If you’ve got a stiff back, a niggle that won’t shift, or a joint that feels tight and sore, you may be wondering who to turn to for help.
Do you book an appointment with a physiotherapist, or would a chiropractor be the better bet?
Even after some research you may feel unsure. Both physiotherapists and chiropractors talk about easing pain, improving mobility, and helping you feel more like yourself again. On the surface, the two sound remarkably similar.
While there are some overlaps, there are also some key differences that will influence your physio vs chiropractor choice. Here’s our take.
The physiotherapy approach
Physiotherapy begins with the bigger picture. We don’t just focus on the spot that hurts, we want to understand how your whole body is moving and functioning.
When you walk into the clinic, we’ll be looking at your posture, your strength, your flexibility, and how different areas of your body are working together. Often the source of pain isn’t exactly where you feel it. For instance, an aching knee might be the result of how your hip or ankle is moving.
Treatment usually combines hands-on techniques with exercise and practical advice. Manual therapy, such as soft tissue manipulation or gentle joint mobilisations, can reduce tension and make it easier to move, but the real progress comes when that hands-on work is paired with exercises tailored to you, helping your body regain strength and balance.
This approach is strongly supported by research and clinical guidance. For instance, NICE recommends exercise and education as the mainstays of care for people with persistent low back pain, with manual therapy only offered as part of a broader package.
In other words, the focus is on active recovery that lasts.
The chiropractic approach
Chiropractors are best known for “adjustments” or manipulations, which are quick, controlled movements that aim to restore mobility in a joint, most often in the spine. Many people describe an immediate sense of relief or lightness after an adjustment, which can be very appealing when you’re in discomfort.
The chiropractic model is typically focused on the spine rather than the whole body. The NHS also states that it’s “considered a type of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), which means it is not a conventional medical treatment”.
There is a distinct split within the chiropractic model that determines the emphasis of treatment. A 2019 study looked at 121 chiropractic clinic websites and found that 33% of them “presented a theory of vertebral subluxation”, i.e. that “misalignment in the spine causes interference between the brain and body, and/or has an impact on the nervous system or organ system functioning, and/or affects overall health or optimal health”.
This concept of vertebral subluxation is controversial and widely debated as to whether it’s accurate, so you should consider this carefully when choosing a chiropractor.
Approximately two-thirds of practitioners take a broader view, blending adjustments with advice on lifestyle, posture, or even exercise.
There is research showing that spinal manipulation can help, especially for back pain. Some evidence suggests that it may ease symptoms, particularly when used alongside exercise. The effects tend to be short- to medium-term, though, and the strongest results come when it’s part of a broader plan rather than a stand-alone treatment.
It’s also worth mentioning that although serious side effects are rare, complications from manipulation have been reported.
Physio vs chiropractor: how they compare
As we’ve already discussed above, both physiotherapy and chiropractic treatment aim to reduce pain and improve how you move, but the philosophies behind them differ.
Physiotherapy usually takes a whole-body view where we consider muscles, joints, nerves, and movement patterns, and then create a plan that blends direct care with exercises you can continue yourself.
Chiropractors, by contrast, tend to place spinal alignment at the centre of treatment, with adjustments as the core focus.
Another key difference is what happens after your appointment.
With physiotherapy, the aim is to help you become more independent over time by learning exercises and strategies designed to help you manage symptoms and build your strength.
Chiropractic care often involves repeat adjustments with short but frequent appointments. While some people like that ongoing support, it can create a cycle of dependency if not paired with rehabilitation.
Research reflects this divide. A recent review of international guidelines found that across the board, active, patient-led care (like the kind physiotherapists provide) is consistently recommended as first-line treatment for musculoskeletal pain. Manual techniques, whether physio or chiropractic, are seen as helpful additions rather than the main solution.
When physiotherapy might be the right choice
If your aim is not just to feel better today but to keep moving well in the future, physiotherapy often has the edge. It’s especially effective when you’re:
- Recovering from surgery or injury and need a targeted rehabilitation plan
- Living with a problem that involves more than one joint or muscle group
- Managing a chronic condition and want strategies to stay active
- Hoping to improve your movement and function because you’ve been diagnosed with a neurological condition such as MS or Parkinson’s disease
- Managing breathing issues such as asthma or COPD, or you have cardiovascular problems
- Dealing with issues such as pelvic pain, incontinence, or prolapse during or after pregnancy or before, during or after menopause
- Working towards a performance goal, like returning to sport or improving strength
That said, some people find real value in chiropractic care, particularly for short-term relief of spinal stiffness. It doesn’t have to be an either/or decision, but if you’re looking for lasting change, physiotherapy gives you a toolkit that extends well beyond the treatment room.
Our perspective at The Physio Box
At The Physio Box, we see your recovery as a team effort.
Our job isn’t just to take the edge off your pain for a few days but to really get to the heart of what’s happening and give you the confidence to move freely again. That might mean easing things with hands-on treatment to start with, but it also means helping you understand the “why” behind your symptoms and showing you how to keep building on the progress outside the clinic.
We know we’re biased – physiotherapy is what we live and breathe! – but that’s because we see, every day, how powerful it can be.
When you work with a physio, you don’t just walk away feeling a bit looser; you walk away with knowledge, strategies, and a plan that belongs to you. Chiropractic adjustments can play a part for some people, but if your aim is lasting change and independence, physio gives you more than just relief in the moment.
Finding the right path for you
So, physio vs chiropractor, which is right for you?
When you’re in pain, it’s natural to want answers quickly. You’ve probably already tried resting, stretching, or even over-the-counter painkillers, and you’re still not sure what to do next. It can feel overwhelming when one person tells you to see a chiropractor for an adjustment, while another swears by physio.
As we’ve highlighted, both professions can play a role. If you’re looking for short-term relief, a chiropractor’s adjustments might give you that sense of release you’re craving, but if you’d like to go a step further, to not only feel better now but also understand what’s driving the problem and how to stop it coming back, physiotherapy is designed with that in mind.
Our focus is on helping you move well for the long haul. We’ll listen to your story, work out what’s going on, calm things down with hands-on care if that’s what you need, and then give you the tools to rebuild your strength and confidence.
The aim isn’t just to fix the sore spot today; it’s to help you get back to the things that matter to you, whether that’s training for a race, keeping up with your kids, or simply enjoying a walk without worrying about pain.
So, if you’re weighing up physio vs chiropractor and feeling stuck, know this: you don’t have to figure it out alone. We’re here to talk it through and find the approach that fits your goals best.