Most of the time, pain in our lives is not a big deal. We can deal with it by resting, taking mild medications and icing the pain. However, if you have joint pain that is intense or lasts for a long time, you’ll need to seek a professional for treatment. So how do you decide which professional is right for your needs?

Visiting your primary physician for an assessment and recommendation is always a safe option, but if you want to avoid the costs of seeing a physician and go straight to someone who can provide the treatment you think you’ll need, you may find yourself deciding between a chiropractor and a physical therapist.

Chiropractic care vs. physical therapy

Both chiropractors and physical therapists spend years studying their fields before passing state-regulated certifications to obtain a license to practice. Some of their approaches to treatment look similar because they both use hands-on techniques, but in reality, their overall treatment approaches are quite different:

• Chiropractic — Chiropractors specialize in adjustments or manipulation of the joints or spine. The adjustments aim to reduce pain in the joints and help you move them more freely.
  
• Physical therapy — Physical therapists specialize in a wider range of treatment and can legally diagnose your condition in most states. Physical therapists may use their hands to perform gentle mobilizations of your joints and soft tissue to help reduce pain and improve your range of motion.
  
  Additionally, physical therapists can guide you through a personalized exercise and stretching routine to help improve the condition of targeted muscle, soft tissue and joints in your body. 

Visit Franklin Rehabilitation for chronic pain and injury treatment

Are you struggling with pain that makes it difficult to enjoy your favorite hobbies or get your work done? Our team at Franklin Rehabilitation can help. We specialize in a wide range of treatments for pain and injuries, including:

• Gentle stretches
• Therapeutic exercises
• Soft tissue mobilization
• Joint mobilization
• Posture guidance
• Patient education and more

Contact our team today for more information about treating your aches and pains or to schedule an initial appointment.