Chiropractic Vs Physical Therapy.

The age old debate PT vs Chiro. Back in the day these professions used to rival each other, however nowadays you can find physical therapists working in chiropractic offices and vice versa. I am sure there is still hostility between the two professions just not as much today. So what even is the difference? Lets Take a look

  • Job Description

  • Education Required

  • Salary

  • Work Setting

JOB DESCRIPTION

Chiropractic Physicians, or Chiropractors, are primary care providers focuses on the relationship between the body’s main structures – the skeleton, the muscles and the nerves – and the patient’s health. The word “chiropractic” means “to be done by hand.”  Chiropractors believe that health can be improved and preserved by using hands-on techniques and making adjustments to structures, particularly to the spinal column. They do not prescribe drugs or perform surgical procedures, although they do refer patients for these services if they are medically indicated.

As per the American Physical Therapy Association, or APTA, Physical therapists (PTs) are movement experts who optimize quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on care, and patient education. Physical therapists teach patients how to prevent or manage their condition so that they will achieve long-term health benefits. PTs examine each individual and develop a plan, using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. In addition, PTs work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.

EDUCATION
Chiropractors must earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree and get a state license. Doctor of Chiropractic programs typically take 4 years to complete and require at least 3 years of undergraduate college education for admission.

Professional (entry-level) pysical therapist education programs in the United States only offer the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree to all new students who enroll. The Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) and Master of Science in Physical Therapy (MSPT) degrees are no longer offered to any new students in the United States. To practice as a physical therapist in the US, you must earn a physical therapist degree from a CAPTE- accredited physical therapist education program and pass a state licensure exam.

SALARY
Chiropractic physician’s salaries vary greatly due to the majority of them being self employed. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, The median annual wage for chiropractors was $68,640 in May 2017. The range for Chiropractors start from ~40k and go up to ~120k. There is actually on ceiling in chiropractic since the majority of patients are seen in a private practice setting. Some Chiropractors bring in well over >250k/yr. There is virtually no cap.

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Physical therapists salaries range on average from 58,000 to 90,000. This also varies a great deal from state to state and from setting to setting. According to the APTA, the average is ~85k. Years of experience also play a great deal in PT’s salaries, most new graduates going into orthopedics can expect to make around 68-72k again depending on state.

WORK SETTING

As previously mentioned, the majority of Chiropractors work in the private sector typically in a clinic/office setting. Most chiropractors work in a solo or group chiropractic practice. A large number are self-employed. Chiropractors can also be found in other settings such as working for the government/VA, working international, working in academia, working in multidisciplinary clinics.

Many of the Physical therapy jobs can be found associated with hospitals. Although many physical therapists practice in hospitals, more than 80 percent practice in:

  • Outpatient clinics or offices

  • Inpatient rehabilitation facilities

  • Skilled nursing, extended care, or subacute facilities

  • Homes

  • Education or research centers

  • Schools

  • Hospices

  • Industrial, workplace, or other occupational environments

  • Fitness centers and sports training facilities

SUMMARY

Which one is better? That is debatable, it comes down to what do you want to do more. You have to take into consideration pay, scope of practice, settings. For example, PT’s can be employed literally in every state and in multiple settings from hospitals to pediatric clinics. Although Chiropractors can be employed in similar settings, there are not quite as many positions/options open for chiropractic. If you like being able to travel, you may consider PT and doing Travel physical therapy. If you tend to be more Independent and want more autonomy, you may consider DC. Physical therapists tend more to be salaried positions where as chiropractors tend more to be self employed so that’s why the salary range is so vast. Which one are you considering and why?

Jean-Paul Parenteau