When you’re in pain and looking for a more natural, non-invasive option for relief, you might wonder whether chiropractic or physiotherapy is the better fit. Both can support comfort and function, but they do it in different ways.
At Back & Body Wellness Centre in Surrey, the first step is usually not picking a service. It’s a comprehensive assessment, followed by a plan built around what your body needs most. Many people benefit from a combination of chiropractic and physiotherapy, coordinated by one team under one roof.
The Core Differences in Treatment Philosophy
Chiropractic care focuses on how the spine and joints move, and how that movement may influence the nervous system and overall function. Adjustments and manual techniques aim to improve joint mobility and support healthier movement patterns.
Physiotherapy focuses on strength, flexibility, and functional movement. It often includes hands-on care, education, and guided exercises that support recovery, especially after injury or surgery. While chiropractic can improve joint motion, physiotherapy can build muscular support and movement habits that help you maintain those changes over time.
Spine-centred care vs. full-body rehabilitation
The spine matters, but movement is a whole-body job. In many cases, addressing the full picture can be important for longer-term progress. Lower back pain, for example, may involve more than one factor, including core endurance, hip mobility, or foot mechanics. Your plan may include chiropractic care to improve joint mobility, along with active rehabilitation, kinesiology, or other support to help you move well over time.
Common Conditions Treated by Each Discipline
Both chiropractic and physiotherapy can address many of the same concerns, but the approach and starting point may differ based on your assessment. Our clinic commonly sees patients for concerns such as:
- Back pain and neck pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Sciatica and radiating nerve pain
- Shoulder pain and rotator cuff injuries
- Hip pain and knee pain
- Ankle sprains and foot pain
- Sports injuries and overuse strain
- Workplace injuries and repetitive strain
- Motor vehicle accident injuries
- Postural strain and mobility limitations
- Post-surgical rehabilitation support
- Pelvic floor physiotherapy concerns, including pregnancy and postpartum support
Your provider may recommend chiropractic care, physiotherapy, or a combination of both, based on your goals, comfort level, and the factors contributing to your symptoms.
When both therapies work best together
Some situations benefit from coordinated care. After motor vehicle accidents, people may use chiropractic care to support spinal and joint mobility, while physiotherapy helps rebuild strength and range of motion. Ongoing low back pain may also respond well when joint-focused care is paired with exercise-based support for the core and hips.
How Back & Body Wellness Centre Combines Therapies for Holistic Relief
Because multiple practitioners work together, your plan can be adjusted as you progress. Depending on pain levels and injury type, some people begin with supportive services such as massage therapy, acupuncture, or laser therapy, then add chiropractic care and physiotherapy exercises when appropriate. The focus is not only on short-term relief, but also on improving function and lowering the chance of recurrence.
Here’s what you can expect during the intake process:
- Initial assessment: A detailed history and physical exam to understand what is driving your symptoms
- Clear recommendations: A care plan that may include chiropractic, physiotherapy, or both
- Coordinated care: Your team collaborates across services so your plan stays aligned
- Progress checks: Recommendations evolve based on how you respond and what your goals are
Our practice has served Surrey families since 2004, with direct billing available for ICBC and WorkSafeBC.
Book a Comprehensive Assessment
Not sure where to start? A comprehensive assessment can clarify what’s contributing to your symptoms and which combination of services best fits your needs.
If you’re ready to discover which approach is right for you, contact us today at (604) 594-3808 to book your assessment.