Osteopathic Vs Chiropractic Adjustments

Lets take a look at the difference between an Osteopath and Chiropractor:

This is probably the most asked questions in clinic and answering this is better done by explaining the differences in both.

Similarities:

• Both share a common history and philosophy that sets them apart from traditional medicine approach.
• The primary objectives of both are mostly for relief of aches and pains in the body.
• Both treat more then muscles and bones but chiropractic tends to be more skeletal orientated.
• Both work on the nervous system and blood supply in order to influence body functions. This makes them capable of alleviating symptoms of many diagnosed medical conditions.
• In diagnosing patient’s osteopaths and chiropractors both use observations and touch.

Differences:

• Osteopathy was founded 20 years before chiropractic discipline.
• Chiropractors tens to focus mainly on the alignment of the spine as the primary means to relieve pain by preventing any compromises of the nervous system. Osteopaths look at the body as a whole and help to improve its function by correcting the overall structure.
• Osteopaths treat a broader range of functional problems, including issues such as circulatory and digestive system disorders.
• Chiropractors rely more on X-Rays and MRI scans, blood tests and urine tests. Osteopaths place more emphasis on physical examination and will refer for more diagnostic procedures if needed.
• Osteopaths tend to use a greater variety of techniques to influence the body’s own healing ability such as muscle, joint articulation, manipulation. chiropractors use a range of adjustments on vertebrae with minimal soft tissue treatments used.
• Chiropractic adjustments tend to be shorter in duration (in most cases) as the primary focus on adjustment techniques which are quicker to carry out.
• Osteopaths ten to spend more time with their patients per visit as their approach is broader. Treatments tend to be spaced out over a longer period of time.
• Chiropractors tens to see people more often due the limitations of their profession and limited to work on the spine and not the whole body.