Chiropractor vs Physiotherapist

Chiropractor vs Physiotherapist - What’s the Difference?


Many people in Bonnyrigg, Doonside, and nearby suburbs ask us:

“Should I see a physio or a Chiropractor?”

It’s a great question, and the answer depends on your goals, your condition, and how well previous treatments have worked for you.

Let’s break it down so you can make a confident, informed decision.



Similar Goals, Vastly Different Methods


Both Chiropractors and Physiotherapists aim to help people move better, feel better, and recover from pain or injury.
But our approaches and areas of focus are quite different.

Here’s a quick side-by-side:


✅ Chiropractor

  • Focuses on the spine, nervous system & alignment
  • Uses manual adjustments to restore function
  • Looks for neuro-structural dysfunction affecting the whole body
  • Shorter more focused visits
  • Ideal for chronic pain, poor posture & nervous system performance


Physiotherapist ✅

  • Focuses on muscles, joints, and soft tissue
  • Uses exercise, massage, and physical rehab
  • Focuses more locally on the injured area
  • Longer visits often with active rehab
  • Ideal for post-surgical rehab & acute sports injuries



At Adjusting to Health, our Chiropractors take a whole-body approach, addressing the underlying structural and neurological imbalances that may be causing pain or dysfunction, not just the surface level symptoms.



When Is Chiropractic the Better Choice?


Chiropractic care is likely to be the best option if:

  • You’ve tried physio or massage with limited success
  • You’re experiencing chronic back or neck pain
  • Your posture is affecting your condition
  • You’re looking for long-term correction, not just short-term relief
  • You want better Mood, Sleep, and Quality of Life (Yes Chiropractic could help you achieve all three 👉 Research Article)


Many of our patients in Bonnyrigg, Green Valley, and Edensor Park come to us after physio didn’t work. In-fact, they often say:
“I wish someone had told me about this before I spent years and years trying with physiotherapy to get the results I've got in weeks here.”


Chiropractic may not be the first health care modality you try, but it could be the one that actually works.



When Is Physio a Great Option?


To be clear, we respect physiotherapists and collaborate with many. They're usually much better than us at addressing rotator cuff tears, improper muscle activation and poor lifting technique that requires rehabilitation. At Adjusting to Health we protect our strong reputation by only taking on-board cases that we are confident we can help with. When we come across a presentation that doesn't belong in our office we are always upfront with the patient to set and meet realistic expectations and refer out when we aren't the best fit for the results our patient is looking for. We want good results for our patients as much as they do.

 

Physio may be the right fit for you if:

  • You’re recovering from a recent surgery, fracture, or ligament tear
  • You need a guided rehabilitation program
  • You’re an athlete returning to sport after injury
  • Your GP has referred you to a physio under a specific care plan


Sometimes, a combination of both chiropractic and physiotherapy can offer the best results. We’re always happy to refer patients to physiotherapists we trust if that’s the better path.



Why Locals Choose Our Chiropractic Approach


At Adjusting to Health, we serve people from all over Western Sydney, including Bonnyrigg, Doonside, Blacktown, Woodcroft, Edensor Park, Wetherill Park, St Johns Park, and Mount Pritchard, many of whom previously tried other approaches including physiotherapy first.


In summary, here’s what makes our approach different to Physiotherapists and other Chiropractors in our area;

  • We use objective testing and progress tracking, not just “how are you feeling?”
  • We focus on spinal and neurological function, not just muscle testing
  • Our care plans are all evidence based and supported by the latest Chiropractic research
  • We are the most thorough and professional Chiropractors in Sydney
  • We build care plans designed for lasting results, not just quick fixes


If you’ve tried physio and didn’t get the results you hoped for, or you’re not sure where to start, we’re here to help you figure it out.


👉 Book your first appointment today or read what our Bonnyrigg and Doonside patients say about us.