Physiotherapy vs. Physical Therapy - Tucson, AZ Chiropractor-HealthQuest Relieves Pain

Dr. Charles Spear is Board Certified in Physiotherapy.

Exercise Electrical Muscle Stimulation

1 "What is ...

'Physiotherapy'compared to 'Physical Therapy'?

               Physical Therapy   Commonly   Includes:
              Electrical Muscle Stimulation   - This procedure uses electrical frequencies to increase blood circulation, which leads to faster repairing of injured tissues and relaxation of the injured tissues. This procedure also acts as an analgesic (reduces pain associated with the injured areas).
                 Ultrasound - This procedure uses high-frequency sond waves/vibrations to produce a heating effect on deep tissues. These vibrations and heat help break down and disperse unhealthy calcium and other hard tissue accumulations. This therapy increases circulation, relaxes muscle spasms, massages damaged tissues and speeds the healing process.
              Heat   - Increases circulation to superficial (top layered) tissues, thus decreasing muslce tension.
              Ice - Decreases circulation to superficial (top layered) tissues, thus decreasing inflammation and pain.
           Traction (Manual or Mechanical)   - Manual traction is typically performed by another person or small mobile devices. Mechanical traction is performed exclusively by a mechanical device. Traction is utilized to open up joint spaces in attempts to alleviate pain associated with impingemnt or compression of the problematic joint.
           Therapeutic Stretches & Exercises    - These are both procedures performed in attempts to loosen and strengthen connective tissues (muscles, tendons, and ligaments). These may include deep stretches, swimming, exercise with bands or equipment, etc. Depending on the available equipment and physical therapist.

Physiotherapy Commonly Includes:
Everything Mentioned Above Under "Physical Therapy."

2 "What's   The   Difference   Then?"

                "Physical Therapy"   is performed by a licensed Physical Therapist (P.T.).
              "Physiotherapy" is performed by a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.). All  chiropractors are NOT licensed to perform these therapies. We must go through additional physical therapy procedures training and Board Certification to be licensed in Physiotherapy.

3  "What'sThe Difference BetweenA  Physical   Therapist And  A  Chiropractor Licensed In Physiotherapy?"
Physical Therapy   sessions are typically longer (an hour to 2 hours) and are more focused on stretching and strengthening injured joints and tissues (muscles, ligaments, and tendons).    Some mobilzation of joints are addressed, but emphasis is placed on the injured tissues.
Chiropractic sessions, in conjunction with physiotherapy, are typically shorter in duration (30 minutes to 45 minutes). Sessions are focused more on reducing joint motion restrictions by ways of an adjustment, but also address the tissues with use of physiotherapy. An adjustment or specific manual manipulation of a joint (neck, back, hips, shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, ankles, etc.) is performed with the chiropractor's hands, a special table, or a small device called a Percusor or Activator.
A chiropractor licensed in physiotherapy is trained to perform similar treatments as a licensed physical therapist, however the physical therapist is NOT trained to perform similar treatments as the Doctor of Chiropractic.
If you're deciding where to begin, Chiropractic is the Simplest Answer   with the Fastest Results.
Depending on your codition/problem, your First Chiropractic Treatment may Give you Relief.
If a certain problem/condition requires more intense exercises and is unresponsive to 30-45 minutes of chiropractic/physiotherapy, a physical therapist may be necessary..

4  "Will The Chiropractor Treat Me If  I'm Visiting A Physical Therapist Or an M.D./D.O.?"

Depending on the Chiropractor, many will be happy to treat your joint restrictions with chiropractic adjustments, while the Physical Therapist works more intense on stretching and strengthening the injured tissues or the M.D./D.O. controls your pain with temporary medications.
HealthQuest Chiropractic, LLC is a clinic that works with several ...
Medical Doctors (M.D.)
Osteopaths (D.O.)
Physical Therapists (P.T.)
Attorneys
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