A Chiropractor and Phyiotherapist Working Together: Integrate's Unique Approach to Injury Assessment and Treatment

If you have back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain or other types of injuries, we always want to find the best treatment right away. A quick google of chiropractor or physiotherapist near me or back pain treatment near me can lead to many different options, but this can be confusing. People often ask me, what's best for back pain, chiropractic or physiotherapy. Sometimes, the answer is both.

What Does a Chiropractor Do?

Chiropractors are self-regulated in Canada and go through a doctorate programe to learn how to assess and treat musculoskeletal conditions like back pain and neck pain, in non-invasive, natural methods. Chiropractors are known for provided spinal adjustments, which can be very helpful for reducing pain and restoring normal motion. The typical "chiropractic" case that I see in my office is a person who wakes up in the morning with a stiff and painful neck, and has difficulty turning to one or both sides. After a thorough assessment to determine that treatment is safe, and upper back adjustment can often provide fast and effective relief for this type of pain. While spinal adjusments can be effective, when applied at the right time, there are other treatment modalities that chiropractors at Integreate Healthcare Collective provide to address all types of problems. These treatment modalities include, acupuncure, dry needling, soft tissue therapy, exercise and good advice. Using these treatment modalities, chiropractors can treatment pain and injury in many parts of the body.

One of Chiropractors, Ben Matheson, having a great day with his best friend, Bea the Dog.

What Does a Physiotherapist Do?

Physiotherapy is a self-regulated profession in Canada, and most programs are a masters of science degree. While many physiotherapists focus on musculoskeletal conditions, ther are physiotherapists who can work in rehabilitation of injuries and conditions for things like neurological injuries, respiratory conditions, and cardiovascular procedures. Physiotherapists are trained in the assesment and treatment of many different types of injuries and often employ different types of manual therapy, acupuncture/dry needling, and progressive exercise. Through a thorough assessment of a problem, physiotherapists can provide treatment wtih effective pain relief, while building strength and endurance in important areas of the body.

One or our Physiotherapists providing treatment

Do Chiropractors and Physiotherapists Work Togehter?

While there might be some difference in education, many chiropractors and physiotherapists relish the opportunity to work together and learn from one another. I have worked with some of my physiotherapy colleagues for years and have learned many things from them that have helped me to be a better chiropractor. I and grateful for their fellowship and collaboration.

Is it OK to See a Chiropractor and Physiotherapist at the Same Time?

It is absolutely ok to see a Chiropractor and Physiotherapist at the same time. Many colleagues have complimentary skills and sometimes injuries will have multiple dimensions. I often collaborate with a physiotherapist when a problem has been persistent for a long time or when there is clearly a need for multiple treatment modalities. This often includes concussion rehabilitation.

Integrate Healthcare Collective has multiple locations in Ottawa to help you get fast and convenient relief from pain and injury.

What is Unique About Chiropractors and Physios at Integrate?

At Integrate Healthcare Collective we offer a unique service known as Integrative Assessments, which is a collaborative assessment and treatment plan between a chiropractor and physiotherapist. The assessment can be done together or seperately, but the two professionals will communicate about their findings and determine the best course of treatment for your conditions. Integrative assessments are a wonderful way for an injury to be assessed and addressed in a complete and comprehensive way.

Pain and injury can create difficult times in our life and we often want to move forward and relieve pain as quickly as possible. Sometimes, seeing one professional like a chiropractor or physiotherpist will be sufficient, but there are some conditions that will benefit from collaboration between two professionals, providing effective and timely relief from pain and injury like neck pain, back pain, shoulder, knee, hip and elbow pain, and annoying problems like headaches and postural problems. If you need help with problems like these reach out of us at Integrate Healthcare Collective. https://www.integrateottawa.ca