Chiropractic Care vs. Physical Therapy

What Chiropractic Care Involves

Chiropractic care focuses on diagnosing and treating problems of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine. A chiropractic physician takes your history, examines you, and then uses hands-on adjustments of the spine and joints, soft tissue work and exercise to help restore movement and ease pain.

Chiropractic care is conservative: it does not involve surgery or prescription medication. When an examination suggests something else is needed, such as imaging or a medical evaluation, that becomes part of the conversation.

What Physical Therapy Involves

Physical therapy is a licensed rehabilitation profession that helps people recover movement, strength and function after injury, surgery or illness. Physical therapists assess how you move, then build a plan of therapeutic exercise, hands-on techniques, balance and gait training, and education on body mechanics.

Physical therapy is commonly prescribed after orthopedic procedures such as joint replacement or ligament repair, and after neurological events such as a stroke. If your surgeon or physician has prescribed physical therapy, follow that plan with a licensed physical therapist.

Where Physiotherapy Fits In

At KC Wellness and Physiotherapy, physiotherapy means the rehabilitation-focused care Dr. Casey provides as a chiropractic physician: therapeutic exercise, stretching and strengthening, and supportive therapies used alongside chiropractic treatment. Dr. Casey received a certification in physiotherapy with an emphasis in sports rehabilitation. He is also a former NCAA athlete who lettered in football and track at the University of Central Missouri, and a strength and conditioning specialist.