Chiropractic and Osteopathy
What’s the Difference?
Chiropractic and Osteopathy are very similar disciplines, treating the same structures and using similar manipulative techniques to achieve the same goal of alleviating pain and improving joint mobility. In most cases, patient experiences with Chiropractors and Osteopaths will be very much alike.
Both Chiropractic and Osteopathy share a common history and philosophy and particularly in the UK the two disciplines have evolved along parallel but converging paths resulting in a significant overlap between the two fields.
In the UK, both disciplines undertake several years of in depth training and are statutorily regulated with their own Acts of Parliament and their own General Councils.
However, there are some differences:
Diagnosis
- Case history taking and examination are very similar for both professions. Chiropractors and Osteopaths both use visual inspection (observation) and palpation (touch) to assist in diagnosing abnormalities of joint movement.
- Chiropractors are known to frequently use other diagnostic procedures, such as X-rays, MRI scans, blood tests and urine tests. Radiograpy and X-ray interpretation are part of the undergraduate chiropractic degree.
Treatment
- Both disciplines use joint manipulation and mobilization to restore normal joint function, however mobilization tends to be used more frequently by Osteopaths.
- Chiropractors and Osteopaths also use soft tissue work (massage) and muscle stretch techniques as part of a treatment plan. Other adjunctive therapies such as electrotherapy (ultrasound and interferential) and dry needling may be used but this is dependent on whether the practitioner has undergone training in these areas.
At the Chiltern Health Centre all our practitioners have access to the same diagnostic and treatment facilities and this means that they are in the best place to provide a patient-focused approach to care.
Each Chiropractor and each Osteopath at the Chiltern Health Centre is an individual with his or her own unique style of practice, and we believe it is important for a patient to find a practitioner that fits with his or her unique needs, regardless of the label.
Regulators
General Chiropractic Council
44 Wicklow Street
London WC1X 9HL
Tel: 020 7713 5155
Email: enquiries@gcc-uk.org
Website: www.gcc-uk.org
The General Osteopathic Council
Osteopathy House
176 Tower Bridge Road
London
SE1 3LU
Tel: 020 7357 6655
Website: www.osteopathy.org.uk/
