan. Common physio treatments include exercise prescription, dry needling, mobilisation and massage.

Chiropractic

Chiropractors adopt a more holistic approach to treatment, considering the overall wellbeing and alignment of their patient. While they treat a variety of conditions, they are specialists of the spine. Chiros typically use manual adjustment to realign the spine and improve the function of the nervous system.

Osteopathy

Osteopathy focuses on the function of the neuro-musculoskeletal system. More specifically, how the bones, muscles, nerves, and other tissues support and control your movement. Like physios, osteos use various treatments to reduce pain and increase mobility. This may include manual therapy, trigger point therapy, dry needling, clinical exercise programs and postural or movement advice.

Myotherapy

Myotherapy focuses on treating or preventing myofascia dysfunction. Fascia is the connective tissue that contains and separates the muscles in the body. Treatments include soft tissue therapy, taping, cupping, needling, Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and more.

Which practitioner should you visit?

While each practitioner follows a unique approach, they all aim to improve the quality of life of their patient by reducing pain and enhancing mobility.

How to find a practitioner that is right for you?

Specialisation

Does the practitioner specialise in a particular area? For example, if you’re experiencing TMJ pain, it would be more beneficial to visit a practitioner specialising in TMJ conditions.

Location

Is it convenient for you to attend your appointments? While distance shouldn’t limit you from accessing the healthcare you need, it shouldn’t be so far that it is challenging to attend.

Referral

Has your GP or another healthcare professional recommended that you visit a specific practitioner? If so, you should consider following their advice as they may have referred you for a reason.

Workcover or NDIS

If you’re accessing treatment specifically for Work Cover or NDIS, you must visit a registered practitioner.

Qualifications and associations

Ensure that the practitioner you visit is qualified and registered.

Visit a Physio in West Ryde – book an appointment today

The physiotherapists at Northern Districts Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic can help you to reduce pain and enhance mobility. Book your appointment with one of our friendly and experienced practitioners today.