Osteopath, Physio or Chiropractor: Understanding the Difference

Osteopathy, physiotherapy and chiropractic are separate healthcare professions, but there can be considerable overlap in the types of musculoskeletal concerns they see and some of the approaches they use. That can make it difficult to understand what actually sets them apart.

All three are regulated health professions in Australia, with practitioners required to meet registration standards for their profession. However, their training, areas of practice and approaches to assessment and management can differ.

In this guide, we look at some of those similarities and differences, and what you may want to consider when deciding which practitioner to see.

What an osteopath does

Osteopaths assess and manage a range of musculoskeletal concerns involving muscles, joints and movement. An osteopathic assessment considers your symptoms alongside relevant movement, function, health history and the activities that are important to you.

Depending on your individual needs, care may include hands-on techniques such as soft tissue treatment and joint mobilisation, together with movement, exercise and practical management strategies.

Osteopaths in Australia are university-qualified and registered with AHPRA. At Living Health Group, our osteopaths work alongside our myotherapists and remedial massage therapists, with practitioners collaborating where appropriate.

What a physiotherapist does

Physiotherapists assess and manage a broad range of conditions affecting movement and function. Depending on their area of practice, care may include exercise and rehabilitation, movement strategies, education and hands-on treatment.

Physiotherapists work across many areas of healthcare, including private practice, hospitals, rehabilitation, community health and sport. They may also work in specialised areas beyond musculoskeletal care.

Physiotherapists in Australia are university-qualified and registered with AHPRA. In musculoskeletal private practice, there can be considerable overlap between some of the approaches used by physiotherapists and osteopaths.

What a chiropractor does

Chiropractors assess and manage musculoskeletal concerns, with chiropractic care commonly involving the spine and other joints. Depending on the practitioner and individual presentation, care may include manual techniques, exercise, movement advice and other management strategies.

Chiropractors in Australia undertake university-level training and are registered with AHPRA.

There can be overlap between osteopathy, physiotherapy and chiropractic, and individual practitioners within each profession may work quite differently. The most appropriate choice may depend on your particular concern, goals and the type of care you are looking for.

So which should you see?

There is no universal answer. For many musculoskeletal concerns, there can be overlap in the care offered by osteopaths, physiotherapists and chiropractors. The individual practitioner, their experience and their approach may be just as relevant as the profession itself.

Whichever practitioner you choose, they should take the time to understand your concerns, explain their assessment and discuss the options available to you. If your presentation falls outside their area of practice or another healthcare professional may be better placed to help, they should also be prepared to refer you on.

If you’re wondering whether osteopathy might suit your situation, our Wheelers Hill team is happy to talk through which of our services may be appropriate. And if we think you would be better served elsewhere, we’ll tell you.

What osteopaths, physios and chiropractors have in common

Despite their differences, the three professions have plenty in common. Osteopaths, physiotherapists and chiropractors are all registered with AHPRA in Australia and undertake university-level education and professional training. There can also be considerable overlap in how practitioners working with musculoskeletal concerns assess movement, provide treatment and support rehabilitation.

Individual practitioners may take quite different approaches, even within the same profession. When choosing someone, it can be useful to consider whether they listen to your concerns, explain their assessment and recommendations clearly, involve you in decisions about your care, and set realistic expectations.

All three professions also have professional boundaries. There will be situations where referral to a GP, specialist or another healthcare professional is appropriate, and recognising when another practitioner should be involved is an important part of good care.

Common questions