February 2020 - by Ross Gemmell

We are often asked what is the difference between an osteopath and chiropractor. To tell the truth, we have more similarities than differences.

Similarites

Both professions;

• Focus on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders within the musculoskeletal system.
• Use hands-on manual therapy to treat the patient
• Are specially trained to deliver thrust manipulations to the spine, which may produce an audible ‘click’.
• Give exercise and posture advice to further promote their patient’s recovery
• Require a minimum 4 years university training

What differs is the philosophy of Osteopathy and Chiropractic.

Differences

What they treat

An Osteopath will take a more holistic approach and view the body as a whole, and believes that all bones, ligaments, muscles and connective tissues must work harmoniously together. A Chiropractor would mostly be concerned with treating the spine, but may treat the shoulders, hips and knees.
How they assess

A Osteopath is trained to develop a highly sensitive sense of touch (palpation), and uses their hands to observe the structure and function of problem areas.
A Chiropractor often uses diagnostic equipment such as X-Ray and MRI scans to determine the position of the spine and it’s joints.
An Osteopath is concerned with how joints and their neighbouring structures move, whereas a Chiropractor may be more concerned with their position and 'alignment'.

How they treat

An Osteopath will use a wider variety of techniques. As well as the spinal manipulations, they also utilise more gentle ‘indirect’ techniques such as functional, positional release and cranial techniques to observe subtle strains throughout the body and address them accordingly. They also frequently use soft tissue massage and stretching techniques.
Some Chiropractors may work on the muscles, however they are primarily concerned with manipulating the spine, known as ‘adjustments’.
A Chiropractor may also use a small hand-held tool to treat back and neck pain. The Activator Method involves using a small spring-loaded instrument called an Activator Adjusting Instrument that delivers a single thrust at the determined site to correct a malfunctioning joint.

Treatment length and frequency

An Osteopath treatment is usually 30-45mins.
A Chiropractor session tends to be shorter at 15-20mins and mostly involves 'adjustments'.
Osteopath treatments tend to be around one a week initially, and as the condition improves the patient will attend less and less frequently dependent on their individual needs and pay as they go.
Chiropractic sessions are sometimes sold as courses, in the example of 10 sessions being required, they are sold as a block and the patient may visit 2-3 times per week for several weeks.

To conclude, the philosophy of both Osteopathy and Chiropractic are open to interpretation to the individual practitioner, there are many Osteopaths practising like Chiropractors, just as there are many Chiropractors practising like Osteopaths. No one profession is better than the other, both are highly skilled practitioners when it comes to dealing with problems areas in the musculoskeletal system and you should expect an excellent service from either professional.

Summary

Osteopathy

• Primarily treats the musculoskeletal system (MSK) of the body and injuries/conditions arising from here
• Some Osteopaths may treat respiratory and digestive ailments
• Has a wide array of techniques, including but not exclusive to soft tissue massage, joint articulations, spinal manipulations (clicks)
• A primary complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) not usually offered on the NHS
• Hands-on therapy to detect, treat and prevent dysfunction of the bones, muscles, ligaments and joints of the MSK
• Views the body as a unit and as a whole. Treats neighbouring joints and structures
• Holistic approach and treats all joints and areas of the body, looking for the cause of an issue
• Go by what they feel through palpation
• Requires 4-5 years university degree training
• Registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) and have their title as an Osteopath protected by law
• Cranial techniques are used by some osteopaths, where they can detect extremely subtle strains throughout the body

Chiropractic

• Deals primarily with spinal manipulation, known as ‘adjustments’
• Most chiropractors do less work through the muscles and other soft tissue structures of the MSK
• Treatment works primarily with the spine, however can be used to treat the shoulders, hips and knees
• Chiropractors believe if the structure of the spine is healthy, then the nervous system is healthy
• A primary complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) not usually offered on the NHS
• Often tools are used such as the Activator Method
• Requires 4 years university degree training
• Registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) and have their title as a Chiropractor protected by law