Chiropractor vs Physio: What’s the Difference and Who Should You See?
When you’re recovering from injury, dealing with persistent pain, or looking to improve how your body moves, you’ve likely considered both a chiropractor and a physiotherapist. But how do you know which is right for your needs?
At Regenerate Chiropractic, we regularly help patients understand the key differences between chiropractors and physios so they can make informed, confident choices about their care. While both aim to improve function and reduce discomfort, they do so with different training, methods, and areas of focus.
Here’s what you need to know.
Understanding the Core Focus
Chiropractor
Chiropractors focus on spinal health, joint function, and the nervous system. Their goal is to detect and correct dysfunction, often through hands-on adjustments, to restore natural movement and optimise nerve flow. This is the foundation of chiropractic care and why many people with back pain, posture issues, or chronic tension choose chiropractic first.
Physiotherapist
Physiotherapists treat movement disorders across the entire musculoskeletal system. Their work often centres on injury rehabilitation, strength retraining, and restoring functional movement through exercise, mobilisation, and education.
Techniques Used
Chiropractic Techniques
Spinal and joint adjustments
Postural analysis and neurological assessments
Movement pattern retraining
Soft tissue therapy
Lifestyle and stress-based advice
Physiotherapy Techniques
Injury-specific exercise prescription
Joint mobilisation and stretching
Dry needling
Taping and bracing
Education around injury prevention and recovery
Treatment Philosophy
Chiropractic Approach
Chiropractors take a whole-body, spine-first approach, often beginning with a detailed assessment of spinal alignment, nerve function, and posture. At Regenerate Chiropractic, we integrate movement retraining and education into every plan to help patients not just feel better but move better long-term.
Physio Approach
Physios focus on functional recovery, restoring movement and strength after injury or surgery. They often use structured rehabilitation programs, including progressive exercise and mobility work, to help you return to daily activity or sport safely.
What Do They Treat?
| Condition | Chiropractor | Physio |
|---|---|---|
| Back and neck pain | ✅ Primary focus | ✅ Commonly treated |
| Joint stiffness | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Sciatica | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Post-surgical rehab | ❌ Rarely | ✅ Frequently |
| Sprains/strains | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Sports injuries | ✅ With neuromechanical focus | ✅ With functional rehab |
| Poor posture | ✅ Core focus | ✅ May address |
| Nerve-related issues | ✅ Strong focus | ⚠️ Less direct |
Training and Qualifications
Both chiropractors and physiotherapists are degree-qualified and AHPRA-registered professionals in Australia.
Chiropractors complete a five-year university degree focused on spinal function, neurology, radiology, and manual therapy techniques.
Physiotherapists complete a four-year degree or postgraduate master’s, covering a broad scope of musculoskeletal and rehabilitation methods.
Which One Should You See?
Your choice should depend on your symptoms, goals, and preferences.
Choose a chiropractor if you are dealing with spinal dysfunction, nerve-related symptoms, poor posture, or want a holistic, long-term solution to movement issues.
Choose a physio if you are recovering from surgery or trauma, or need structured rehabilitation to restore function and strength.
In many cases, combining both approaches can be helpful. At Regenerate Chiropractic, we collaborate with trusted local physios and medical providers to ensure you receive the right care at the right time.
Why Choose Regenerate Chiropractic?
Our team offers more than just chiropractic adjustments. We take a personalised approach that combines movement correction, spinal care, and lifestyle support to help you:
Recover faster
Move more efficiently
Prevent future injuries
Improve strength, balance, and overall function
You’ll work with a dedicated and experienced team focused on long-term results. Meet our team and discover how we can help you move, feel, and perform better.
Book a Sports Chiropractor in Shelley
If you’re dealing with a sports injury, movement restriction, or performance issue, our team at Regenerate Chiropractic is here to help. Our sports chiropractors work with athletes and active individuals to improve mobility, enhance biomechanics, and reduce the risk of re-injury.
Whether you’re returning to sport or looking to move better in everyday life, we provide a clear, structured plan tailored to your goals.
Book a consultation today and take the next step in your recovery or performance journey.
