Different philosophies, different strengths, and why we believe finding the right team matters more than choosing one profession over another.
Should you see a chiropractor or a physiotherapist?
It's a question we hear regularly, particularly from people experiencing back pain, sporting injuries or recurring discomfort during exercise.
And while chiropractic and physiotherapy are often grouped together, we believe they're fundamentally different professions, even though some of their treatments overlap.
At Nomad Chiropractic, our focus is the relationship between your spine, nervous system and the communication between your brain and body.
We also have enormous respect for physiotherapists, exercise physiologists and strength and conditioning coaches. We work collaboratively with these professionals because we believe each brings something different, and valuable, to the table.
For us, it isn't about which profession is better. It's about understanding what each does and finding the right people to support your needs.
What Makes Chiropractic Different?
For us, chiropractic starts with the nervous system.
Your brain and body are constantly communicating. Sensory receptors throughout your muscles and joints provide information about movement, position and physical demands. Your nervous system processes that information and coordinates how your body responds.
Your spine plays an important role in this communication.
We believe healthy spinal function is an important part of supporting comfortable movement, coordination and your body's ability to adapt to everyday physical demands.
Chiropractic has traditionally described altered spinal function as potentially contributing to nerve interference. At Nomad, we're interested in the modern neurological understanding of this concept: how spinal movement, joint dysfunction and sensory input influence the information your nervous system receives.
Research by chiropractor and neuroscientist Dr Heidi Haavik and colleagues has demonstrated measurable changes in aspects of sensory processing and motor control following spinal manipulation.
Although research hasn't established that adjustments accelerate healing throughout the body, it gives us an interesting perspective on why spinal function matters beyond simply where something hurts.
Our philosophy is that the body has an extraordinary innate capacity to adapt, regulate and repair itself. We want to support the musculoskeletal and neurological functions involved in those processes.
What About Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy brings a different perspective, particularly when it comes to injury-specific rehabilitation.
A physiotherapist might assess an injured tendon, develop a strengthening programme following surgery or work extensively on muscular function, movement limitations and progressive loading.
Some physiotherapists also incorporate massage, fascial release, dry needling, laser therapy or ultrasound, depending on their training and the condition being treated. The evidence for these techniques varies, and not every physiotherapist uses them.
At Nomad, we can also provide soft tissue treatment, but it's generally a smaller component of our care. Our primary emphasis remains spinal and joint function, chiropractic adjustments and the relationship between movement and the nervous system.
We aren't trying to replicate physiotherapy. We value what physiotherapists do, and we believe chiropractic brings its own perspective.
Not All Chiropractors Practise the Same Way
This is something we think patients should understand. Not all chiropractors have the same philosophy, and the way they assess and treat you can be remarkably different.
A chiropractor's approach depends on their education, postgraduate training, clinical experience, preferred techniques and personal philosophy.
Some sports chiropractors take a predominantly musculoskeletal or mechanistic approach, focusing on the structures involved in an injury, such as muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments. You may even hear the informal term "physiopractor" used to describe chiropractors whose clinical approach closely resembles physiotherapy.
Others practise from a more vitalistic or integrative philosophy, placing greater emphasis on the relationship between the brain, nervous system and the body's innate capacity to regulate, adapt and heal.
Mechanistic vs Vitalistic: Two Different Ways of Looking at the Body
Imagine you visit a practitioner because your shoulder hurts.
A predominantly mechanistic approach might focus on the shoulder itself. Which muscles or tendons are irritated? Is there a restriction in joint movement? Does the rotator cuff need strengthening? Would soft tissue treatment or rehabilitation help?
These are all valuable questions.
A chiropractor with a vitalistic or integrative philosophy may ask those same questions, but also look more broadly at how your body is functioning.
Could your cervical or thoracic spine be contributing? Are there changes in spinal movement or sensory input? Is your nervous system coordinating movement effectively? Are there other patterns of dysfunction that warrant assessment?
Depending on their training and techniques, some chiropractors may also explore proposed relationships involving fascial connections, spinal subluxation patterns, muscle testing or traditional meridian systems, including associations between particular muscles and organs.
For example, certain Applied Kinesiology approaches consider relationships between muscles and traditional organ meridians. These are technique-specific models rather than established explanations of shoulder pain, and they shouldn't replace appropriate musculoskeletal or neurological assessment.
The difference is in the lens through which the practitioner views the problem. One approach may focus primarily on the painful structure, while another explores how that symptom fits into the function of the body as a whole.
Different Techniques, Similar Philosophies
Chiropractors practising Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT), Advanced BioStructural Correction (ABC), Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP), Thompson Technique, Applied Kinesiology (AK), Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) or Functional Neurology (just to name a few) may all approach assessment and treatment differently. These are all systems of analysis, protocols for us to follow, which are all born out of a similar knowledge tank. However, many practitioners using these approaches share an interest in the relationship between spinal function, sensory information, the nervous system and the body's ability to adapt.
At Nomad, we use several chiropractic techniques, including Diversified, SOT, Thompson Drop and Activator, selecting our approach according to the individual.
Our philosophy is strongly influenced by the relationship between brain and body. We believe the body has an extraordinary innate capacity for adaptation and repair, and we're interested in how spinal function and neurological communication contribute to movement and musculoskeletal health.
That doesn't mean every symptom originates in the spine, or that adjustments have been proven to influence every healing process. It means we look beyond the immediate painful area when considering the person in front of us.
We don't believe every chiropractor needs to practise as we do, and we certainly don't believe every patient needs the same adjustment.
What matters is understanding the philosophy behind your care, the training supporting it and whether that approach resonates with you.
Ultimately, finding the right practitioner is about more than their professional title. It's about finding someone whose expertise, philosophy and approach align with your individual needs and goals.We Believe in Working as a Team
One thing we've always felt strongly about at Nomad is that no single profession needs to do everything.
Imagine someone returning to the gym after a lower back injury.
Their physiotherapist might help them rehabilitate an injured structure or rebuild strength through a structured programme. An exercise physiologist might develop a comprehensive exercise plan to improve physical capacity.
A strength and conditioning coach may then work with them regularly, observing their technique, correcting movements, monitoring fatigue and knowing when they're ready to increase their training loads.
That ongoing, hands-on coaching can be incredibly valuable.
Meanwhile, their chiropractor may focus on spinal and joint function, musculoskeletal symptoms and movement-related neurological findings.
Of course, there's overlap between these roles, and the exact care depends on the practitioner.
At Nomad, we also give exercise advice, movement-based homecare and rehabilitation where appropriate. But we recognise that someone working alongside you session after session has an opportunity to observe and progress your training in a way that a typical chiropractic appointment doesn't.
We don't need to do everything ourselves. We want our patients to have access to the right expertise, from the right people, at the right time.
What Does This Look Like at Nomad Chiropractic?
When you visit Nomad, we want to understand more than the area that's painful.
We consider your spinal and joint movement, neurological findings, relevant muscular function, previous injuries, daily activities and personal goals.
Chiropractic adjustments are central to our approach, alongside selected soft tissue techniques, exercise advice and homecare.
We're particularly interested in the relationship between your spine, nervous system and movement, and how we can help manage musculoskeletal complaints while supporting comfortable function.
And when you would benefit from more extensive injury rehabilitation, structured exercise programming or specialist care, we're happy to work collaboratively or refer you to an appropriate professional.
So, Who Should You See?
We don't think there's one answer that suits everyone.
You might benefit most from a chiropractor, a physiotherapist, an exercise physiologist or a strength coach. Sometimes, you'll benefit from several professionals working together.
Even within chiropractic, two practitioners may have very different training, techniques and philosophies.
So our advice is simple: do your research.
Look at their qualifications and postgraduate education. Ask what their approach involves, how they assess patients and what they're hoping to achieve through treatment. Find practitioners who listen, explain their reasoning and understand your goals.
At Nomad Chiropractic in Mosman, we're confident in our neurological philosophy and the contribution chiropractic can make to musculoskeletal healthcare. We're equally comfortable recognising that other professionals bring knowledge and skills we value.
Because we don't believe good healthcare is about one profession trying to do everything. It's about finding the people whose expertise, philosophy and approach are right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What's the Main Difference Between Chiropractic and Physiotherapy?
Chiropractic and physiotherapy are distinct professions, although their treatment methods overlap. At Nomad, our chiropractic philosophy is vitalistic and integrative and emphasises spinal function, the nervous system and brain–body communication. Physiotherapy is a mechanistic approach and commonly incorporates injury-specific rehabilitation, strengthening and movement-based treatment. Individual practitioners within both professions may have different areas of expertise.
2. Does Chiropractic Focus on the Nervous System?
Yes. The relationship between spinal function and the nervous system is central to our approach at Nomad. Research demonstrates that spinal manipulation can influence aspects of sensory processing and motor control. However, these findings don't establish that adjustments directly accelerate tissue healing or treat all health conditions.
3. Do Chiropractors Give Rehabilitation Exercises?
Yes. At Nomad, we provide movement advice, homecare and rehabilitation exercises when appropriate. However, more extensive strengthening programmes, technique coaching and progressive exercise loading may benefit from the additional expertise of a physiotherapist, exercise physiologist or strength and conditioning coach.
4. Do All Chiropractors Have the Same Philosophy?
No. Chiropractic approaches can differ considerably depending on education, postgraduate training, techniques and clinical philosophy. Some chiropractors emphasise the mechanistic side of sports rehabilitation and soft tissue treatment, while others place greater emphasis on the nervous system and a vitalistic approach with spinal adjustments and neurological function. It's worth researching the individual practitioner before choosing care.
5. Can I See a Chiropractor and Physiotherapist at the Same Time?
Absolutely. We value collaboration between chiropractors, physiotherapists, exercise physiologists and strength coaches. Each may contribute different expertise depending on your symptoms and goals. Coordinated care can be particularly helpful when you're recovering from an injury or returning to demanding physical activity.
Key Takeaways: Chiropractic vs Physiotherapy
Chiropractic and physiotherapy are different healthcare professions with overlapping skills but potentially different clinical philosophies.
At Nomad, chiropractic focuses on the brain–body connection. Our approach emphasises spinal function, sensory information, the nervous system and movement.
Physiotherapy brings valuable injury rehabilitation expertise. This may include targeted strengthening, soft tissue treatment and progressive exercise programmes.
Not all chiropractors practise alike. Techniques, additional training and clinical philosophies vary considerably.
Movement and rehabilitation matter. We provide homecare and exercise advice while recognising the expertise of other professionals.
Collaboration is important. Physiotherapists, exercise physiologists and strength coaches can contribute different skills to your recovery and physical development.
Our philosophy at Nomad Chiropractic: We believe in supporting your body's natural capacity to move, adapt and recover through individualised chiropractic care, while working collaboratively with other professionals when appropriate.
→ Keep in mind → this is our opinion.
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Haavik, H., & Murphy, B. (2012). The role of spinal manipulation in addressing disordered sensorimotor integration and altered motor control. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 22(5), 768–776. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelekin.2012.02.012
Lelic, D., et al. (2016). Manipulation of dysfunctional spinal joints affects sensorimotor integration in the prefrontal cortex: A brain source localization study. Neural Plasticity, 2016, 3704964. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/3704964
Haavik-Taylor, H., & Murphy, B. (2007). Cervical spine manipulation alters sensorimotor integration: A somatosensory evoked potential study. Clinical Neurophysiology, 118(2), 391–402. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinph.2006.09.014
Rubinstein, S. M., et al. (2019). Benefits and harms of spinal manipulative therapy for the treatment of chronic low back pain: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ, 364, l689. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l689
International Federation of Sports Chiropractic (FICS). Sports Chiropractic Education and Clinical Competencies. https://fics.sport/education/
Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA). Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy. https://australian.physio/membership/national-groups/sports-and-exercise
Chiropractic Australia. About Chiropractic: Education, Practice and Professional Scope. https://www.chiropracticaustralia.org.au/about/chiropractic/
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This article reflects the clinical philosophy and approach of Nomad Chiropractic and is intended for general educational purposes. Chiropractic and physiotherapy practice varies between individual practitioners, and treatment methods may overlap. Research into the neurological effects of spinal manipulation is ongoing, and measurable neurological changes do not necessarily establish improved tissue healing or athletic performance. Individual treatment recommendations depend on medical history, symptoms, examination findings and clinical needs. This article does not replace individual healthcare advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Lets keep you moving.