Physical Therapy

Chiropractic vs. Physical Therapy

A lot of people get a little confused about the difference between Chiropractic and Physical Therapy. Many also think that Chiropractors and Physical Therapists (PT) do not get along. Dr. Obetz actually started out as a Physical Therapy Assistant in the VA Medical system. He has great experience working along side PT's and is well educated in the differences and similarities of the two professions and how they can work well together to help and individual get well quicker. Dr. Obetz does refer to local PT's, and writes prescriptions as needed.

The main overlap between Chiropractic and Physical Therapy is in the Orthopedic component of care. The majority of Chiropractors do not do things that most people think of when it comes to PT like stroke rehabilitation, in hospital therapy, prosthetic evaluation and training, wound care etc... Both do perform orthopedic evaluation and treatments of exercises, strengthening training, etc... Most PT do not do joint mobilization (high velocity-adjustments) and are not allowed to diagnose. Chiropractors are primary care providers so they are responsible for doing a complete physical examination of a patient and determining the cause of someone's condition. Chiropractors are able to prescribe any additional diagnostic testing necessary including x-rays, blood tests, CT or MRI scan.

Most people get confused about the use of Physical Modalities by both Chiropractors and Physical Therapists. This is the equipment that both professions use such as Electrical Muscle Stimulation, Ultra Sound, Laser therapy, Ice, Heat, Therapeutic Exercises etc... This confusion usually stems from the insurance companies because all of these procedures are billed under Physical Therapy codes (97XXX) while the Chiropractic codes are different using 98XXX codes. The confusion comes from individual policy coverages.

Doctor Obetz does use most of the Physical Modalities based upon his experience in Physical Therapy and Chiropractic as well as his great involvement with sports injuries and acute injuries. Utilizing the physical modalities help speed up the healing process by getting rid of the inflammatory process quicker. Physical modalities help decrease swelling, decrease muscle spasm, decrease pain, and increase range of motion. Modalities used by our doctor are listed below:

EMS-electrical muscle stimulation utilizing High Volt, Interferential, Microcurrent, Alpha Stimulation, and Russian Stimulation to mention a few.
Cold Laser Therapy.
Ultra Sound – Various modes; continuous, pulsed and Combination Therapy of EMS and US.
Neurological bases Taping Techniques – SPRT (Specific Proprioceptive Receptor Taping technique), and Kinesio Taping.
Therapeutic Exercise Programs. Specific and individualized in office and home programs to fit specific needs based upon individual condition. Including but not limited to, flexibility, strength, conditioning as well as balance, agility and coordination programs.

If you have any special questions about your condition, a friend or loved one's condition please feel free to contact our office.