Chiropractor vs. physical therapist: What’s the difference?

Experiencing pain, stiffness, or injury — and unsure whether to see a chiropractor or a physical therapist? It can sometimes be tricky to know which type of provider to see. 

Here, get an overview of chiropractors and physical therapists, including their training, approaches, and treatment experiences.

Hinge Health provides physical therapy services and does not offer chiropractic care. This article is intended to offer balanced educational information about both types of care. The best approach depends on your needs and preferences. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

Chiropractor vs. physical therapist

Chiropractors and physical therapists (PTs) are both experts in treating pain and improving movement, but their approaches and areas of focus differ. 

• Chiropractors mainly use hands-on spinal adjustments to address alignment and ease symptoms. They also focus on how spinal health affects the nervous system and may provide guidance on posture, movement, and injury prevention to support overall well-being.

• Physical therapists mainly focus on improving mobility and strength through exercise and personalized treatment. They also use manual techniques, including mobilization and manipulation of the spine and of the joints and soft tissues of the extremities. This approach supports long-term recovery and helps patients become more independent in managing their own health — one of physical therapy’s core goals.

Both chiropractors and physical therapists aim to:

• Reduce pain and restore function

• Improve mobility and help you stay active in daily life

• Provide non-invasive care that avoids surgery and medications

• Educate and empower patients about healthy movement habits and self-care

Chiropractors and physical therapists use a range of hands-on, non-invasive techniques — collectively called “manual therapy” — to help reduce pain and improve movement. These can include:

• Soft tissue mobilization. Gentle manipulation of muscles to reduce tension and promote relaxation.

• Joint mobilization. Guided, gentle movements to improve joint flexibility and reduce pain.

• Myofascial release. Gentle pressure to stretch and release tight connective tissue (fascia).

• Trigger point therapy. Targeted pressure to relieve knots and tender spots in muscles.

• Joint manipulation or adjustments. Quick, controlled movements of the spine or extremity joints that may produce an audible "pop" (cavitation).

In addition to manual therapy, some providers use other techniques like TENS therapy and dry needling:

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy.  Some providers use devices like TENS units, which deliver gentle electrical stimulation through the skin to relieve pain. 

• Dry needling. This technique uses thin needles to release muscle tension and trigger points. 

The techniques your provider uses depend on their training and your needs. A provider’s scope of care — such as ordering imaging, performing hands-on treatments, or using methods like dry needling — can vary depending on state laws. Some states allow physical therapists and chiropractors to do more than others.

“Chiropractors and physical therapists may use similar tools but may approach treatment from different angles,” explains Claire Morrow, PT, DPT, a Hinge Health physical therapist who has worked alongside both physical therapists and chiropractors in combined care settings. 

“Chiropractors often emphasize hands-on manual treatments, while physical therapists use exercise as a cornerstone to their approach with patients,” says Dr. Morrow. Many physical therapists also have advanced training in manual therapy and combine it with targeted exercises and patient education for long-term symptom management, she explains. “There can be a lot of overlap, and some clinicians blend both approaches,” says Dr. Morrow. 

Deciding between seeing a chiropractor and a physical therapist doesn’t have to be either/or, explains Dr. Morrow. “It’s really about matching your needs and goals to the right approach — or even using both in combination.”

What is a chiropractor?

A chiropractor is a healthcare professional whose primary focus is on muscles and joints, especially the spine. Chiropractors typically complete a four-year chiropractic doctorate after undergraduate training. They are licensed as Doctors of Chiropractic (D.C.). Chiropractors are trained to perform spinal adjustments as a primary treatment. Chiropractic care is best known for manual spinal manipulation or joint adjustments aimed at improving alignment, mobility, and pain.

Common conditions treated by chiropractors

Chiropractic care is often sought for hands-on relief of discomfort. Chiropractors commonly help people manage a variety of musculoskeletal (MSK) issues, including:

• Back pain

• Neck pain

• Some types of headaches

• Joint pain and stiffness

• Sciatica

What to expect in chiropractic care

Most visits start with a thorough health history and physical assessment. The primary treatment is spinal or joint manipulation — often called a chiropractic adjustment — which involves using the hands or specialized instruments to apply a controlled force to joints, particularly along the spine. Some chiropractors also use manual therapy and soft tissue techniques like massage or stretching. They may suggest at-home exercises to do between treatments. 

The duration of chiropractic care can vary. Many people see a chiropractor on an ongoing basis to help manage chronic issues or prevent pain from returning, while others may only need care for a few weeks or months depending on their pain and goals.

What is a physical therapist?

A physical therapist (PT) is a healthcare professional who helps people recover from injury, surgery, or chronic pain — focusing on restoring mobility, building strength, and optimizing physical function. The current standard for physical therapists is to earn a three-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree after completing an undergraduate program. 

Common conditions treated by physical therapists

Physical therapy helps people manage a variety of MSK issues, including:

• Post-surgical rehabilitation

• Injury and sports rehabilitation

• Chronic pain in any part of the body — including the neck, back, hip, knee, shoulder, ankle, foot, wrist, hand, and elbow

• Pelvic floor conditions (such as incontinence, pelvic pain, and postpartum recovery)

• Arthritis management

• Balance concerns and fall prevention

• Neurological and movement disorders (e.g., stroke or Parkinson’s)

• Work-related or repetitive strain injuries

• Recovery and rehabilitation after cancer treatment

• Lymphedema management

• Concussion and mild traumatic brain injury treatments

• Dizziness or vertigo

What to expect in physical therapy

Whether in a clinic or virtually, physical therapy visits begin with a thorough health history and an assessment of your movement, strength, and function. From there, your PT creates a personalized plan designed to restore movement and help you reach your goals. Treatment often includes targeted exercises, stretches, education, and — when appropriate — manual therapy, or guidance on self-mobilization or soft-tissue techniques. Throughout your care, your PT will monitor your progress and adjust your program as needed to keep you moving forward.

Personalized exercise is the signature approach in physical therapy. Completing at-home exercises between visits helps build strength, flexibility, and confidence, supporting steady progress. This active role in recovery is a hallmark of physical therapy, and research shows that personalized, movement-based care leads to lasting improvement and better self-management.

Some virtual PT programs — like Hinge Health — also offer personalized exercise sessions on demand so you can do your exercise therapy on your own whenever you want.

“Physical therapy is all about loading and challenging the tissues for long-term change,” Dr. Morrow explains. Hands-on therapy and education play an important role, but exercise is key, she explains. “Exercise is how you actually rebuild strength and improve your body’s capacity for movement.” 

Physical therapy typically lasts a few weeks to a few months, with most people attending for a set period based on their goals. PT is generally focused on helping you recover and become independent with your exercises, rather than requiring ongoing long-term visits. While a few people may need longer care for ongoing issues, most complete therapy once they can maintain progress on their own.

You can see a physical therapist in person or use a program like Hinge Health, where you may access a PT via telehealth/video visit. 

Chiropractor vs. physical therapist: 3 key differences

While chiropractors and physical therapists often share the same overall goals — helping patients reduce pain, regain mobility, avoid medications or surgery, and get back to their daily activities — they may use different methods to get there. (Learn more about physical therapy goals and chiropractic care goals.) Here’s how their approaches typically differ:

1. Primary treatment

Chiropractors tend to center care on manual techniques (such as spinal or joint adjustments), while physical therapists typically emphasize active, movement-based care like personalized exercises and movement retraining. Both chiropractors and physical therapists may use a mix of approaches. What a session looks like varies by clinician, condition, and setting (including virtual care).

2. Duration of treatment

The length of time you see a chiropractor or physical therapist varies based on your condition, goals, and preferences.

• With chiropractic care, some people choose regular, long-term care for chronic issues or prevention, while others may only need a few sessions for short-term relief.

• With physical therapy, many people get care for a defined period (typically weeks to a few months) to reach goals and become independent with their exercises and continue them at home as needed.

Many virtual PT platforms (including Hinge Health) offer and encourage continuing with guided exercises and progressions to maintain recovery and prevent pain from recurring, with optional check-ins as needed. With Hinge Health, members have the benefit of working closely with a licensed physical therapist via virtual visits and receive a tailored exercise program delivered directly in the app. App-guided exercises and progressions make it easy to stay on track, helping reinforce healthy habits and supporting long-term results.

3. Philosophy

Chiropractors typically believe that pain and health problems often stem from misalignments in the spine or abnormal joint movement. Treatment aims to restore proper alignment. Physical therapists focus on how you move and function, emphasizing that pain is more often related to movement patterns, muscle weakness, or how you use your body.

Many physical therapists emphasize pain education when working with patients. This approach explains that pain is produced by the nervous system and shaped by factors like stress, sleep, mood, beliefs, and expectations — not just by injury or tissue damage. Understanding pain in this way helps people see pain as sensitivity rather than damage, reduce fear, and build confidence to move. Physical therapists often include education about pain along with strategies like graded activity, pacing, and flare-up plans. Some chiropractors incorporate these ideas as well.

Factors in choosing a chiropractor or physical therapist

Best-practice medical guidelines for muscle and joint pain prioritize universally recommend conservative care focused on active approaches to relieve pain, including movement, education, and psychosocial support. Many propose using a toolkit of non-medication approaches, which should include treatments like exercise and physical therapy, and can also include spinal manipulation, acupuncture, massage, stress management, yoga, tai chi, cognitive behavioral and other therapies, and more.

Research shows that seeing either a physical therapist or a chiropractor first for lower back pain reduces healthcare costs and the need for surgeries or strong pain medications.

Your decision might depend on practical things like location, appointment times, insurance coverage, past experiences, or recommendations from others. Some people find that using both approaches — seeing a chiropractor for adjustments and working with a physical therapist for longer-term recovery — can give you the benefits of each.

“If you’ve had a good experience with one or the other, you might start there and fill in the gaps with what you need after that,” says Dr. Morrow. Both approaches can work together in complementary ways, especially for complex musculoskeletal issues, Dr. Morrow explains.

Regardless of provider type, the individual provider’s skill and experience are key for your results. Look for someone who’s licensed (DPT for physical therapists; DC for chiropractors), has experience with your specific issue, and takes the time to listen to you. Reading reviews and making sure you feel comfortable and heard during your visits can help you find the right fit.

Both chiropractors and physical therapists are trained experts committed to helping you move and feel better. The key is finding the right fit for your specific situation, needs, and comfort level — so you can get back to doing what you love, says Dr. Morrow.

PT tip: Come prepared for a successful first visit

“Whether you choose a chiropractor or a physical therapist, it’s important to come prepared,” says Dr. Morrow. She recommends wearing comfortable, flexible clothing, bringing a list of your questions and treatment goals, and being open and honest about your symptoms and progress. “Actively participating and working together with your provider leads to the best outcomes,” Dr. Morrow explains.

How Hinge Health can help you

If you have joint or muscle pain that makes it hard to move, you can get the relief you’ve been looking for with Hinge Health’s online exercise therapy program.

The best part: You don’t have to leave your home because our program is digital. That means you can easily get the care you need through our app when and where it works for you.

Through our program, you’ll have access to therapeutic exercises and stretches for your condition. Additionally, you’ll have a personal care team to guide, support, and tailor our program to you.

See if you qualify for Hinge Health and confirm free coverage through your employer or benefit plan here.

This article and its contents are provided for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or professional services specific to you or your medical condition.

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