Why Chiropractic is BETTER than Physical Therapy...

[@janetthielemann7914]

As a former client of both disciplines I enjoyed watching your video. You've got my vote!

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

Thank you, Janet! Nothing like getting a vote on Election Day :-) I'm happy that you were able to benefit from BOTH chiropractic and physical therapy. Take care!

[@kevinvan6205]

As a DPT Student I would like to say a couple things, having shadowed an Evidence Based Chiropractor 1. The Training and Scope of Practice of Physical Therapy has increased so much over the passed years, we do "adjustments" but we call them spinal manipulations and thrusts, we can do "Dry Needling" which some say is just acupuncture, we do massage technique, we are not massage therapist, and we prescribe specific exercises, but we are not trying to just give you a good workout and make you feel better. Physical Therapists are Clinicians that treat motor and physical dysfunction using their knowledge of biomechanics. PTs are trained clinicians that work with many pathologies and many disciplines to treat the impairments of many diseases that can benefit from physical activity or literally retrain a person or rehabilitate a person how to perform physical tasks after a major surgery, neurological disease injury, declining physical state, the impairments of cancer, congenital defects, etc. If you have a problem that stems from improper biomechanics or a pathology or illness that is affecting your ability to move or perform physical task or that can benefit from physical activity ie osteoporosis, asthma, obesity,- manual technique or adjustments, or quick fixes will not solve your problem. I feel like before you say why Chiropractic Care may be Better than PT care, you need to specify the context, the situation and what kind of PTs you are talking about. 2. The Newer Generation of PTs are moving towards Out of Network Practices and Freelance work because we know that insurances undervalue PT. That is why more and more PTs, particularly the younger generation or PTs or the PTs that are in the fitness or sports industry, have learned to market and sell PT straight to the customers. In addition, you ask the younger generation of Physicians and Med Students, and you will be surprise at how much they value the PT profession, because the PT profession is so intertwined in the Healthcare setting, because we are always an Evidence Based Practice, because out skillset is not the same as Medical Doctors, nurses, etc. You can not replace PTs in the healthcare field because our profession is so much more than just an out patient service to treat pain with some exercises...... 3. PT is an art. No we do not have a standard protocol and we should not have a standard protocol because every patient is different. Some patients respond best with Exercise and Education, others with manual technique, others with Stretching, but why are you doing each thing? The DPT curriculum, from my own experience, is the current and more up to date way PTs are trained at and the biggest concept in our profession is "Why". Yes you can give exercises to a Patients, but which ones, at what dosage, and why. What muscles are your targeting and how would this benefit the pt. Why are you doing more passive techniques, why are you just "Cracking" the patients today, etc. Also please clarify that PTs also "Adjust" patients too, but we call it thrusting and spinal manipulations. I will tell you that many PTs love to give patients "Cracks" and Neurotension glides and Massages for immediate relief but good PTs are not focused on just immediate relief. PTs can definitely give immediate relief to patients... Many definitely do incorporate it to the session but again a PT clinic that is actually doing skilled Physical Therapy would do this. I CANNOT say the same for PT Mills or Clinics that have PTs see 3/4 patients an hour, that give the same exercise routine/ modalities to every patient. Good PTs still remember that they are Clinicians first and foremost and do what is best for the Patient/Client based on their CLINICAL Judgement I do not think blanket statements like this can be made. If anything you should explain the difference in professions as you did in a previous video but even then you should really have a chiropractor speaking about chiropractic care because PTs do not know or understand the Chiropractic Experience or Focus because we did not go to Evidence Based Chiropractic School. We went to PT school and the DPT profession is so much different than the MSPT or BSPT as told to me by PTs of both of those degrees.

[@MegaW3rd]

THANK YOU!

[@bna8259]

Let us also acknowledge the foundations of chiro, which teaches that spinal abnormality and deviation are the root cause of illness. The whole profession is based on a flawed understanding of how the body functions, and many in practice today come from that background. Their business practices are shady as hell, too. Many will advertise themselves as physical therapists because they train in "physical therapies," which is basically a modalities certification. They create a culture of dependency, where patients feel that they need to come back for an adjustment or tune-up every so often. The only place where chiro out performs PT is in marketing. They're really good with their public image and getting their message out there. Just look at the perception of the two professions in the comment section alone. PT's generally suck at marketing their services. That needs to change.

[@spineguy444]

@@bna8259 Those thoughts went out in the 60's. What you site is BS.

[@bna8259]

I made several points. Which do you take issue with? The foundations of the practice, the misrepresentation of skills, or the marketing practices? You haven't directly addressed any of my points, or provided any discussion to the contrary. If you want to make an actual contribution to the discussion, then make one.

[@spineguy444]

@@bna8259 You site chiropractic is based on a flawed philosophy that thinking went out in the 60's. Chiropractic has physician status in most states menaing they are Physicians. PT aren't. Chiro education is no different than MD for the first 2 years and DC's receive more anatomy than MD.s. There is no misrepresentation of skills that's the PT game. I have been in practice 36 years and see lots of patients fed up with PT's. I'am also board certified in Orthopedics and Impairment rating - certifications a PT will never have. Chiropractors can order MRI, Labs in my state any diagnostic test that any MD can - can you? Talk about setting patients up for dependency that's you.

[@SlotCar2021]

In my experience with physical therapists they don't tend to use a full body approach when it comes to screening. When I went to the Chiro I got an x-ray, nervous system testing and physical exam. I don't know why so many people criticise Chrios when the techniques they use are very beneficial for joint dysfunction, pain relief and restoring joint movement and function. I saw a physio, chiro, massage therapist and worked hard myself with stretching, self massage and relaxation techniques. Combine all these things and together they give a good outcome. For me adjustments to my neck dramatically increased range of motion and reduce headaches.

[@rio20d]

I am speaking for myself here and not for everyone, at least in my experience here in down under, after trying both physiotherapy and chiropractic treatments for my low back pain, I found that seeing physiotherapist is kind of useless, I feel like wasting my time and money. The physiotherapist simply gave me a list of exercises to do at home, no treatment done on my back pain. Whereas, the chiropractors did all the SMT or adjustments on me in a very safe way on the adjustment beds. After seeing the chiropractors for about 4 sessions, my pains were gone. The Chiropractor also gave me some stretching and exercise to stabilize my core while I am at home.

[@CeleryMan666]

Uhhhh this is a copy paste from another video tell me you aren't shilling without telling me you aren't shilling.

[@malinichandra6953]

Sooooo true!!

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

That's what drives me crazy: PTs who only give out exercises and don't do any hands-on work. Always go for a PT who specializes in "manual therapy" approaches. Thanks for sharing!

[@SmartCareerPath]

Wow! What an honest and transparent view into this world. Thank you for the insights, Luke!

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

Thanks, Nick! I appreciate your comment :-)

[@timhacker2772]

Yikes 😬 As a studying PT, I find it crazy that you're referring to good and bad 'alignment'. The feeling of being misaligned in patients with chronic pain is attributed to the neuroplastic remodelling mechanism of brain smudging at the somatosensoric cortex. Evidence based science has demonstrated this very clearly. Telling a patient that their body is 'out of line' and requiring correction is not only factually incorrect, but further distorts perceived body image and feeds into negative cognitions. Pain is multifactorial, with psychosocial/psychosomatic factors playing an incredibly huge role in driving the pain response. As someone in the medical field, you have an enormous responsibility to make sure the statements you make are evidence based, because people trust what you say. If you falsely confirm negative cognitions, you provide credible evidence of danger, and reinforce the main driver of the pain response. People suffer with with debilitating chronic pain for years because of this, and popping bubbles of nitrogen in their spine twice a month is not how you fix it. It starts with patient education, and that starts with you. I hope you take this into consideration next time. (P.S if you'd like links to any of the information above, let me know, and I'll send you my sources)

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

Thank you for your comment, Tim. Talking about alignment and symmetry are concepts that make sense to the average person watching my videos, which is why I use these terms. You may have a different viewpoint of the correct verbiage to use, as well as how to explain these concepts to your clients. At the end of the day, as long as what you're doing to help your clients works and helps them achieve their goals, that's what really counts. Best of luck with your career helping your clients!

[@timhacker2772]

@@GordonPhysicalTherapy Thanks for the reply! I can appreciate where you're coming from, understandably the medical jargon we use can come across as confusing to the average person. Still, I think its important when simplifying our language to take care not to blur the lines between being understandable and being incorrect. As I mentioned earlier, cognitions are a huge driver of the pain response, particularly with back pain. Perhaps you've come across the book "explain pain" before? If not, I absolutely recommend it. What it illustrates brilliantly is that those with a a more correct and comprehensive understanding of pain physiology are less prone to suffering from pain. In any case, though it may be difficult explaining complex topics to patients, it's certainly worth it when considering the benefits of understanding pain and the consequences of misunderstanding it, even if only slightly. Like you said, our goal is to help people, and when it comes to helping pain patients, eduction is our most versatile and necessary intervention. Just something to think about.

[@desme34]

For years I have thought that, just as you have an annual check up with your pcm you should have an annual with your PT. Past and reoccurring issues should be discussed. Evaluation for pain or mobility issues that are inhibiting normal function should be given and discussion of treatment plan. The goal would be to stay mobile and manage pain throughout your life.

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

I couldn't agree more! An annual PT check-up would help prevent a lot of issues that turn into bigger issues down the road.

[@nancybiggerstaff4160]

Without physical therapy from your office and Chiropractor treatments, I don't think I would have the pain relief and functionality that I do now. Add yoga! Wish your office would have both modalities in the same office.

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

That's a great idea, Nancy! Maybe some day we will have both PT and chiropractic under the same roof... we do work well together! Maybe we'll even throw in a Naturopath :-)

[@flowermom60]

I too am a patient of both disciples. My chiropractor is Dr. Shirley. He is wonderful to work with. His closing comment is always " I am here if you need me". My great experience with you and your staff was so healing. I appreciate you both so much and admire your courage posting this video. Thank you ❤️

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

Thank you, Marsha! Dr. Shirley is great to work with. I'm happy to hear you've benefitted from BOTH chiropractic and physical therapy. Take care :-)

[@lisahuff9022]

I totally agree with you.

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

Thank you, Lisa! I appreciate your feedback :-)

[@ellysea6488]

What you said to wrap up is true! My chiropractor advised me that if anyone said you don't need a PT or vice versa run!!! You need both. I go to the chiropractor weekly to maintain optimal nerve function (subluxations aren't anyone's friend!) and when my hip pain wasn't subsiding postpartum she referred me to the PT. They are both cash-based and not limited by insurance. Another win!

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

That's awesome, Ellyse! Thank you for your comment :-)

[@creativej]

@Tom Goretzka why do you say scammed? Because she goes weekly? Some people swear by it. 🤷‍♂️

[@Fargosportsmassage]

Thank you Doctor The 3 profession are very good Massage therapist Chiropractic Physical therapist Who’s Doctor can apply the 3 profession techniques when are treating a severe skeletal and muscular INJURY? 2 hours treatment? If you know him let me know Thank you

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

Thank you!

[@catharsis9085]

I don't know what difference you are creating over here but I would like to mention it for your knowledge that their are lots of medical conditions like osteoporosis, osteophytic changes ,BDM deficiency, calcium defences week muscle tone and many more under which the passive force spinal manipulation which the chiropractor use to do is not suitable at all it might cause a life long serious injury, but for PT their are no such risk except for very minor conditions and usage of electrical modality, so please do not say about PT like this.

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

It really depends on the chiropractor. A good one will do a thorough medical history before every doing any HVLA adjustments. I also know plenty who never do aggressive manipulations. At the same time, depending on the state and the practice act, PTs can perform manipulations as well. Either way, the chiro or PT needs to do a very thorough exam before doing any type of forceful manipulation.

[@catharsis9085]

Whatever PT management or spinal manipulation are done is obviously as per the etiology and also based on various assessment .I know that, but what I meant was different, any way no issue thank you for the discussion.

[@jamiety6032]

What about if any of my vertebrae are out of alignment, can our bodies self correct through proper physical therapy modalities, exercises, stretches? Or only by chiropractic adjustment? (I’m hyperflexible & have been overadjusted in past, leading to loose weakness in vertebrae. I’m thinking of starting with PT & hoping if any vertebrae are out of alignment there is a good chance they will self correct on their own through PT.)

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

That's a great question! If you're hyperflexible, you'll definitely want to focus on stability with specific types of exercises. I'm not positive how chiropractors approach laxity, but I would imagine that you'll have some areas that benefit from adjustments, while areas should be left alone (vs. adjusting the entire spine). Let me know if that helps :-)

[@biswajitbordoloi8092]

What will a chiropractic do with a hemiplegic rehabilitation after stroke.

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

I'm not really sure what a chiropractor would do in this situation... good question!

[@biswajitbordoloi8092]

@@GordonPhysicalTherapy 🙏

[@ushgambala1]

I’ve found PT has a very generic flow to it, usually I only get 15 min with qualified PT then they push me onto their helpers who aren’t very enthusiastic or knowledgeable. A chiropractor usually is one on one and I’ve found varying degrees of quality depending if they use combo ultrasound and or other modalities.

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

That certainly can be the case, Nate, especially with the "puppy mill" style PT clinics. My advice would be to look for a PT clinic that isn't run that way and that allows you at least 30 minutes with your PT at each visit. Not all PTs (and PT clinics) are created equally!

[@bna8259]

Yikes. Their "helpers" are PTA's, who are indeed highly qualified. It's like saying a nurse practitioner isn't qualified because they're just the doctor's "helper," or "they're not a real doctor." Sounds like your view of an entire profession is based on a negative personal experience. Try looking for a new PT. If your chiro is getting you hooked on ultrasound and other modalities, they're doing you a major disservice. Those things "feel good," but actual research doesn't support them in general in terms of having any measurable impact.

[@ushgambala1]

@@GordonPhysicalTherapy yes very much agree , it’s hard finding ones that aren’t about the puppy mill style especially here in California. Bottom line is money and you’d be Surprised how much resistance I get just calling places and asking them what their set up is.

[@ushgambala1]

@@bna8259 no that’s not like saying a nurse practitioner isn’t qualified sorry nurses are way more trained than the helpers they have. All of the helpers at the clinic I go to haven’t even gone to school yet to become certified. I’ve been to many physical therapists unfortunately the best thing they do for me is just show me exercises and I appreciate that. Just like any profession there’s people who are passionate about what they are doing and there are those just there to work a job. Yes I’m picky about Who I allow to help me after spinal fusion if you haven’t been through that process and have peripheral neuropathy in both your feet then maybe you don’t understand that side of things

[@thunter1003]

Can you go for knee replacement

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

Do you have a question about knee replacements, Tina? I have quite a few videos on the topic...

[@thunter1003]

@@GordonPhysicalTherapy I’m trying to gain range of motion any recommendations

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

@@thunter1003 happy to help! Did you already have knee replacement surgery? Or are you looking to increase ROM before surgery? If have videos for each scenario...

[@thunter1003]

@@GordonPhysicalTherapy I had knee replacement on Aug 5 n MUA October 20

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

@@thunter1003 did the MUA help? Or are you still dealing with pain and tightness?

[@SethDaniel-d5c]

Are you a licensed therapist? This is ridiculous. There is no evidence for being able to re-align a joint. Maybe the SI joint. One profession is almost entirely evidence based and the other isn’t. This is like comparing docs to natural healers.

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

Yes, I am a licensed PT. You don't have to agree with me. You're entitled to your opinion. What did you think of the message from the video (if you actually watched it)?

[@SethDaniel-d5c]

@@GordonPhysicalTherapy notice, you didn’t come up with evidence of re-aligning a joint…..listen guys, it’s always a red flag if your professional replies with “your entitled to your opinion,” when you question there evidence. Gaslighting never works my guy, “if you even watched the video?” Present evidence of gtfo.

[@PedroSilva-yv3oo]

1st of all, its okay to reliefe the pain, but you cant just do that only, there is no use if you reliefe the pain and the problem is still there, you gonna take your patients money and be there not.fixing the problem and just do a reliefe of pain? I call that a scam. 2nd you got to br especific in what you want to say. So you say that chiro may be better but then in the end of the video you say that chiro its not better than pt and that pt its no better than chiro? By the way, at least in my country we learn what a chiro does on the 3rd year in a discipline called FNME5. 3rd a pt doesnt know just manipulations like a chiropracter, we know a lot of manipulations plus areas from cardiorespiratory NEURO and in the same area of manipualtions wich in my contry we call FNME, we learn how to recover muscle mass in person that for example broke a bone, we learn how to deal with other soft tissues, mrs chiro did you learn about Ciryax? Do you know how to do bandages? Do you know how to improve a paraplegia or maintain the low mobility they have, do you know at least what a ASIA is? Can you do hidrotherapy? Do you know anything about training athletes? Why do professional soccer players hire Pts instead other professionals for rehab after for example a surgery to the cruviate ligaments or to prepare the soccer players to a game or to accompany them in there whole carrer? Do you how to treat a obstructive patient ( by the way, thats why pt whas so important in this pandemic of covid19, because pts know how to do it). I will not even talk about more a pt can do because the post graduations and things we learn are to many. Just that is a major win because since a pt haves more knowledge and with more knowledge we can fix things a chiropracter wouldnt do. And since chiro its so limited with manipulations they mess up, they do those techniques in cases that is completely contraindicated to do it. Thats why we see cases of people get out of chiro with neural problems because they are doing those manipulations in ernias and dislocations on cervical that are compressing the marrow. Sometimes that pain relief ends up in do worst. Chiro may be better in some cases i agree, but just in very spcific cases, in my opinion its better go to a good pt who doest mess up and can see when he can intervain and when he cant and in that case foward the patient to the right specialist, in my college they teach us that. Its not just because that its said that in the area of health, in terms of dificulty medicine its only one area above physiotherapy. We are very good professionals and im proud be a pt here in europe. Now the problem with pt is taht its to expensive a treatment. In my country we have a thing called p1, its something the state pays for the people to get a treatment, but they give you six months with 2 sessions per week. That looks very good right? But in some case 2 days per week its not enough for results, you got to tratment everyday or every other day, thats a example of treatment of a tendonitis, you gotta do it with every other day on all the stage of proliferation, now if you go to a private clinic you gotta pay at least between 30 and 50 euros per session, how people will pay taht? Other problem at least in my country its put on the hospital pts recinving 8 patients per hour and in a big room treat them at same time, how the hell his supose to a good job like that? Physiotherapy deserves to be value

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

All good points! What country are you from?

[@PedroSilva-yv3oo]

​@@GordonPhysicalTherapyPortugal, i had The previllege of study on The best school of the country

[@laurameza5108]

Thanks!

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

You're welcome!

[@siavashforootan1126]

A PT is not at the same level as a chiro but a DPT might be. That's the difference. Don't forget about the D here🙃

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

Who will be the first to leave a comment...? Any PTs out there think I'm dead wrong?

[@jimboniusmaximus6018]

You know what bothers me about physical therapists? The Physical therapists who don’t advocate for their own profession and make garbage videos on KZbin devaluing their own skills.

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

That wasn't the point of the video. Did you watch the whole thing?

[@bna8259]

THIS. 100%.

[@Ethan_la]

He said nothing at all to devalue EITHER profession 😂 kick the ego out the door, THEN watch and listen to the video again

[@HowtofitnessKinetic]

What is a chiropractor gonna do with a kid diagnosed with spina bifida

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

I'm not sure what they'd do... you'd definitely want to ask first and make sure they understand your child's medical condition. They might be able to do some positive work on the areas of the spine (higher up) that aren't involved.

[@HowtofitnessKinetic]

@@GordonPhysicalTherapy exactly my point. Nothing so please stop comparing somebody who releases synovial fluid from joints to a PT who can actually make a plan of care.

[@spineguy444]

@@HowtofitnessKinetic What's a PT going to do to lower your blood pressure i none treatment?

[@sinubux28]

@@spineguy444 think about it a little more

[@XYZsolution]

PTs are better than Chiropractors because they have more knowledge of Anatomy and Phisiology with actual medical, evidence based research dictating their methodologies of assessing and treating a patient. Also Chiropractors have caused horrific injuries to people that can lead them to become paralyzed or worse.

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

One of the key points in this video is that the skill level varies widely from PT-to-PT and from chiropractor-to-chiropractor. There are very skilled providers in both professions, and there are some ones you should probably avoid as well. Thank you for weighing in with your opinion :-)

[@hunterdenton2695]

This is completely false.

[@xef0083]

You are completely right

[@bna8259]

1. You should know better. A GOOD PT will address the pain on the first visit. Why does it depend who the ciro is in determining whether or not they’ll be effective, but not the PT… not all PT’s are the same. Furthermore, a chiro is looking for repeat business… of course they’re going to talk patients into coming back. They create a culture of dependency. That’s a bad thing. If they were any good at their job, they’d aim to get the patient to a point to manage their own condition long term, and hope to never see them again for the issue they treated. 2. “Selling the value” is what I addressed above - they’re creating dependency by convincing their patients to come back for regular adjustments. PT teaches self-management… AKA “prevention and maintenance.” It’s all about patient education and teaching them not only how to get better for their current ailment, but how to maintain that long term, and prevent recurrence. Again, a GOOD PT will not just do what the doctor says - PTs ARE doctors of physical therapy. They’ll do their own assessment and come up with their own plan of treatment, not just do whatever an MD tells them. If these are your views as a PT, I’m really concerned for your patients in the clinic.

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

Thank you for your comment! A good PT will indeed do exactly what you described. And so will a good chiropractor. That was the point I was making. I know plenty of good chiros who don't create dependency with their clients and who teach self-management. Good PTs and good chiros have a lot in common. That's what I was trying to communicate in the video.

[@bna8259]

@@GordonPhysicalTherapy Yet, judging by the comment section, no one is getting that message. The takeaway is that you were shitting on your own profession. Hopefully, you can internalize and grow from the feedback and be mindful of the content you put out. Looking forward to see how you grow. Cheers.

[@Ethan_la]

@@bna8259 I was able to understand his point. The comment section is the way it is because everyone is bringing their own unique experiences to judge who is better, when that’s not the point of the video. (You can also add a mix of bias and ego as to why the comment section looks this way) I think that since I have been a patient of both professions, I am able to see the actual point of the video and see the benefit from both.

[@bna8259]

@@Ethan_la *One year Later...* Your sample size of 1 is sooo compelling.

[@Ethan_la]

@@bna8259 Sample size doesn't matter. If you misinterpreted the video, then that's on you. He clearly expresses one thing but you think he's saying something different. Try not to let bias or ego get in the way of your future judgments for anything.

[@chaitalijoshi8118]

According to you chiropractic can fix the neurological conditions. Cardiovascular conditions . Respiratory conditions world is going through this pandemic things where is your chiropractic Dr.c'mon sir do some research first. For the getting views you can't blame the field Both treatment are best on their roots. Chiropractic can works on spinal nd pelvis manipulation and PT works on muscle strength. Weakness. Do some research first. I think u wasted your time in field of physiotherapy in your country. Come to India will teach you properly. How we can treat the severe patients like road traffic accident cases, burn cases nowadays in covid 19 situation we are the only person after medical team to treat the patient.

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

That's an interesting perspective. Thank you for sharing!

[@spineguy444]

Go to the Journal of Hypertension and you will see a double blind study showing Chiropractic adjustment lowered blood pressure. The P value was .002

[@sinubux28]

Tell me you're incompetent without telling me you're incompetent

[@GordonPhysicalTherapy]

Right... thanks for that