Back pain after a long day at work? Ongoing discomfort with no clear cause? Wondering whether to see a physiotherapist or an osteopath? This hesitation is perfectly normal!
While both of these healthcare professions use hands-on techniques and aim to improve your well-being, they each have their own particularities and approach. Here’s a practical guide to help you make an informed choice.
Physiotherapy: to rehabilitate, prevent and strengthen
Physiotherapy focuses on rehabilitation, injury prevention, and physical strengthening. Regulated by the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec (OPPQ), this approach aims to relieve pain, improve mobility, and optimize your physical capabilities. It is suitable for people of all ages, both for recovery and prevention.
When should you see a physiotherapist?
- Musculoskeletal pain (back, neck, knees, shoulders, etc.)
- Sports injuries
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Postural or balance issues
- Chronic pain
- Support during pregnancy and post-partum recovery (pelvic and perineal rehabilitation)
- And much more!
What to expect from a physiotherapy treatment?
Your physiotherapist will begin with a full evaluation of your condition and propose a personalized treatment plan, which may include:
- Manual therapy
- Exercise program
- Electrotherapy
- Hot or cold therapy
Physiotherapists are primary care professionals, meaning you don’t need a doctor’s referral to book an appointment. The majority of insurance providers cover physiotherapy without a prescription, but we recommend checking with your insurer, as some companies still require it.
👉 Learn more: Why consult a physiotherapist?
Osteopathy: a holistic approach to rebalancing the body
Osteopathy takes a holistic approach to health. Using gentle, hands-on techniques, the goal is to restore your body’s natural balance by considering all aspects of your person.
Who can benefit from osteopathy?
Osteopathy is suitable for individuals of all ages and can support various needs, including:
- Newborns and children
- Teens and adults
- Pregnant women and postnatal care
- Seniors
- Athletes
- People recovering from illness or injury
What happens during an osteopathic treatment?
An osteopath will conduct a thorough and holistic assessment of your situation and develop a personalized care plan. Each session involves gentle and precise manual mobilizations tailored to your individual needs.
Physiotherapy or osteopathy: a guide to help you choose
Still unsure? Here’s a simple comparison to help you decide:
Choose physiotherapy if:
- You have a specific injury (e.g., ankle sprain, shoulder tendinitis, lower back strain, concussion);
- You’re experiencing musculoskeletal pain (e.g., back, neck, knees);
- You’re recovering from surgery and need rehabilitation;
- You want a targeted strengthening program;
- You’re looking to prevent sports-related injuries;
- You want to improve posture or address imbalances;
- You need condition-specific exercises (e.g., aging, chronic illness);
- You are pregnant or need postnatal follow-up care.
Choose osteopathy if:
- You prefer a holistic approach that considers the entire body
- You’re looking for preventive care (e.g., pediatric, prenatal, aging support)
- You want to improve overall well-being
- You have discomfort in the neck, head, back, or abdomen
- You struggle with sleep issues
Both approaches can help if:
- You’ve been living with persistent discomfort
- You want to enhance your athletic performance
- You’re seeking comprehensive preventive care
- Your condition could benefit from both rehabilitation and whole-body rebalancing.
Important: These two approaches aren’t mutually exclusive, they’re complimentary. In many cases, combining physiotherapy and osteopathy can be especially beneficial.
At Ekinox, we help you find the right solution
Ultimately, the key is building a relationship of trust with your therapist. At Ekinox, our interdisciplinary team works closely together to provide the most suitable care. Our physiotherapists and osteopaths regularly collaborate and will refer you to the right professional depending on your progress and needs.
Still unsure which path to take? Our reception team is here to help! When you call, they’ll take the time to understand your situation and guide you toward the most appropriate care.
👉 Book an appointment today or call us to discuss your needs. Your well-being is our top priority!
