Osteopathy vs Physiotherapy vs Chiropractic: What’s the Difference?
- Dan Henderson
- Jan 26
- 2 min read
One of the most common questions I’m asked in clinic is:“What’s the difference between an osteopath, a physiotherapist, and a chiropractor?”
All three professions treat pain and injuries related to the muscles, joints, and nervous system, but they differ in philosophy, assessment, and treatment approach. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right care for your needs.
Osteopathy
Osteopathy takes a whole-body, holistic approach to pain and injury. Rather than focusing only on where the pain is felt, osteopaths look at how the body functions as an integrated system.
What osteopaths focus on:
The relationship between structure and function
How different areas of the body may contribute to symptoms
Supporting the body’s self-healing mechanisms
Common osteopathic techniques:
Joint articulation and mobilisation
Soft tissue and myofascial techniques
Stretching and functional techniques
Occasionally manipulation (when appropriate)
Osteopathy is often well suited to people with:
Back and neck pain
Postural or work-related issues
Sports injuries
Recurrent or long-standing pain
Multiple or unexplained symptoms
Treatment is patient-led and individualised, with a strong emphasis on understanding why the problem has developed, not just treating symptoms.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is traditionally more rehabilitation and exercise-based, often following injury, surgery, or specific diagnoses.
What physiotherapists focus on:
Injury rehabilitation
Restoring movement and strength
Improving function through exercise
Evidence-based protocols
Common physiotherapy approaches:
Exercise prescription
Strength and conditioning programmes
Manual therapy
Taping and electrotherapy
Physiotherapy is commonly recommended for:
Post-operative rehab
Acute injuries
Sports rehabilitation
Neurological conditions
Many physiotherapists work closely with the NHS and sports teams, and their approach often centres on progressive loading and movement retraining.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic care focuses primarily on the spine and nervous system, with an emphasis on spinal alignment.
What chiropractors focus on:
Spinal mechanics
Joint alignment
Nervous system function
Common chiropractic techniques:
Spinal manipulation (adjustments)
Joint mobilisation
Some soft tissue work
Chiropractic care is often sought for:
Back pain
Neck pain
Headaches
Chiropractors typically use a more specific and spinal-centred approach, with less emphasis on whole-body integration compared to osteopathy.
So, Which One Is Right for You?
There is no single “better” option — it depends on:
Your symptoms
Your goals
How your body responds to treatment
The practitioner’s experience
In reality, there is overlap between all three professions, and many practitioners incorporate techniques from multiple disciplines.
The Osteopathic Difference
As an osteopath, my approach is to:
Look beyond the painful area
Understand how your body moves and adapts
Treat the root cause, not just the symptom
Support long-term function and resilience
This makes osteopathy particularly effective for people who:
Have ongoing or recurring pain
Feel their problem hasn’t fully resolved elsewhere
Want a more holistic, hands-on approach
Final Thoughts
If you’re unsure which therapy is right for you, the most important thing is finding a practitioner who:
Listens to you
Explains your condition clearly
Tailors treatment to you
If you have questions about whether osteopathy could help, I’m always happy to discuss this with you. Just get in touch....
Phone: 07786572052
Comments