What does a naprapath do and what does a chiropractor do? It is a question that often comes up both by patients and by other interested parties. Many people say that naprapaths work more with the soft tissues throughout the body and chiropractors work with the back and joints. But it’s not that simple. Most naprapaths and chiropractors work with both problems with soft tissue and problems with the back. Both naprapaths and chiropractors also often choose to specialize in different areas after their undergraduate studies, which can lead to similar knowledge and treatment methods. In this blog we will go through what a naprapath and a chiropractor do and what treatments they perform. We will also go through the differences and similarities between the two professions. Let’s start by going over what a naprapath does!
What does a naprapath do?
A naprapath works to treat and prevent dysfunctions and pain conditions throughout the body. Through, among other things, orthopedic tests, naprapaths examine the body’s muscles and joints to find the cause of the problem that the patient has. Like a chiropractor, a naprapath works primarily with his hands as tools. Common treatments in a naprapath are adjustment of joints and muscles techniques. Creating optimal function in muscles and joints is central to naprapathy.
These are commonly used treatments in a naprapath: Mobilization, joint adjustment, dry needling, rehab exercises and trigger point treatment. With us at Pronatos you will find a revolutionary treatment method for the treatment of Functional Hallux limitus and other foot problems.
What does a chiropractor do?
A chiropractor examines the spine and joints to diagnose the patient’s ailments. It can be anything from injuries to changes in movement patterns. If you have problems such as back pain, shoulder problems or neck pain, you usually seek out a chiropractor. But you can also have pain in other parts of the body that are related to back problems. Many times when you have a lock in the back, you get pain in other parts of the body that become overworked to tense up or move in an incorrect movement pattern.
The treatments of the chiropractor are done with the hands where the chiropractor works to adjust joints to restore mobility in the body. Which in turn leads to muscle relaxation and reduced pain. Chiropractors can also work for preventive purposes as well as with muscle treatments. Muscle treatments are done through, for example, massage or stretches.
Difference Between Naprapath and Chiropractor
There are both differences and similarities between a naprapath and a chiropractor. Both work to help people with problems that cause pain or hinder the mechanics of movement in the body. Both naprapaths and chiropractors work primarily with their hands as tools. Sometimes electro-medicine is also used in the treatment sheep to speed up the healing process.
The main difference between a naprapath and a chiropractor is that a naprapath works more with soft tissues and focuses on the whole body. A chiropractor instead works with problems related to the spine. Which can lead to pain in different parts of the body that they can also treat but the root cause is a lock or injury in the back.
Naprapaths and chiropractors both have their foundation from education but in most cases they continue to educate themselves which means that they can often help with many different problems. This is very positive as the patient does not have to be moved around among different specialists to get the care they need. It also makes it difficult to say exactly what separates them both as both a naprapath and a chiropractor may have trained in the same subject after their degree. Examples of treatments that both naprapaths and chiropractors usually train in are acupuncture.
What should you choose?
When it comes to choosing the right therapist, it is primarily about what problems you have. Many chiropractors and naprapaths specialize in various fields. So when you look around, it is important that you read the respective website and reviews to see that they can help you with your particular problems. Hearing with acquaintances who they have gone to can also be good to do. If you feel unsure, you can also call the clinic to get a better picture of what treatments are being done and if it would suit your problems. The way the therapist treats can vary greatly, some focus solely on massage while others are solely involved in manipulation. So read up on the clinic before you book your appointment.
Prevent injuries and problems with training and ergonomics
Training and proper ergonomics can help prevent injuries. Many people have very sedentary jobs, which can negatively affect health. Having good posture and taking short breaks is the key to good ergonomics at work. Vary between a sitting and a standing working position. Everyday exercise is also incredibly important for our body to stay healthy.
If you have received exercises from your naprapath or chiropractor, it is important that you continue with them. They will help you strengthen your muscles and prevent the problems from recurring. When you come to us at Pronatos and get treatment, it is important that after your treatment you practice walking correctly. Before when you have had problems in your feet, you have developed a wrong gait and you then have to learn to walk correctly again on your feet. This is done through home exercises that the patient receives.
Summary
So how come both have so many similarities? Yes, it is not really that strange as both forms of treatment work to treat and prevent injuries and disturbances in the movement pattern and restore optimal function in the body. Most often they specialize in various areas of treatment. So when you are going to choose naprapath or chiropractor, we recommend that you read up well on their website so they can help you in the best way.