If you’re experiencing pain or recovering from an injury, you may be wondering whether you should see an osteopath or a physiotherapist.
There is considerable overlap between the two professions. Both osteopaths and physiotherapists work with musculoskeletal problems affecting muscles, joints and movement, and both undergo extensive professional training.
There are, however, some differences in their traditional approaches – although in modern practice these aren’t always as clear-cut as you might expect.
What does an osteopath do?
Osteopaths are healthcare professionals who assess, diagnose and treat a range of musculoskeletal problems.
An osteopathic assessment doesn’t necessarily focus solely on the part of the body that hurts. Your osteopath may also consider how other areas of the body are moving and whether factors such as work, exercise, previous injuries or everyday activities could be contributing to your symptoms.
Treatment will depend on the individual but may include techniques such as:
- Joint mobilisation and manipulation
- Soft tissue techniques
- Stretching
- Movement and exercise advice
- Postural or ergonomic advice
- Advice about managing your symptoms
The aim is to develop an approach appropriate to the individual rather than simply applying the same treatment to everyone with a particular symptom.
What does a physiotherapist do?
Physiotherapists are also healthcare professionals who assess and treat problems affecting movement and physical function.
Physiotherapy covers a particularly broad range of healthcare. Physiotherapists work in areas including musculoskeletal care, rehabilitation following surgery, neurological rehabilitation, respiratory care and hospital medicine.
For musculoskeletal problems, treatment may include:
- Exercise and rehabilitation
- Strength and mobility work
- Movement retraining
- Manual therapy
- Advice about activity and managing symptoms
Some physiotherapists use a great deal of hands-on treatment, while others concentrate more heavily on exercise and rehabilitation. This often depends on the individual practitioner and the problem being treated.
What do osteopathy and physiotherapy have in common?
There is considerable overlap.
Both professions may help people experiencing problems such as:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Shoulder problems
- Joint and muscle pain
- Sports injuries
- Reduced mobility
- Problems returning to normal activity following injury
Both may also use a combination of hands-on treatment, exercise and advice.
The difference can therefore sometimes be less about the name of the profession and more about the individual practitioner, their particular experience and the approach that’s most appropriate for you.
Which should I choose?
There isn’t a simple answer that applies to everyone.
If you have a particular rehabilitation requirement – for example following certain types of surgery, neurological illness or serious injury – physiotherapy may be specifically recommended as part of your medical care.
For many everyday musculoskeletal problems, however, there can be considerable overlap between what a musculoskeletal physiotherapist and an osteopath can offer.
What’s important is that your symptoms are properly assessed and that the practitioner recognises when treatment is appropriate – and when further medical investigation or referral may be required.
Osteopathy at The Form Practice
At The Form Practice in Hardwick, Cambridge, we currently offer osteopathy alongside sports therapy, massage, one-to-one Pilates and a range of therapeutic technologies.
Our osteopaths assess each patient individually and may use a combination of hands-on techniques, movement and exercise advice depending on your symptoms and needs.
We also have K-Laser and INDIBA therapy available, which may be incorporated into treatment where appropriate.
If you’re unsure whether osteopathy is suitable for your particular problem, contact The Form Practice or book an osteopathy appointment to discuss your symptoms.