Can I See A Chiropractor and Physical Therapist At The Same Time?
Wondering if it’s okay to see a chiropractor and physical therapist at the same time? Keep reading this blog. There might come a time when you find yourself in physical pain. This can be related to age, or an injury you’ve sustained through a variety of methods. This is when you may think of consulting a chiropractor or a physical therapist, or both. But there’s a question of whether you can consult both at the same time.
PRO TIP: Read this post: is chiropractic care the same as physical therapy?
Should You See Both A Chiropractor & Physical Therapist Simultaneously?
There is a quick answer. Yes, it’s fine to see a chiropractor and a physical therapist at the same time. It’s important to know when you should see both, and which you should see first. Both may seem like they serve the exact same needs. They indeed focus on rehabilitating the patient so they can resume their lives. But the two serve slightly different purposes for the same goal.
Do Chiropractors and Physical Therapists Do the Same Thing?
The chiropractor and physical therapist have the same goal of helping their patients heal faster. But both treat them using different methods.
PRO TIP: Read our post entitled is physical therapy more effective than chiropractic care?
Visiting Your Local Chiropractor
The chiropractor focuses on spinal and neurological health for the patient. They’re trained with and have the tools necessary to diagnose spinal issues. The chiropractor will be more concerned with restoring functional movement of the spine. This will make sure a person’s back is in proper alignment. They’ll also find ways to strengthen the surrounding muscles. This will help to not only heal the patient’s spine, but prevent future injuries.
By preventing future injury, a chiropractor can be seen even if one doesn’t have a current issue. They can provide adjustments to make sure a patient’s spine and nervous system continue working properly. Prevention is a better idea before waiting to see a chiropractor when an issue arises.
PRO TIP: Read our post is chiropractic care really helpful?
Seeing A Physical Therapist
The physical therapist is more concerned with physical issues. Their goal is to repair and strengthen muscle movements, and their functions and balance. This can involve the shoulders, knees, and ankles. Physical therapists can also help treat patients with chronic issues or illnesses. Some issues are more severe than others. How long a patient will have to spend their time to see a physical therapist will depend on that severity.
The physical therapist will assign light and appropriate exercises for the patient to help with treatment. In more severe cases, the therapist will be present for the exercise sessions. These will help the patient get back on their feet more quickly.
Chiropractors & Physical Therapists Are Available In Specialized Clinics & Hospitals
Chiropractors and physical therapists tend to be available in similar locations. Both can be seen in specialized clinics and hospitals. They can even visit the home to provide direct care to the patient. Telehealth has also become more common in recent years, after the Covid-19 pandemic. Chiropractors and physical therapists can be reached over the phone or through video call. But they’ll need to see the patient directly depending on the injury, and its severity.
Which Medical Professional Should I See First?
The chiropractor and physical therapist can be seen at the same time. But which one the patient should visit first depends on their injury. If the issue is spinal or neurological, the chiropractor should be seen. But the physical therapist should be a priority for a physical injury. Your doctor or primary care provider will give you a recommendation if you’re not sure.
Chiropractors Can Get Fast Results & PT Strengthens Muscles
Chiropractors are known for getting fast results. If a patient needs instant relief, the chiropractor should be seen first. The physical therapist can be seen afterward with the rehabilitation process. Good physical therapy can strengthen the muscles, preventing the future need for chiropractors.
Don’t Wait Too Long To Decide Who To See
In either case, it’s best not to wait too long to decide. Waiting until the pain gets more intense could worsen the injuries. This will increase the chance for stronger therapy from a chiropractor and physical therapist. It can also increase the chance of a patient needing to see both.
Many Clinics Provide Both Chiropractic & Physical Therapy Services
Many clinics offer both services within the same facility. For example, and if you are located in New Jersey, Active Sport & Spine Therapy is one such clinic. They provide comprehensive health and wellness services. This includes chiropractic care, physical therapy and sports medicine and sports physical therapy.
How Can A Chiropractor And Physical Therapist Work Together?
Some spinal injuries and issues can contribute to other pain, and vice versa. This is when the chiropractor and physical therapist will need to work together. Both can work towards rehabilitation for the patient as quickly as possible.
Treating spinal injuries when or before they arise can prevent the need for a physical therapist. Treating physical injuries has another positive trait. This can prevent the need for a chiropractor to examine the spine or other neurological functions. This is a form of preventative therapy. But both will be necessary to treat a patient in cases of severe injury or joint pain.
When Is It Best to See Both Chiropractor & Physical Therapist At The Same Time?
If the spinal pain is severe enough, it could impact the physical functions of a patient. On the same note, physical injuries can lead to back pain and issues with other neurological functions. This is when the chiropractor and physical therapist will need to be seen at the same time.
Consider This Example
A patient with severe back pain will need to see both. The chiropractor will first provide adjustments to remove pressure from the neck and cervical spine. They’ll then need to see a physical therapist to improve their posture. Such procedures will help a patient heal, and prevent them from sustaining future injuries too quickly.
Knee Pain Is Another Example
Knee pain is another example where a patient can use both a chiropractor and physical therapist. Knee injuries are common, particularly through accidents. The chiropractor can reduce discomfort in the knee by removing inflammation. The physical therapist can then assign the patient to an exercise program to strengthen the knee. This will help stabilize the joint to help prevent future injuries.
Seeing a chiropractor and physical therapist at the same time is worthwhile for more injuries. These can involve sports injuries for those of any age. Those in an auto accident can also use both. Others who have arthritis or simply need corrective care can also see both. The benefits of seeing both can be even stronger when the chiropractor and physical therapist are in the same location.
If An Injury Is Severe
Some injuries can be severe enough that they can impair a person’s daily life. This patient will need the chiropractor and physical therapist to restore them to full health. They will then need time to heal, with some restoration processes being longer than others. It takes about four weeks for both the chiropractor and physical therapist to finish with patients. For others with more severe injuries, this can go up to six weeks. The muscles the person injured shouldn’t be used for 24 to 48 hours after treatment for fear of re-aggravating them.
Conclusion: Can I See a Chiropractor and Physical Therapist at the Same Time?
Any person should feel free to see the chiropractor and physical therapist together if they need them. If they do, they’re doing themselves a disservice by not seeing both as quickly as possible. Chiropractors can treat pain or injury instantly. It’s then the physical therapist’s job to get the patient back on their feet, perhaps literally. But their work will take time. Some injuries require more than a month’s work to heal. Then, resting the injured muscles afterward is needed. It wouldn’t be ideal for anyone involved if a person injured the same muscles yet again. It’s not only fine to see a chiropractor and physical therapist at the same time, it’s encouraged.
Choose Active Sport & Spine Therapy For Chiropractic Care & Physical Therapy Services
Choose Active Sport & Spine Therapy of Little Falls New Jersey if you are seeking a top notch chiropractor and physical therapy clinic in Passaic County. They service many locations and provide tailored solutions based on your condition and specific needs. Learn more about the team and the location of Active Sport & Spine and give them a call!
We hope that you now have the answer to your original question – can I see a chiropractor and physical therapist at the same time and we wish you all the best.
