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Physio, osteo or chiro?

13 replies

onlyconnect · 31/03/2025 20:18

My lower back aches permanently and so do my hips. It feels as if the whole if that part of me is misaligned.
This has been the case for years. I go to Pilates ( which helps my hips a bit) and try lots of different stretches but there’s little improvement.
I have tried a chiropractor before but it didn’t make any difference but maybe a different one would.
Any thoughts please on which would be better to try, a physiotherapist, an osteopath or a chiropractor?

OP posts:
bloodredfeaturewall · 31/03/2025 20:21

physio hands down

and do those exercises.

Bert2e · 31/03/2025 20:26

Physio or osteo

NotMyCircusNotMyProblem · 31/03/2025 20:29

Chiro made no difference to my back and hips. Physio did help but you have to keep doing the exercises to see the improvement.

I now just have a sports massage every 6 weeks to keep me in working order (I still do the exercises physio suggested though)

Garman · 31/03/2025 20:32

Physio or osteopath, never a chiropractor. Even a deep tissue massage might help but I found osteopath and massage combo fantastic for this.

RightThenFred · 31/03/2025 20:34

Definitely osteo. If you feel things are misaligned then osteo sounds absolutely right. They know how all the bones, muscles and nerves work together, they can spot anything even slightly off, and fix it pretty quick.

HiCandles · 31/03/2025 20:35

Physio definitely. And be enthusiastic about the exercises.
I saw an osteopath once, as so many people recommend it. Literally did nothing other than gently rest my head sideways or press on my shoulders. Would then ask does that feel better now? Er all you've done is press with a finger on my skin for 5s whilst using overly complicated anatomical language so no, the muscle pain I'm feeling from overuse isn't going to have changed is it?!

Remember that poor chap killed by a chiropractor too
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-50397867@

John Lawler

Chiropractor tells inquest patient's death was 'rare and unusual'

A chiropractor says her patient John Lawler becoming unresponsive left her in a "state of panic".

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-50397867

Purplefoalfoot · 31/03/2025 20:37

A chiropractor put me in hospital

physio all the way!

onlyconnect · 31/03/2025 20:56

Thank you all. I’ll find a physio and I will definitely do the exercises.

OP posts:
Gundogday · 31/03/2025 21:01

RightThenFred · 31/03/2025 20:34

Definitely osteo. If you feel things are misaligned then osteo sounds absolutely right. They know how all the bones, muscles and nerves work together, they can spot anything even slightly off, and fix it pretty quick.

This.

OttersAreMySpiritAnimal · 31/03/2025 21:08

If you are in your 40s just bear in mind that aching joints is a sign of peri menopause. It's been my worst symptom.

Tronkmanton · 31/03/2025 21:20

I would just go to your GP, explain the issue and see what they say. They will then treat as appropriate for free. As far as I’m aware and in my limited experience, physios can’t diagnose. Our GP would refer to a musculoskeletal specialist who then determines the issue and refers on to physio if required.

garlictwist · 31/03/2025 21:21

What’s the difference between an osteopath and a chiropractor?

RightThenFred · 31/03/2025 21:48

garlictwist · 31/03/2025 21:21

What’s the difference between an osteopath and a chiropractor?

To be honest I've never truly understood this. Google doesn't really help - the descriptions are very similar. All I know is, going to the osteopath is something that works in one sitting. I've never been to a chiropractor but from what I've heard, they tend to be a bit more woo-woo (like, spiritual quotes on the walls) and it's classed as an alternative medicine for some reason.

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