The most frequently asked question at the clinic is probably as follows. However, if you have any queries as to which therapy to choose the call Nick for some independent and unbiased advice on 01264 324924. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE THREE PHYSICAL THERAPY PROFESSIONS: OSTEOPATHY, CHIROPRACTIC & PHYSIOTHERAPY? Therapists have been treating muscular aches and pains for thousands of years. Long before the Roman Empire, there is evidence of massage techniques being used in India and of acupuncture in China. Greek athletes were massaged with aromatic oils, Roman soldiers and gladiators had their joints and muscles manipulated to improve flexibility and speed of movement as well as recovery from injuries sustained in combat. In terms of physical therapy, for many years in the British Isles, and Europe we had ‘bone setters’ who treated muscular conditions with which we are all familiar, such as neck ache and sciatica. These individuals normally had these skills passed down from one generation to the next, unfortunately with little or no medical knowledge. Undoubtedly, this would have been of great concern to the medical authorities of the age. Up until the 1870s there were no formal medical treatments for muscular conditions other than opiates (morphine), cocaine, and in some cases surgery. However, 1872 saw the emergence of the first science-based, medically-trained physical therapy. Osteopathy was devised by a Canadian army surgeon, Andrew Taylor Still in 1872. His principals were based on the idea that correct mechanical structure would lead to improved bodily function, with an emphasis on maximizing the blood flow around the body. The principals were achieved with techniques (some old, and some new) such as massage, stretching, and manipulation of the joints of the body. Chiropractic was devised by a Canadian (living in the USA) called Daniel Palmer in 1895. His principals and techniques were similar to osteopathy but focused on maximising the functioning and efficiency of the nervous system, as opposed to the blood system. About the same time, in the UK, four nurses established the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists. They used massage and rehabilitation techniques such as those devised by the Swede Pehr-Henrik Ling, with the focus being on improving the functioning of the muscular system. At the Chiros Clinic we believe that the principals of all three professions are correct. To improve the body’s physical functioning, and ability to recover from injury therapists should use appropriate techniques to maximise the health and efficiency of the nervous system, the vascular system, and the musculo-skeletal system.
Posted on: Wed, 05 Mar 2014 13:33:14 +0000
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