Ask the Osteo

Movement specialist Wes Tubb proffers strength and comfort advice

- David Bradford

What’s the difference between a physio, an osteopath and a chiropractor? And who should I see about my back pain?

In my opinion, the difference between them isn’t huge. All three professions require extensive training to degree level, which bestows a high level of understanding of how the body works. All three professions are regulated by governing bodies, and students need to have shown clinical competence before graduating; likewise, all have to undertake continued professional development to keep their knowledge and skills up to date.

Chiropractors are known for their joint manipulation, osteopaths for joint articulation, and physiotherapists for exercise prescription, but these methods are not mutually exclusive. Some physios use manipulation, and some chiropractors use joint articulation. No matter what methods they use, all three will do their best to assess your condition, diagnose the problem, try to explain the cause of the problem and then provide treatment to help improve your symptoms and restore health and function.