Do you have back pain? Neck pain? Sore joints? You’re not alone. Countless people feel the same. It’s one of the top reasons for seeking professional help. Chiropractic care. Physical therapy. Acupuncture. Massage. At some point, the majority of adults will experience intense pain. That disrupts daily life.
When it happens, figuring out the best care comes next. I’m a holistic chiropractor. I see it all the time. So, who should you see? A chiropractor or physical therapist for pain? Both can help. But they work in different ways. Understanding how will help you choose the right care. That supports your unique needs.
Chiropractor or Physical Therapist for Pain? Here’s How to Decide What’s Best For You
Should you visit a local chiropractor? Or see a physical therapist? Knowing the basics of how they help makes it easier to decide.
What’s a Chiropractor?
A chiropractor focuses on the spine. The nervous system. And how the relationship between them influences the body and mind. A chiropractor examines how nervous system functions and spinal health could be causing pain. Most people think of a chiropractor and imagine forceful adjustments. Cracking backs. Popping things back into place.
We do it differently at Twin Waves Wellness Center. There’s zero cracking. No popping. We’re a twin chiropractic team rooted in holistic chiropractic principles. We take a whole-body approach to healing. Meaning, we don’t just look at your pain. We get to the root cause. Look at your nervous system function. How well you adapt to stress. Why the pain may be there in the first place.
People often seek chiropractic care for:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Posture issues
- Joint discomfort
- Headaches
- Sciatica
As holistic chiropractors, we look at chronic stress patterns. Body and mind are deeply connected. Meaning physical pain can be tied to painful emotions. Stress. Anxiety. Unresolved trauma. Many patients experience an emotional release. This helps relieve physical pain. We practice care that involves gentle spinal adjustments. Light touch. Sometimes we incorporate somatic healing practices. Like SRI breathing exercises that blend breathwork with movement. This helps increase the mind/body connection.
What’s a Physical Therapist?
A physical therapist helps with movement. Build strength. Restore physical function. Physical therapy is common after surgery. An injury. When muscles become weak. Or when movement becomes difficult.
Physical therapists work with soft tissues. Like muscles. Tendons. Ligaments. It often involves specific exercises. Stretches. Massage techniques. Electrical muscle stimulation. The goal? To help you move correctly. Regain strength. Stability. Increase confidence in movement. A physical therapist helps with injury recovery. It can be great if your pain keeps you from everyday living.
When to See a Chiropractor vs a Physical Therapist for Pain
So, who should you see? A chiropractor or physical therapist for pain? They can both help. But the approach is totally different.
When to see a chiropractor for pain…
Your pain is connected to the spine. Or the nervous system. A chiropractor could be best for back pain. Neck pain. Stiff joints. Chronic headaches. Sciatica pain. Aches and pains that never really go away.
When to see a physical therapist for pain…
If your goal is to move normally again. Your mobility is limited. After an injury. Post-surgery. Your muscles are weak. A physical therapist helps reduce pain caused by specific movements. Or activities. They help rebuild strength.
Chiropractor or Physical Therapist for Pain: Which Is Better?
Here’s the thing. There is no “better.” They both help. Choosing a chiropractor or physical therapist for pain comes down to your needs. The source of your pain. Your overall goals.
Have chronic back pain? A chiropractor is likely your best choice. Is your pain connected to posture? Seek chiropractic care. Maybe it’s chronic stress causing discomfort. Or alignment issues. A chiropractor can help.
Say you had knee surgery. Shoulder surgery. Then, physical therapy is better. Maybe your muscles are weak. A physical therapist is the best choice. A PT can also help with pain caused by a recent injury. If you need structured exercises to restore movement or rebuild strength, go with physical therapy first.
The whole chiropractic care vs physical therapy thing. It’s easier to figure out when you’re aware of how each supports pain. Sometimes they complement each other. Some people see a chiropractor to restore alignment and regulate nervous system function. Then see a physical therapist to help strengthen the body.
Choosing a Chiropractor or Physical Therapist for Pain
You know your body best. Still unsure if you should see a chiropractor or physical therapist for pain? Listen to your body. How long have you been in pain? How does it impact your life? What are your stress levels like? How’s your posture? Talk with your primary care provider. They can help guide your decision. Reach out to a chiropractor and a physical therapist. They’ll let you know what you need.
Pain relief isn’t just covering it up. It’s about long-term relief. Supporting the body’s innate healing ability. So you can adapt. And thrive. Chiropractic care. Physical therapy. A combination of both. The goal is the same. Feeling better. Moving with ease. Getting back to living your life. Free from pain. Feeling your best.