Understanding Osteopathy versus Physiotherapy
Osteopathy vs Physiotherapy- What’s the difference?
Many clients new to Osteopathy will wonder what the difference is between an Osteopath and a Physiotherapist. The answer to this is broad and can vary greatly depending on the individual practitioners in each field. Both modalities are very similar in the wide range of conditions they can treat, it is the difference in philosophy, principles and techniques that set each modality apart from one another.
Osteopathy
Osteopathy was founded by Dr. Andrew Taylor still in 1874 and is based on 4 key principles:
The body is a unit.
Structure and function are reciprocally interrelated.
The body has its own self-healing mechanisms.
Rational treatment is based on the first three principles.
Osteopathy is a non-invasive form of manual therapy that aims to improve the health of all the body systems. Osteopaths adopt a whole-body approach to diagnosis, management and treatment of many acute and chronic conditions. They utilise a range of hands-on Osteopathic techniques to achieve and promote health in the body and take a holistic approach to the treatment and management of your injury and symptoms.
Physiotherap
Physiotherapy was founded in 1813 by Per Henrik Ling who founded the Royal Central Institute of Gymnastics and advocated for the use of massage, manipulation and exercise.
Physiotherapy helps individuals that have an injury, disability, or illness through the use of physical techniques to improve movement and quality of life. Physiotherapists diagnose and manage a broad range of conditions and often work with clients in hospital settings to help manage chronic diseases, give lifestyle advice, prescribe exercises and aids to help people manage their pain or condition better.
Osteopathy and Physiotherapy
Osteopaths and Physiotherapists both incorporate manual therapy and exercise prescription into their treatment. However the range of skills and techniques used will vary. Osteopaths will utilise techniques such as: joint articulation, soft tissue massage, dry needling, muscle energy technique, joint manipulation and mobilisation, strain-counter strain, balance ligamentous tension, cranial and visceral techniques plus more. Physiotherapists will utilise therapeutic massage, joint mobilisation, hydrotherapy, taping, ultrasound and pain education.
To distinguish the two professions it is commonly believed that osteopaths will utilise more hands on manual treatment with a small amount of time spent on exercise and mobility prescription. Physiotherapists however will do less hands on manual therapy and will spend most of their time on exercise prescription.
Training and Education
Both Osteopathy and Physiotherapy require undergraduate degrees at university. Physiotherapy is a 4-year degree and Osteopathy is either 4.5 or 5 years. Both degrees cover similar topics including but not limited to: anatomy, biomechanics, physiology and pathology. Both courses require practical training, with Osteopathy placements often being held at private practice clinics and Physiotherapist often completing placements in a hospital setting.
This often means, after finishing studying Osteopaths are better equipped for private practice as a new graduate. Where as, a physiotherapist may need further training from an experienced clinician to be able to provide great care in a private practice setting.
Both Osteopaths and Physiotherapist are registered with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation of Australia (AHPRA) and have specific requirements each year for continued professional development.
Osteopathy
A more hands-on approach
Dominated with manual therapy & provide exercises for the patient to complete at home
Treat the body as a whole
Physiotherapy
A strong focus on exercise-based management
Exercise is a key component of treatment
Area specific
It is of course important to reiterate that this is a very broad overview and each individual practitioner in either field will vary greatly. If you would like to know more, please call us on +61 0405 640 786.