Osteopath vs. Physiotherapist: What’s the Difference and Which Do You Need?
The human body is full of complex systems that interconnect and overlap. Because of this, there are many different health professions designed to target different areas and help your body function. After a while, the different terms can start to get a little confusing.
An osteopath and physiotherapist, are just one pair of terms that may seem puzzling. In this guide, we’ll explain the differences between each so you can fully understand how they can help you. With this, you’ll know exactly which one you really need.
For personalised advice, contact our team at 13th Beach Health Services today.
What is an Osteopath?
An osteopath is someone who has been trained and is fully qualified in osteopathy. Osteopathy is focused on the body’s natural ability to recover, using different techniques to encourage and promote this natural process.
To do this an osteopath takes a holistic approach to treatment, assessing the connection between the different internal systems and the patient’s psychology. With their understanding of the body, they may focus treatment on seemingly unrelated areas to help manage the patient’s condition.
To become a qualified Osteopath, the practitioner must complete a four to five-year university degree and register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation of Australia, AHPRA. AHPRA is the regulatory body that ensures practitioners meet the required standards to practice.
What They Treat
Osteopaths commonly treat a variety of conditions and injuries such as:
- Headaches
- Injuries
- Neck and back pain
- Chronic pain
- Arthritis
Common Treatment Methods
Osteopaths utilise different types of manual therapy to support patients. These may include soft tissue massage, stretching, joint mobilisation and positional release techniques. They also utilise muscle energy techniques to help relax the muscles, reducing tension and pain.
Along with these methods, osteopaths also work to educate the patient on their pain so they are better equipped to manage their condition at home.
What is a Physiotherapist?
A physiotherapist is a professional who uses physical therapy to help the body recover or improve function. The goal is often to help the patient increase their strength and flexibility. This in turn can help to reduce pain, increase mobility and improve stamina.
Through physical tests and assessments, a physiotherapist will analyse your body to find the source of your concerns. They can then create and advise a physical exercise regime, or other treatment plan, tailored to your needs and preferences to treat the issue.
Physiotherapists must complete at least a four-year university degree and register with AHPRA to practice.
What They Treat
Physiotherapists often treat injuries and support recovery, however, they can also help manage:
- Headaches
- Neck and back pain
- Joint and muscle pain
- Chronic pain
- Arthritis
- Pre and post-surgery rehabilitation
Common Treatments Methods
Physiotherapists often focus on using tailored exercise and stretching to treat different concerns. By strengthening the body they can speed up the recovery process, mitigate pain, improve mobility and even reduce the chance of future injury.
Along with this focus, physiotherapy also utilises a wide range of other treatments such as dry needling, electrotherapy, soft tissue manipulation and joint mobilisation. They also help to educate their patients on their body and pain management so that patients can better understand their needs and how to meet them.
The Key Difference
Both of these practices are focused on improving your well-being and treating different conditions and concerns. However, they differ in their approach to treatment.
Osteopathy is more focused on your body as a whole, while physiotherapy focuses on your concern and targets its root cause. Likewise, while both utilise manual therapy, physiotherapy includes a variety of other techniques that can affect the body.
Which is Right for Me?
Choosing between an osteopath and a physiotherapist is usually personal and unique to the individual. While both professions treat a lot of similar concerns, their approach is what you should carefully consider.
Would you prefer a targeted approach, focused on your recovery or condition? A physiotherapist is likely your preference. On the other hand, if you would prefer someone to take a broader approach to your health, an osteopath will probably be your choice.
Find The Right Team for Your Treatment
At 13th Beach Health Services, we offer both osteopathy and physiotherapy. If you’re still not sure which one is right for you, reach out to our team today. We are always happy to discuss your needs and work with you to find the right fit.
Every person has unique needs and preferences and we strive to meet them where they are. For tailored support that will put you first, look no further.