Physiotherapy Chiropratic Osteopathy
There a number of physical therapy treatments. The most well known however are physiotherapy, osteopathy and chiropractic. Whilst all three disciplines may involve the therapist using manual (hands-on) techniques and patient education, there are differences in approach. The differences may vary according to the individual therapist with some discipline ‘cross-over’.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is the most widely available in the UK as it is the most common physical therapy employed within the NHS. Physiotherapy involves movement and exercise, manual therapy, education and advice. A physiotherapist will usually expect patients to perform home exercises.
Osteopathy
Osteopaths use touch, physical manipulation, stretching and massage to increase the mobility of joints.
Chiropractic
There are two ‘schools’ of the chiropractic discipline in the UK, namely members of the British Chiropractic Association and The McTimoney Chiropractic Association. Both disciplines focus on using manual therapy techniques to help patients, particularly with problems relating their neck and back.