Patients often ask me what's the difference between an osteopath, physiotherapist and chiropractor in Bristol.
These are three very different specialists providing various treatments for injuries, but despite the differences there is also a lot of overlap, so hence the confusion on who does what.
Osteopathy:
From my position as an experience osteopath in Bristol, there are distinct areas in which I can provide treatment, advice and additional support.
I believe that my role of an osteopath in Bristol is best covered by this definition.
The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) (the regulatory body for All Osteopaths), say that 'osteopaths work to restore your body to a state of balance’.
Osteopaths use touch, physical manipulation, stretching and massage to increase the mobility of joints, to relieve muscle tension, to enhance the blood and nerve supply to tissues, and to help the body's own healing mechanisms'.
Furthermore, the GOsC states that 'osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of medical conditions.’
Physiotherapy:
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapists advises that 'physiotherapists help people affected by injury, illness or disability through movement and exercise, manual therapy, education and advice'.
In my experience having worked with many Physios, they are really good with specific local injuries and are well placed to advise on exercise based rehabilitation, eg. rehabilitation of a shoulder injury or even post operatively after a hip replacement for example.
Chiropractic:
The World Federation of Chiropractic website states that chiropractor is 'a health professional concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, and the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health’.
My experience is that chiropractic treatment focuses on realignment of the spine to enhance the function of the rest of the body. As such, spinal manipulation and adjustment is central to their approach.
My brief summary of all three therapies would be this; Physios treat and rehab specific local areas of injury (eg. shoulder or knee), Chiropractors focus on spinal alignment and manipulation.
As an Osteopath, I aim to diagnose and treat the body as a whole (a holistic approach) promoting healing and balance through the body.
It is easy to see how patients can be confused on whether to be treated by an osteopath, physiotherapist or chiropractor in Bristol, as there is obviously a lot of overlap and its not black and white.
I always recommend that you find a therapist that you trust and are comfortable with. Personal recommendation is always a strong indicator.
Another consideration is that most Bristol osteopaths will be able to treat people of all ages, some treat infants and children (with cranial osteopathy) as well as elderly patients.
I recommend that you read this brief outline of what to expect from a Bristol osteopath to ensure that you are getting the most appropriate treatment.
If you would like to discuss how osteopathic treatments in Bristol could help you, please book a consultation with me online here.
My Bristol osteopath clinic is fully open so if you’re looking for Covid-safe treatments, please read this news post to find out about the measures in place at my Henleaze osteopathy clinic for all patients.
To find out more about the full range of Covid-secure osteopathic treatments that I provide in Bristol, please visit here for details.