Chiropractor vs Physical Therapist: What’s the Difference and Which Is Right for You
If you’ve ever experienced back or neck pain, or struggled to recover after an injury, you’ve probably wondered: Should I see a chiropractor or a physical therapist?
Both professionals specialize in musculoskeletal care and help people move, feel, and live better. Yet, they take very different paths to get there.
Understanding those differences can help you make the best choice for your body, your health goals, and your lifestyle.
According to Georgetown University’s Health Policy Institute, nearly 65 million Americans report a recent episode of back pain every year. It is one of the leading reasons people seek chiropractic or physical therapy care.
In this article, we’ll break down what each profession does, how they differ, and how to decide which one is right for you.
What Does a Chiropractor Do?
A chiropractor focuses on how the alignment of your spine affects your overall health. The spine houses the nervous system or your body’s communication highway.
When spinal bones (vertebrae) shift out of alignment, known as a subluxation, they can irritate nearby nerves, create muscle tension, and disrupt your body’s natural function.
Chiropractors use spinal adjustments (gentle, precise movements) to restore proper alignment. This allows the nervous system to work without interference and helps the body heal itself naturally.
Common chiropractic techniques include:
Manual spinal adjustments and mobilizations
Postural and ergonomic corrections
Soft-tissue therapy or stretching
Lifestyle and wellness recommendations
Chiropractic care can address a range of conditions such as:
Neck and back pain
Headaches and migraines
Sciatica
Sports and accident-related injuries
Poor posture
Joint stiffness and mobility issues
Here at Lignum Vitae Wellness, chiropractic care goes beyond short-term pain relief. The goal is to restore balance, improve movement, and support your body’s long-term wellness naturally without relying on drugs or surgery.
What Does a Physical Therapist Do?
A physical therapist (PT) specializes in improving movement, strength, and function after an injury, surgery, or chronic pain condition. PTs are experts in the musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems and help patients rebuild strength, flexibility, and coordination.
A physical therapy session might include:
Therapeutic exercises and resistance training
Stretching and mobility work
Heat or cold therapy, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation
Manual therapy and joint mobilizations
Home exercise programs
Physical therapy is often prescribed after:
Orthopedic surgery
Sports injuries
Fractures or joint replacements
Stroke or neurological conditions
Chronic pain or arthritis
Research published in JAMA Network Open (2018) found that patients who received physical therapy for musculoskeletal pain were up to 89 percent less likely to use opioids.
While physical therapists primarily focus on rehabilitation and recovery, chiropractors emphasize prevention and optimal alignment. And that’s where the biggest differences begin.
Chiropractor vs. Physical Therapist: The Key Differences
Both chiropractors and physical therapists help people move better and feel stronger, but their methods, training, and focus areas differ.
In short:
Chiropractors focus on the nervous system and spinal alignment.
Physical therapists focus on movement, strength, and rehabilitation.
Both aim to improve your function and quality of life. They simply approach the body from different angles.
Which One Is Right for You?
Choosing between a chiropractor and a physical therapist depends on your specific needs and goals.
See a Dunwoody chiropractor from Lignum Vitae Wellness if...
You experience frequent neck, back, or joint pain.
You suffer from headaches or nerve-related pain (like sciatica).
You want a natural, drug-free solution for pain and overall wellness.
You’re desiring to improve posture, balance, or spinal alignment.
You’re recovering from surgery, injury, or a major physical setback.
Chiropractic care often benefits people who just want to function and feel better, not only for those who sit for long hours, have repetitive-motion jobs, or experience stress-related tension. Regular adjustments can help keep the spine aligned, muscles balanced, and the nervous system functioning optimally.
See a Physical Therapist if...
You’re recovering from surgery, injury, or a major physical setback.
You’ve lost strength, flexibility, or coordination.
You need structured rehabilitation exercises.
Your doctor has prescribed PT for post-operative recovery.
Physical therapy helps you regain mobility and build stability so you can return to normal activities safely. It's goal-oriented, often focusing on measurable improvements in range of motion or strength.
Or... Combine Both Approaches
In many cases, the best solution isn’t one or the other: it’s both.
For example, chiropractic adjustments can restore spinal alignment and nerve flow to the muscles, so that with physical therapy exercises, it is better able to strengthen the muscles that support that alignment.
This combination can lead to faster recovery, improved posture, and longer-lasting results.
Lignum Vitae Wellness chiropractic care plan can be personalized to complement physical therapy goals. Many patients find that this integrative approach gives them the best of both alignment and strength, prevention and performance.
How Chiropractic and Physical Therapy Work Together
Think of your spine as the foundation of a house and your muscles as the walls. If the foundation shifts, cracks appear. No matter how strong the walls are.
Chiropractic care ensures your foundation is stable and aligned, while physical therapy strengthens the walls to keep everything supported.
By combining these two disciplines, you can:
Accelerate healing and reduce pain
Improve posture and muscle coordination
Prevent recurring injuries
Maintain long-term spinal health
Even if you’re already seeing a physical therapist, adding chiropractic adjustments can enhance results, especially if your pain stems from alignment or nerve interference.
Conclusion
Both chiropractors and physical therapists play essential roles in helping people move better and live pain-free.
The right choice depends on your unique needs, lifestyle, and comfort level.
If you’re dealing with ongoing back, neck, or joint issues, or simply want to restore balance to your body, chiropractic care may be the perfect first step.
At Lignum Vitae Wellness, we focus on natural healing and personalized care. Our chiropractors create treatment plans that address the root cause of discomfort to help you move with confidence again.
Ready to find out if chiropractic care is right for you? Schedule your consultation today and start your journey toward a healthier, pain-free life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is more expensive, physical therapy or chiropractor?
Costs vary by location and insurance, but physical therapy sessions are typically more expensive because they often involve longer appointments and specialized equipment. Chiropractic visits are generally shorter and may cost less per session.
How often should you see a chiropractor?
Frequency depends on your condition and treatment goals. Some patients visit two to three times a week initially, then reduce to maintenance visits weekly, once or twice a month as symptoms improve.
Can chiropractic care help even if I’m already doing physical therapy?
Yes. Chiropractic adjustments can enhance your physical therapy results by improving spinal alignment and nerve function, making your exercises more effective.
Are chiropractic adjustments painful?
Most people feel little to no pain during an adjustment. Just mild pressure or a quick release sensation. Some may experience slight soreness afterward, similar to post-workout stiffness.
Can chiropractic care help after a sports injury?
Absolutely. Chiropractic care can reduce inflammation, restore joint mobility, and help prevent re-injury by ensuring proper alignment during recovery.
