What is the difference between an osteopath and a chiropractor?
What is the difference between an osteopath and a chiropractor?
This is not an easy question to answer. Firstly, it is not easy to answer the lay-person, as it involves some quite technical differences. Secondly, both professions are relatively “young”, having both been founded in the mid 19th century, and have both relatively recently undergone changes resulting in registration becoming mandatory for practitioners; this requires a standardised teaching and examination process, which inevitably means the identity of the profession comes under scrutiny. It also impacts on the study of related and more advanced technique.
Also, bear in mind that I am answering as an Osteopath. If you ask a Chiropractor, you may get different answers.
ORIGIN
Osteopathy was developed by Andrew Taylor Still, an American doctor who grew disillusioned with orthodox medicine after his three children died from spinal meningitis. Through studying the anatomy and physiology of the human body he hypothesised that the musculoskeletal system played a primary role in maintaining and promoting health. He devised Osteopathy as a complete healthcare system, using manipulation of the musculoskeletal system to restore health.
PHILOSOPHY
Osteopathy and Chiropractic share a common philosophy about the importance of the integrity of the musculoskeletal system in ensuring good health. However, the emphasis in Chiropractic is on manipulation to bring about a change in the nervous system, whereas in osteopathy the role of the circulatory and lymphtic systems are equally as important.
TREATMENT OBJECTIVE
The primary treatment objective of both osteopathy and chiropractic is to bring about a change in the tissues that enables the body to heal itself and therefore reduce or resolve the patients’ symptoms.
Although the majority of our patients first come to see us about a back or shoulder problem, Osteopaths often treat symptoms associated with traditionally “medical” conditions such as asthma, circulatory and digestive problems and conditions like colic and sleep problems in babies. Specially trained osteopaths can also treat serious mental and physical disabilities. Chiropractors tend to treat mainly spinal conditions, although they may have an interest in a certain area such as paediatric chiropractic.
MEDICAL RECOGNITION
In the UK, Osteopathy and Chiropractic are statutory regulated professions, which means anyone using the title Osteopath/Chiropractor or describing what they do as Osteopathy/Chiropractic without being registered with the General Osteopathic Council / General Chiropractic Council is committing a crime. Osteopaths and Chiropractors are trained to be primary healthcare professionals, which means that they can diagnose conditions. When you see an osteopath or chiropractor, you are afforded the same level of confidentiality and insurance that you currently get with a doctor or dentist.
DIAGNOSIS
Osteopaths and chiropractors are both able to perform diagnosis by visual inspection and palpation (feeling by hand).
However, chiropractors usually also rely on x-rays for diagnosis. Osteopaths do not to order x-rays unless they are clinically indicated. This minimises a person's exposure to radiation.
TREATMENT TECHNIQUES
Chiropractors employ a wider range of techniques for manipulating the spine, whereas Osteopaths employ a wider range of techniques overall. Apart from manipulation, Osteopaths use other techniques such as massage, joint articulation and resistance stretches (MET). Spinal manipulation is not usually the main focus of osteopathic treatment.
Osteopaths may also gain further post-graduate training in cranial, paediatric or visceral (treating conditions of the organs, e.g. bowel dysfunction or gynaecological problems) osteopathy, which involve very subtle and gentle adjustments without any “clicking” of the joints. These techniques are seldom used by chiropractors.
TREATMENT DURATION / FREQUENCY
This is the one factor that depends the most on the practitioner.
However, it is generally the case that osteopaths spend longer time with each patient. In addition, osteopathic patients generally require less frequent treatments, and their treatments are spaced out over a longer period of time, rather than once or twice weekly.
On a more serious note, some chiropractors are known to require or encourage their patients to sign on for a course of 12 or 24 or more treatments, even for minor complaints like lower back ache. Osteopaths do not impose such requirements.
Depending on a person's condition, some complaints may require just one or two treatments. It is only in very serious cases, such as scoliosis or abnormal curvature of the spine, that the patient may be advised to undergo regular treatment over a prolonged period. However, many patients decide that they want to make regular treatment a part of their healthy lifestyle.
It may help to slow down wear and tear of the joints and help to keep muscles healthy, as well as keeping symptoms of other health issues under control.
Not found what you’re looking for? Have a look through our archive
If you would like advice on a specific issue, please do call or email us
Quick
Links
Meet The Therapists
What is Osteopathy?