Chiropractors specialize in the diagnosis, treatment and overall management of conditions, which are due to mechanical dysfunction of the nerves, muscles and joints of the body. Here, we discuss the different treatments we have on offer to help relieve your pain.
Most people typically believe Chiropractors and Osteopaths only treat the spine, however, who should you see?
Chiropractors mainly treat the spine and associated neural disorders. Osteopaths, treat the body as a whole to aid the body’s natural capacity to heal itself. Osteopathy is a more rounded approach to improving one’s health and wellbeing.
Both professions are quite similar in that they utilise manual adjusting techniques to achieve the outcomes listed above. The main difference in the treatment between a Chiropractor and Osteopath is that Osteopaths introduce soft tissue and musculoskeletal manipulation in addition to manual adjusting techniques.
Chiropractor or Physiotherapist?
Spine or muscles? Most people typically believe chiropractors only treat the spine, and more commonly, that Physiotherapists treat the muscles, especially post operative. However, who should you see?
Basically, there are strong similarities between the two professions. Both chiropractors and physiotherapists treat joints and musculo-skeletal problems to increase movement and strength, decrease pain and help return you to full function.
But the main difference between the Chiropractic and Physiotherapy treatment, is that a chiropractor traditionally uses joint manipulation, to release restricted joints in the spine and limbs, to instantly improve movement and physiotherapists will more commonly use mobilisation techniques and prescribe you exercise to help you heal soft tissue and restore mobility.
If you are not sure who you should see for your relevant issue, do not despair, as our Chiropractor or Physiotherapist will help to assist you in the right direction. Whether it’s for Chiropractic or Physiotherapy.
Chiropractor or Massage Therapist?
There are many similarities and differences between Chiropractor and Massage Therapist
The similarities being, both Chiropractors and Massage Therapists use their hands to help patients. Both Chiropractors and Massage Therapists work the tissues around the body to encourage healthier alignment. Chiropractic and Massage treatments have immediate effects on blood flow and muscle tension and both Chiropractor and Massage treatments are both drug-free, non-surgical alternatives to pain management.
So, what are the differences between chiropractor and massage therapist?
Chiropractors can make medical diagnoses and take x-rays to investigate the cause of a patient’s pain and postural issues. Massage therapists cannot make medical diagnoses or request diagnostic testing.
Chiropractic treatment can specifically address disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous system. Some common issues chiropractors can help with include joint pain, headaches, neck, mid back and low back pain.
Massage therapists mainly focus on manipulating soft tissue, such as muscles, fascia, ligaments, and tendons. They are not licensed to adjust the spine or other joints, however, massage can certainly complement chiropractic treatment very well, as many of our clients utilise both at our clinic to get a good balance between health and wellbeing.
Check Out Our FAQ page in the link below, to find out the answers to the questions you may have regarding chiropractic and its effect as well as other modalities you may want to know about before booking.
What is Osteopathy Treatment?
Osteopathy is a drug-free, non-invasive manual therapy that aims to improve health across all body systems by manipulating and strengthening the musculoskeletal system
An Osteopath uses manual techniques to balance all the body systems, the nervous, circulatory and lympthatic systems in order to provide overall good health and wellbeing.
Osteopathic treatment strengthens these systems so that the body is encouraged to regain it’s naturally healthy state.
Prior to any treatment, an Osteopath conducts an assessment of all areas of the body to determine the diagnosis.
Once a diagnosis has been established, Our Osteopath integrates manual treatment including joint and soft tissue mobilisation, a clinically proven method to improve muscle function, blood and nerve function, with postural correction technique to assist the body’s natural healing and adaptive response to restore optimum spinal health.
This approach will improve overall flexibility and posture for the short and long term, resulting in improved health and a reduction in pain. Our Osteopath will look at the whole body for answers and solutions, not just the area which is painful. Check out our blog and article page for more on the effect of Osteopathy and its effects.
Physiotherapy or Sports Therapy – What is the Difference?
Physiotherapy focuses on the rehabilitation of the patient back to everyday functionality. Sports Therapy focuses on helping return the patient back to full physical and sporting activity.
Physiotherapists are experts in the structure of the human body and its movement. They work with people of all ages to treat a broad range of health conditions including sports injuries and musculoskeletal conditions as well as chronic health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, osteoarthritis and stroke.
Sports Therapists generally focus on musculoskeletal rehab and have a sports focused background, this might appeal to you if you’re aiming to get back to sport.
Can Massage Help Treat Sport Injuries?
Massage plays an important role as a supplement to standard injury rehabilitation procedures. By encouraging circulatory movement and relaxing muscles, massage helps the body pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs. This allows the rehabilitating injured area(s) to become more flexible and heal at an accelerated rate.
When you sustain a muscle or sport injury, your joint range of mobility will be significantly reduced. Your therapist will be able to work on the affected joints by releasing tension in the muscles, which will gradually increase your range of movement. This is why it is important to engage in regular massage therapy, as treating stiffness will help to support your joints and extend your range of mobility, to prevent future muscle and sport injuries.
Is Policeman’s Heel the same as Plantar Fasciitis, and what is it?
Yes. Police heel or policeman’s heel, is the same as plantar fasciitis. It is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It occurs when the thick band of tissue, known as fascia (connective tissue) that runs from the heel bone to the toes becomes inflamed.
The pain that is associated with this condition is felt in the heel, and can become unbearable while walking or standing. The pain may be most intense upon waking in the morning. This is because of poor blood supply to the heel and foot area when you’re at rest.
Those that stand all day or those that run, are more at risk of developing policeman’s heel as the fat pad (cushion for the heel bone) beneath the heel bone is subject to sustained pressure over time, causing it to flatten and thus increase the load through the heel bone. This extra weight can which can may increase in patients who are overweight, or in people who frequently run.
How can Policeman’s Heel be treated?
Stretches and exercises – Our favorites are the towel stretch and lying hip extensions. Rest and foot supports (insoles for dropped foot arch), Shockwave and Laser Therapy. These are some of the most effective ways to treat policeman’s heel.
Chiropractic Services
Optimise spinal function to optimise spinal health.
To ensure this goal is achieved, we offer the best in complementary therapy.
Chiropractic
Combination of Spinal and Joint Manipulation to improve Spinal mobility and reduce pain. Ideal for new and returning clients for a one off session. Our Chiropractor uses treatment techniques utilised in improving posture for the long term through a method of Spinal Rehabilitation. This type of Chiropractic treatment is a evidence based protocol, achieving postural outcomes through stretching the spine and strengthening the surrounding muscles.
Osteopathy
A considered mixture of Spinal and Joint Mobilisation techniques including Functional Release Technique (FRT) and other physical manipulation of muscle tissue, to improve movement and alleviate pain.
Physiotherapy
We’ll get your back on the move – analysing an setting up a treatment physiotherapy plan for you.
Deep/Sports massage
Our Massage therapists utilise a variety of techniques, carefully administered pressures and superficial or deep strokes. Each Massage treatment is personable.
We successfully treat:
Upper Back Pain
Mid Back Pain
Low Back Pain
Sciatica
Sacroiliac Joint Issues
Headaches
Dowager’s Hump
Shoulder Pain
Disc Problems
Athletic Performance
Sleep problems
Sport Injuries
Hip problems
Knee and ankle pain
Bad Posture
Range of Motion Issues
Lack of Mobility Issues
Balance and Coordination
Arthritis
Fatigue
Knee Pain
Pins and Needles
Loss of Strength
Fibromyalgia
Weight Loss
Muscle Stiffness