People suffering from injury or illness often seek treatment from a physical therapist (PT) or chiropractor. There is definitely an overlap between these two medical fields. Both are professionals who help people with non-invasive, drug-free treatments. Both specialize in tending to the musculoskeletal system to alleviate pain and improve mobility, range of motion, and strength.
Chiropractors and PTs are not the same, despite the similarities on the surface. If you think you may need treatment it pays to know the difference. Knowing the difference can help you make a more informed choice so that you get the best possible care when you need it most.
What to Expect from a Physical Therapist
People who need to rehabilitate from accidents or debilitating illnesses will usually come to a PT for help. The PT will help them manage pain and improve movement. If someone has a chronic illness, they may go to a PT for preventative care.
On your first visit, a PT will assess your condition and design a treatment plan. This will probably include in-office treatment along with an exercise regime you will practice at home. Part of your treatments may include manual stretching, massage, mobility training, strength training, or joint mobilization.
Treatments with your PT can last for a couple of weeks up to a few months (at most). Along the way, your PT will periodically re-examine you and chart your progress to share it with your healthcare provider.
What to Expect from a Chiropractor
Chiropractors treat patients with illnesses and injuries; they also treat healthy patients as a preventative measure for maintaining overall health. Chiropractors focus on adjusting misalignments in the spine to improve the musculoskeletal system, nervous system, and various bodily functions.
Treatments with a chiropractor usually begin with a health assessment and diagnostic scans or X-rays. Doctors will then devise a treatment plan that may last weeks, or months, depending upon the nature of your condition. In addition to spinal adjustment, chiropractors may also use electrical muscle stimulation, massage therapy, or laser therapy, or chiropractors may advise you on exercise and nutrition as part of a holistic wellness plan.
How Our Chiropractic Treatment Works
Dr. Noah Kaplan is the owner of Advance Upper Cervical Chiropractic in Walnut Creek, board certified in the Blair Chiropractic Technique, and a member of the Blair Chiropractic Society. He is among the most elite upper cervical chiropractors in Northern California.
The Blair Chiropractic Technique is a modern technique that begins treatment with revolutionary 3D diagnostic imaging technology to pinpoint misalignments. Dr. Kaplan’s office is the only one in Walnut Creek and the entire East Bay area to utilize Cone Beam computed tomography (CBCT). This enables Dr. Kaplan to better visualize your anatomy and calculate any upper cervical subluxations for better, longer-lasting corrections.
Thanks to this technology, corrections are precise and therefore swifter and much gentler in comparison to traditional chiropractic methods. Using low-force pressure Dr. Kaplan makes adjustments that can alleviate numerous symptoms. More importantly, once in proper alignment, the body’s natural healing mechanisms take over and begin to repair damage and restore health.
Contact Dr. Kaplan if you would like advice about how upper cervical care might help you. Located in Walnut Creek, California, Dr. Kaplan also services Pleasant Hill, Concord, Lafayette, Danville, San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, and Livermore.
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