What is the difference between a physiotherapist, massage therapist, and chiropractor?
Which practitioner is the best to see?
This is one of the most common questions that we get asked! Let’s dive in and learn more about how each of these practitioners can make a difference to your health.
What are the similarities between physiotherapists, massage therapists, and chiropractors?
- They treat musculoskeletal conditions – soft tissue (muscles, ligaments, tendons), bones, or the nervous system.
- All three are regulated professions – you cannot call yourself an RMT, chiropractor, or physiotherapist unless you are registered with their regulatory College.
- They all have specialized training – Physiotherapists at a recognized university, Chiropractors at a recognized Chiropractic College, and RMTs at a recognized Massage therapy course.
- All three have to pass exams administered by their regulatory board.
What does a Chiropractor do?
Chiropractic is a licensed healthcare profession that emphasizes the body’s ability to heal itself. Treatment typically involves manual therapy, often including spinal manipulation which helps restore joint function.
What does an RMT do?
An RMT, or Registered Massage Therapist, is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in providing therapeutic massage treatments. They are trained to assess and treat various musculoskeletal conditions and injuries using hands-on techniques to manipulate muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues of the body.
What does a physiotherapist do?
You should consider seeing a physiotherapist when you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, or have mobility issues that affect your daily activities and quality of life. Physiotherapists are healthcare professionals trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of musculoskeletal and movement-related conditions. They can also help with vestibular rehabilitation and pelvic health issues.
Physiotherapists can look at alignment but they also test joint mobility, muscle strength, muscle flexibility, nerve function, posture, and movement patterns. They restore movement and improve pain predominantly through exercise rehabilitation, postural re-training, and lifestyle advice, but also use hands-on techniques.
Can I see all three of these practitioners?
Absolutely! All three practitioners work collaboratively to get you the best possible outcomes and help you reach your health goals.
How do I book an appointment at a Triangle Physiotherapy Clinic near me?
Click HERE to book an appointment with a physiotherapist, RMT or chiropractor at one of our eight locations.
- Physiotherapy Etobicoke – Triangle Physiotherapy Etobicoke
- Oakville Physiotherapy Clinic – Triangle Physiotherapy Oakville
- Physiotherapy North York – Triangle Physiotherapy North York
- Mississauga Physiotherapy Clinics – Triangle Physiotherapy Mississauga
- Downtown Physiotherapy Clinics – Triangle Physiotherapy King West
- Uptown Physiotherapy Clinics – Triangle Physiotherapy Lawrence Park
- Physiotherapy Clinic Downtown Toronto – Triangle Physiotherapy Queens Quay
- Physiotherapy Clinics Mississauga – Triangle Physiotherapy Erin Mills
