What is the difference between osteopathy and physiotherapy?
One of the most common questions we get asked by our clients is “what is the difference between osteopathy and physiotherapy?” While it’s true that they are both practitioners who assess, treat, and manage clients' aches and pains, they utilise very different approaches.
Both osteopaths and physiotherapists are highly trained health practitioners who share similar values in terms of improving their patient's quality of life through either manual treatment, exercise, or support with lifestyle adjustments.
Osteopathy UK defines an osteopath as a practitioner who focuses on the neuro-muscular system, being the bones, muscles, nerves, and other tissues that support your body and control its movements.
The UK Physiotherapy Association describes physiotherapists as practitioners who focus on movement and function, often following a sporting injury or surgery. Physiotherapists can help you recover from injury, reduce pain and stiffness and increase mobility throughout the body, improving your posture by prescribing you an exercise program.
Both types of practitioners are well equipped to assess and implement an active management plan to help improve your aches and pains. Here are a few factors to look for when deciding which practitioner will be best for you:
A health care professional who offers ongoing support and assistance in managing your complaint.
A practitioner who takes your goals, hobbies, and lifestyle into consideration when developing your treatment/management plan.
A practitioner who offers education and advice on how to prevent flare-ups in the future and how to manage these flare-ups if they do occur.
Whether it’s an osteopath or physiotherapist, both are equally qualified and trained in the treatment and management of many conditions. The one that best suits your needs will ultimately come down to personal preference and also what may have assisted you in the past.
Thank you for reading our blog, answering your question ‘what is the difference between osteopathy and physiotherapy’. If you are interested in physiotherapy, visit our website today.
Physiotherapist
Alexandru Lupu
