Chiropractic vs Physiotherapy: Which Should You Choose for Back Pain?
Dealing with back pain can be incredibly frustrating—especially when you're trying to figure out the best way to treat it. Should you see a chiropractor? Or would a physiotherapist be a better fit?
Both options are popular (and effective!), but they work a little differently. In this guide, we’ll break it all down clearly so you can choose the right path for your recovery.
What is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care focuses mainly on your spine, muscles, and joints. Chiropractors use hands-on techniques to gently adjust your spine, aiming to ease pain and improve movement.
A typical chiropractic session might include:
Spinal adjustments and manipulation
Strengthening exercises
Lifestyle and diet advice
What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapists help you recover from injuries and manage pain through movement and exercise. Their treatments are all about helping your body heal naturally and getting you stronger for the long run.
You might receive:
Manual therapy (like massage and joint mobilisation)
Stretching and strengthening exercises
Rehabilitation programs
Tips and education on injury prevention
Key Differences Between Chiropractic and Physiotherapy
Both chiropractors and physiotherapists can help with back pain—but their approaches are slightly different.
Chiropractic Care:
Focuses mainly on spinal alignment and structure
Manual spinal adjustments are the main treatment
Aims to provide fast relief, especially for sudden pain
Physiotherapy:
Focuses on muscle strength, flexibility, and movement
Uses exercise, manual therapy, and education as primary tools
Helps with long-term management and prevention of pain
When Should You See a Chiropractor for Back Pain?
Chiropractic care could be the right choice if:
✔ Your pain feels spine-related (lower back or neck)
✔ You prefer hands-on treatments
✔ You’re looking for quick relief after an acute flare-up
✔ You feel stiff or restricted in your movement
Can You Combine Chiropractic and Physiotherapy?
Absolutely—you can get the best of both worlds!
Often, combining chiropractic care and physiotherapy provides the most complete approach. Chiropractic adjustments can relieve pain quickly, while physiotherapy builds strength and resilience to keep the pain away for good.
Still Not Sure Which One is Right for You?
If you're still unsure whether chiropractic, physiotherapy, or a combination is right for your back pain, Elite Health & Performance is here to help.
Our experienced team of chiropractors and physiotherapists will work together to build the best plan for you—helping you feel better faster and stronger for longer.
Ready to leave pain behind? Reach out to Elite Health & Performance and let’s get you moving again.
