Have you ever wondered, “What is the difference between Osteopathy and Physiotherapy?” Since I am both a registered osteopath and a qualified physiotherapist, I am in a very good position to try to answer the question for you.
Here at Complete, we have dual trained Osteopaths and physiotherapists, Francesco Contiero and myself (Chris Myers). We believe this offers a unique set of treatment and assessment skills for our patients. Some might say this gives the best of both worlds!
This is a common question that is regularly asked by clients, and I will try to provide you with insight into the major differences and similarities between physiotherapists and an osteopathic practice UK.
Physiotherapy assists individuals who are affected by disability, illness, or injury through advice, education, manual therapy, exercise, and movement. They work to maintain the health of people of every age, assisting patients with managing their pain and preventing disease.
Osteopathy works closely with the body’s function and structure. It is based on the theory that an individual’s well-being depends on the connective tissues, ligaments, muscles, and skeleton working together smoothly. Osteopaths use massage, stretching, and physical manipulation to:
to help the healing mechanisms of the body
enhance the nerve supply and blood
relieve muscle tension
increase joint mobility
I would say that although both of these professions promote that they manage and treat all joint and muscle issues, osteopaths more frequently treat more spinal issues such as neck and lower back pain.
Overall, fewer peripheral joints are treated by osteopaths such as the foot, ankle, knee, hand, wrist, and shoulder.
They also treat fewer tendon and muscle related injuries than physiotherapists do. I would estimate approximately 80% of a majority of osteopath clinic lists are spine related unless there is a particular area that they specialise in. By contrast, the experience and training of physiotherapists exposed them to a caseload that is more varied including tendon and muscle injuries as well a peripheral and spinal joint issues.
A majority of our physiotherapists see approximately 50% peripheral joints including tendons and muscles and 50% spinal. Physiotherapists lead all of the treatment and research protocols into tendon and muscle problems. At Complete, many of our physiotherapists have worked in sports governing bodies or sports clubs. They have extensive expertise and experience in treating elite/professional and recreational sports individuals with muscle and tendon problems.
It is essential to see someone who has extensive experience working with your condition. After treating the aches and pains of clients for 20 years, I know I achieve my best results with conditions that I see on a regular basis.
Always conduct on any therapist you are planning to see as well as the clinic before you book with a clinic.
Physiotherapy:
The earliest accounts of the origins of physiotherapy date back to 1813 and Per Henrik Ling, who was known as the Father of Swedish Gymnastics for exercise, manipulation, and soft tissue treatment.
Physiotherapy is a dynamic, science based profession based on the best evidence that is available for managing and treating movement and pain.
Osteopathy:
Osteopathy is a distinct type of medical care. It was established on the philosophy that all of the systems of the body are interrelated and they depend on each other for good health. Osteopathy is based on work done by Dr. Andrew Still. IN 1874 he discovered that he could change the physiology of people by placing his hands on them.