Chiropractor vs Physical Therapy
Written by a chiropractor, so read it with that in mind. We've tried to make it the answer we would give a friend.
By Dr. Abby Dante, DC NY License #013032 Last updated
Should I see a chiropractor or a physical therapist?
For most back, neck and joint pain, the profession matters less than what the person actually does with you. Look for someone who examines you properly, gets you moving, gives you exercises and teaches you to manage it yourself. That can be a chiropractor or a physical therapist. Some situations do clearly belong to PT, and we list them below.
The old picture is that chiropractors adjust and physical therapists give exercises. In practice the two overlap a lot. Many PTs do hands-on work, and a rehab-based chiropractor spends much of the visit on movement and strength. The better question to ask any office is: what will a visit with you look like, and how long will I be with the provider?
What is the difference between a chiropractor and a physical therapist?
Training and license
A chiropractor holds a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree and a state chiropractic license. A physical therapist today holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and a state PT license. Both are trained to examine muscle, joint and nerve problems and to recognize when something needs a medical doctor instead.
What each is known for
Chiropractors are best known for spinal adjustments, and most of what they see is spine-related: backs, necks and the symptoms that travel from them. Physical therapists are best known for exercise-based rehab, and they work across more settings, including hospitals, post-surgical rehab, neurological rehab and home care.
Getting in the door
You can see a chiropractor without a referral. In New York you can usually start PT without one too, within limits set by the state, and some insurance plans ask for a referral anyway. Coverage for the two is often different on the same plan, with separate visit limits. To check your chiropractic benefits, text a picture of your insurance card and your date of birth to 631-212-2996.
Where we sit
Closer to the middle than most people expect. A visit here is 30-60 minutes, one-on-one, and combines manual therapy (soft tissue work, mobilizations, adjustments) with active care and an exercise prescription. For an injury from sport, that becomes a staged return-to-sport plan. Adjustments are one tool, and they're optional.
When is physical therapy the better choice?
Choose a physical therapist, or start there, if:
- You've just had surgery (a joint replacement, an ACL reconstruction, a rotator cuff repair) and your surgeon has given you a rehab protocol. Post-surgical rehab is PT's home turf.
- Your problem is neurological: recovery after a stroke, Parkinson's, MS, or a balance or vestibular problem such as vertigo.
- You're older and the concern is falls, walking or general strength rather than one painful area.
- You need pelvic floor therapy. That's a PT specialty with its own training.
- You need care at home, in a hospital or in a rehab facility.
- Your plan covers PT well and chiropractic poorly. That's a legitimate reason.
- You're in a good PT program that is working. Stay with it. You don't need us as well.
Neither of us is the right first stop for a suspected fracture, numbness in the groin or saddle area, new loss of bladder or bowel control, weakness that is getting worse, or back pain with fever or unexplained weight loss. Those need a medical doctor or the emergency room, today.
Chiropractor or physical therapy for sciatica, a herniated disc or lower back pain?
Sciatica
Either can be appropriate. Most sciatica settles with time, staying active and guided movement, and both professions can provide that. What matters is that whoever you see checks your strength, reflexes and sensation, and doesn't simply adjust or stretch a nerve that is already irritated. Leg weakness that is getting worse needs a medical doctor first. More on what a chiropractor does for sciatica.
Herniated disc
The image alone doesn't decide who you see: an MRI is one piece of the puzzle, not the whole story. With a symptomatic disc, the early goal is finding positions and movements that calm the leg or arm symptoms, then rebuilding tolerance for bending and lifting. A PT or a rehab-based chiropractor can do that. If you're uneasy about being adjusted with a disc injury, say so. Here it's never required. If you've had disc surgery, start with PT under your surgeon's protocol.
Lower back pain
This is where the two overlap most, and where either is a reasonable first choice. Pick the office that will spend time with you and give you something to do between visits. A chiropractor can be a good fit if hands-on treatment helps you get moving and you want the rehab in the same visit. See what to expect from a chiropractor for lower back pain.
Still not sure? Call or text 631-212-2996 and tell us what's going on. If it sounds like a PT, an orthopedist or your primary care doctor is the better start, we'll say so. You can read Dr. Abby's and Dr. Dave's credentials. Dr. Abby sees patients in Islandia and Quogue. Dr. Dave sees patients in Islandia.
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I’m excited to work with you! Please call us at 631-212-2996 to get started.