Chiropractor vs Physical therapist

Physical therapy emphasizes functional health. A practitioner may focus on restoring movement needed to work, such as reaching or even sitting, for example, or they may help a person get back to enjoying a sport or playing with grandchildren after an injury.

Conversely, chiropractic restores overall health and helps people regain movement by realigning the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine.

To work as a physical therapist, you need a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and must be licensed to practice physical therapy. Licensing requirements vary by state but universally require passing the National Physical Therapy Examination.

Chiropractors, on the other hand, have a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree, and they must be licensed to practice chiropractic medicine in the state they are working in. While states have different licensure requirements, each state requires passage of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners exam.

Physical therapists use exercises, hands-on therapy, and assistive equipment to provide care. This includes demonstrating exercises or stretching maneuvers for patients to do at home, using hands-on treatment such as stretching muscles, or equipment such as wheelchairs or exercise machines.

Alternatively, chiropractors focus on the alignment of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine, to provide treatment and care. They use spinal adjustments, ultrasound, massage therapy, and more to help patients with musculoskeletal health problems.

Both chiropractors and physical therapists need advanced degrees. To earn a doctorate in physical therapy takes around three years compared to four years to become a chiropractor. However, a doctorate in chiropractic studies takes a little longer than a doctorate in physical therapy.

In fact, physical therapists earn more money with an average salary of $95,620 a year compared to a chiropractor, who averages $75,000 a year.