What is the difference between an Osteopath and a Chiropractor?

There's a question I often encounter in practice that fills me with slight apprehension when answering it. Why does it cause me mild trepidation? The reason is that the answer is complex and nuanced, requiring extensive explanation. This puts me at risk of waffling and potentially boring my patients. The question is: What is the difference between a chiropractor and an osteopath?

I am in a uniquely qualified position to answer this question. Not only because I am a chiropractor, but also because I applied and was accepted to study osteopathy at two different UK osteopathic colleges. My secret is that I have a friend who is an osteopath. Additionally, I work in a practice with three osteopaths. Joe, the wonderful osteopath, works in the room opposite mine, and we often discuss different treatment approaches over a cup of tea.

When looking at differences between professions a good starting point is to look at the definitions of each profession. The World Federation of Chiropractic defines chiropractic as follows:

 “A health profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, and the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health. There is an emphasis on manual treatments including spinal adjustment and other joint and soft-tissue manipulation.”

Meanwhile, the General Council of Osteopathy defines osteopathy as:

“Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of medical conditions. It focuses on the integration of the musculoskeletal system with other body systems and the influence that impaired function of each has on the other. It also seeks to empower patients in assisting their recovery to good health.”

We can agree that these definitions are quite similar. Here are some more similarities: To study and become a qualified chiropractor or osteopath, we both must complete a four- or five-year accredited degree in chiropractic or osteopathy. Both are statutory regulated professions. Modern-day osteopaths and chiropractors work within the biopsychosocial model, offer lifestyle advice, use manipulative and soft tissue techniques, have training in injury rehabilitation, and possess extensive knowledge of human physiology, anatomy, and biomechanics.

So where do the differences lie? The first thing to acknowledge is that chiropractic and osteopathy are names of professions, not individual techniques. Within both professions, there is a wide range of philosophies and approaches. Some osteopaths and chiropractors believe in a more alternative, energy-based approach, while others use a more scientific, evidence-based approach. This means some osteopaths and chiropractors may be more similar to each other than to others within their own profession.

Personally, I lean more towards the evidence-based end of the spectrum. I pride myself on giving patients the treatment time they deserve to understand their problem, motivations, and what they want to achieve from treatment. I can then tailor a treatment approach that is more personal to them.

The advice I would offer someone unsure of whom to seek for a musculoskeletal issue is that it doesn’t really matter if you see a chiropractor or an osteopath. The practitioner is important, not the profession. Do some research and see if their philosophy or approach resonates with you. I would suggest changing practitioners if you have poor rapport with yours or if it feels like you are receiving a sales pitch.