What is the difference between a physical therapist and a chiropractor?
Manipulation, or “the skilled passive movement of a joint” is one treatment technique a Physical Therapist may use in treatment of the neuromusculoskeletal systems; whereas “vertebral subluxation” is the primary cause of discomfort in chiropractic theory. Physical therapists are trained within the medical model of traditional university settings, incorporating system integration for care, and with the ability to screen and appropriately refer for illness or disease processes . Physical therapists focus on teaching patients responsibility for their health, with active intervention to achieve client independence, and self-care as soon as appropriate. The techniques utilized can be similar to a chiropractor, but the entire plan of care, motivation, and philosophy, can be very different.
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