If you’ve ever struggled with back pain, a sports injury, or a stiff neck, you’ve probably wondered whether you should see a chiropractor or a physiotherapist. At first glance, they can seem very similar. Both are regulated healthcare professionals in the UK, and both treat conditions affecting the muscles, joints, and nervous system.
Training and Regulation
Here’s how their training and regulation compare:
- Physiotherapists register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Their degree usually takes three to four years.
- Chiropractors are regulated by the General Chiropractic Council (GCC). Their training typically lasts four to five years.
- After qualifying, both must complete continuing professional development (CPD) to remain on the register.
What They Treat
There’s a lot of overlap in the conditions each profession helps with. You might see either for back or neck pain, arthritis, muscular conditions, trapped nerves, or sports injuries.
Physiotherapists, however, often branch out into other areas of healthcare—such as respiratory therapy, neurological rehab, or cardiovascular care. Chiropractors, by contrast, stay more focused on the musculoskeletal system.
Treatment Approaches
This is where patients tend to notice the biggest difference.
Physiotherapy is widely available on the NHS, usually after a GP referral, and also accessible privately. Chiropractic care, however, is mostly private, as NHS provision is limited.
When it comes to style, physiotherapists often emphasise exercise, movement, and rehabilitation, sometimes supported by manual therapy. Chiropractors are generally more hands-on from the outset and are often associated with spinal and joint manipulation.
Common Misconceptions
Thanks to social media, many people assume chiropractic care is nothing more than dramatic “clicks” and “cracks.” While those videos may grab attention, they don’t tell the full story—especially in the UK, where practice standards differ from what you see online.
In reality, chiropractic care can include soft tissue techniques like massage and trigger point therapy, acupuncture, rehabilitation exercises, and even modern technologies such as laser therapy, shockwave treatment, and musculoskeletal ultrasound.
In my own practice, I combine these approaches, tailoring treatment to each patient’s needs. I’ve also written another post—“What is Chiropractic Really?“—where I dive deeper into why chiropractic is much more than joint manipulation.
Which Should You Choose?
The right choice depends on your situation. If you want structured rehabilitation or NHS access, physiotherapy may be the better option. If you prefer a more hands-on, integrated approach, chiropractic could be the right fit.
If you do choose to go down the chiropractic route then there are some key things that I advise you to consider, the most important one being which professional association your chiropractor belongs to. This might seem silly but as I have outlined in my other post there is a huge diversity in style and professional ethos within the chiropractic profession which is problematic. My recommendation? BCA registered chiropractors.
Ultimately, the most important thing is finding a qualified professional you trust—someone who takes the time to listen, understands your needs, and supports you on your journey to recovery. As always, if you feel this is not the case then that professional is simply not for you. It’s not necessarily that chiropractic/physiotherapy in general is not for you because remember, there is the good and bad in every profession.
FAQ
- What is the difference between chiropractors and physiotherapists in the UK?
Physiotherapists usually lean more towards exercise programmes that focus on mobility and strengthening. Chiropractors, on the other hand, tend to be more hands-on in their approach. Both are regulated professions in the UK. - Should I see a physiotherapist or a chiropractor for back pain?
That depends on your preferred method of treatment. Do you want an exercise-based programme, or a more hands-on approach? You should also consider whether you’re looking for NHS care or are happy to go private. - Is chiropractic available on the NHS in the UK?
Chiropractic is not widely available on the NHS. Most chiropractic care in the UK is accessed privately. - Do chiropractors only do spinal manipulation?
They shouldn’t. Chiropractic care can include soft tissue techniques such as massage, trigger point therapy, and stretching, alongside joint manipulation. Many chiropractors also use acupuncture, laser therapy, or shockwave therapy depending on the complaint. While some practitioners focus mainly on manipulation, others take a more holistic approach—which is why choosing the right chiropractor matters. - Which is better: physiotherapy or chiropractic?
Neither is “better” overall. It depends on your condition and your personal preferences. Like any profession, there are good and bad examples in both fields. Doing your research is key.
“At the end of the day, the best choice is the one that feels right for you. If you’d like to dive deeper into what chiropractic is (and isn’t), check out my post “what is chiropractic really?”.
