‘What’s the difference between an Osteopath vs Chiropractor?’

This is a question I get asked so often. There are many similarities and also differences.

Firstly what do we have in common?

• To qualify, both complete a 4 year full time degree or masters.
• They are both hands on approaches.
• We treat the same range of physical conditions such as poor spinal alignment and pain conditions.
• Back pain treatment is what both are best known for treating.
• Babies can also benefit from treatment from both types of practitioners who have the additional specialist training.
• Both professions are regulated.
• There is a 30 hours CPD (continuous professional development) requirement every year. This compulsory for registration and to be allowed to trade as an Osteopath or Chiropractor.
• Medicine free pain management treatments.

So whats the difference between an Osteopath and Chiropractor?

Keep in mind that I am referring to a typical, traditional Osteopath and Chiropractor (not McTimoney). This is my personal understanding based on my own experiences working with both and studying with both (yes, this Osteopath has also attended some brilliant Chiropractor courses!).

I worked in a  Chiropractic clinic prior to training as an Osteopath. I also researched both professions prior to my studies to ensure I made the best decision regarding which path to choose for myself. So, to the best of my knowledge…

Osteopath vs Chiropractor; General approach

Both approaches are holistic. However I liked the fact that Osteopaths focused on the whole body and addressed all the soft tissue structures such as muscles, ligaments, joints, nerves directly. Whereas Chiropractors tend to focus on the whole spine and nerves as they feel this will impact the other structures sufficiently.

Osteopath vs Chiropractor; treatment sessions:

-Osteopaths treatments range from 30min to one hour. And time between treatments will vary and we tend to leave more time between the treatments.

-Chiropractic treatments tend to last 10-15mins and the visits are more frequent and closer together.

Osteopath vs Chiropractor; Techniques:

-Osteopathic treatment ranges from a variety of structural techniques such as soft tissue massage, neuromuscular techniques, joint articulation, some (not as much) HVT (again ‘clicking’) and some cranial or visceral techniques if the practitioner has done the additional training. At The Backbone clinics our Osteopaths many also use interferential machine (similar to a powerful TENS machine), ultrasound therapy, dry needling/medical acupuncture and taping techniques. You may be asked to undress to your underwear so your practitioner can work directly on the muscles and joints etc.

-Chiropractic treatment mainly consists of spinal manipulation. Either HVT (the ‘clicking’) and some use equipment such as an ‘activator’ which applies pressure to specific areas of the spine. Most cases you remain fully clothed throughout the treatment.

Well, how do you choose between the two?

I could be biased here and say, obviously an Osteopath! 😉 Realistically, there is no straight forward answer. It’s not that black and white. There is no ‘better’ or ‘worse’. The advice I give to people is this:

Each practitioner is different. The qualification is just the foundation. For me, my learning and development as an Osteopath practitioner only really started AFTER I qualified. Both types of practitioner will follow the path they are most drawn or suited to once they qualify. Both are required to complete annual CPD and can choose the subjects to specialise in.

Some are drawn to sports, paediatrics, specific conditions etc, some to specific techniques and some even to treating animals! Some practitioners keep to ‘classical techniques’ associated ONLY with their profession. Others (like myself) aren’t purists. I like to explore what other therapies and practices offer. I train in whatever I feel will expand my mind as a practitioner rather then purely as an Osteopath. Although my foundation and roots are Osteopathy, I have also attended Physiotherapy and Chiropractic seminars and courses and learnt valuable techniques which I use from all and I have friends and practitioners which I would recommend from both also.

So my advice is this…

Ideally find a practitioner who has specialist training in what you need or one who has been tried, tested and recommended to you by someone you know and trust. Majority of our patients are recommended to us by word of mouth. It’s our best advertising tool!

The main thing is to find a practitioner you feel comfortable with. By this I mean…

1. Be comfortable with the practitioners treatment approach. It’s no good going to a traditional chiropractor if you hate being clicked or expect soft tissue work! Similarly, it’s no good going to a purely cranial Osteopath if you prefer a stronger treatment.

2. Make sure you feel comfortable with and TRUST the practitioner. I’ve been to practitioners who are known to be top of their field and just haven’t gelled with them which affects how relaxed I am through my treatment. Trust is vital for you to relax and allow the practitioner to work with you. Also, when you are in pain and discomfort the last thing you want is to have someone you find annoying and dread seeing taking care of you!

In conclusion…

It’s a very subjective and individual thing. The way each Osteopath and Chiropractor treats patients evolves and changes as we learn and experience more. So although our core trainings are distinct and different, how we treat patients as practitioners vary just as much from Osteopath to Osteopath as it does from Osteopath to Chiropractor! I know Osteopaths who treat very similar to Chiropractors and Chiropractors who treat patients with Craniosacral therapy similar to Osteopaths. I even know physiotherapists who have minimal hands on training comparatively in their degree but have attended courses in spinal manipulations and can click your neck and back like an Osteopath or Chiropractor! The main thing is find a practitioner who is Registered by either The General Osteopathic Council or the Chiropractic Council who you can TRUST.

The Backbone Osteopathic Practice

At the Backbone clinics I only take on Osteopaths who I feel confident to treat me. My own style is to treat my patients the way I would like to be treated. And I like to use a wide variety of techniques depending on what I feel the patient needs. This varies from hands on treatments and techniques I’ve trained in (structural, visceral or cranial) to NLP techniques and even yoga therapy techniques.

By Ayshe Ibrahim Principle Osteopath and Clinic Director at The Backbone Osteopathic Practices. Oct 2019. www.thebackbone.co.uk.

To Learn more about Ayshe Ibrahim Click here…

We run a reward scheme as a ‘Thank-you’ for referrals. If you are a new patient then please make sure you mention the name of the person who referred you to your Osteopath on your first session and you will receive £5 off your consultation and the person who referred you will also receive a complimentary £5 off their next treatment! Click here for more information…

If you would like to book a treatment at the Backbone please call the clinic directly on: 020 8886 8698 or click here…

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