What is the Difference Between an Osteopath and a Chiropractor?

Introduction
What Do Osteopaths and Chiropractors Have in Common? 2.1 Shared Areas of Practice
What is Osteopathy?
What is Chiropractic Care?
Key Differences Between Osteopathy and Chiropractic 5.1 Philosophy and Clinical Approach 5.2 Techniques and Tools 5.3 Training and Education
How to Choose Between an Osteopath and Chiropractor 6.1 Personal Preference and Treatment Goals
Conclusion
FAQs About Osteopathy vs Chiropractic 7.1 Can osteopaths and chiropractors both treat back and neck pain? 7.2 Are their qualifications regulated in Australia? 7.3 Is one more hands-on than the other? 7.4 Can I try both approaches?
Author

Introduction

When experiencing back or neck pain, many Australians turn to hands-on therapies such as osteopathy or chiropractic care. But what is the difference between an osteopath and a chiropractor? While both professions treat similar conditions, their underlying philosophy, techniques, and training differ in meaningful ways.

This article will guide you through what separates—and connects—these two professions to help you make an informed decision about your care.

What Do Osteopaths and Chiropractors Have in Common?

Both osteopaths and chiropractors are government-registered allied health professionals in Australia. They provide hands-on, non-invasive treatment for musculoskeletal issues and promote functional movement and recovery.

2.1 Shared Areas of Practice

Treating back and neck pain
Improving mobility and posture
Managing joint and muscular complaints
Offering lifestyle and ergonomic advice
Encouraging self-care and exercise

Despite these overlaps, the rationale behind treatment and clinical reasoning often diverge.

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a holistic form of manual therapy that assesses and treats the body as an interconnected whole. Osteopaths are trained to consider the relationship between the body’s structure (muscles, joints, fascia) and its function (movement, circulation, and organ systems).

Treatment is hands-on and may include:

Joint mobilisation and manipulation
Soft tissue massage
Stretching and muscle energy techniques
Exercise prescription
Strength and conditioning guidance
Taping and ergonomic advice

Osteopaths take a whole-body view and often work with patients to prevent injuries and optimise wellbeing.

What is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic care is a profession that focuses primarily on diagnosing and treating mechanical disorders of the spine. Chiropractors often emphasise the relationship between the spine and the nervous system, believing spinal alignment is key to overall health.

Core treatment usually involves:

Spinal adjustments (high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts)
Postural assessments
Diagnostic imaging (e.g. X-rays where clinically necessary)
Rehabilitative exercises in some clinics

While chiropractic care is often spine-centred, many chiropractors also address other musculoskeletal issues.

Key Differences Between Osteopathy and Chiropractic

5.1 Philosophy and Clinical Approach

Osteopathy: Treats the body as an integrated whole. Focuses on how structure and function influence each other and often blends manual therapy with education, exercise, and self-management.
Chiropractic: Centres on spinal health and alignment, with a strong focus on the nervous system. Treatment is typically focused on spinal adjustments.

5.2 Techniques and Tools

Osteopaths use:
- Joint mobilisation and manipulation
- Soft tissue techniques
- Exercise and movement advice
- Strength and conditioning
- Taping and functional rehab
Chiropractors use:
- High-velocity spinal adjustments
- Diagnostic tools like X-rays (in select cases)
- Postural correction

5.3 Training and Education

Both are university-qualified and regulated by AHPRA in Australia.
Osteopaths: 4-5 year double degree with extensive study in anatomy, physiology, pathology, and rehabilitation.
Chiropractors: 5-year university degree focusing heavily on spinal anatomy, radiology, and adjustment techniques.

How to Choose Between an Osteopath and Chiropractor

6.1 Personal Preference and Treatment Goals

Choosing between an osteopath and chiropractor often comes down to what style of care suits you best. Some people prefer the gentle, integrative approach of osteopathy. Others find targeted spinal adjustments helpful. It may also come down to the individual clinician’s experience, communication style, or treatment focus.

If you’re unsure, reach out to each clinic and ask how they might approach your specific condition or goals.

Conclusion

Both osteopaths and chiropractors provide effective, hands-on treatment for musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. While they share common goals, their clinical philosophies and treatment methods differ.

Understanding these differences helps you choose the right provider for your needs. Ultimately, the best outcome often comes from working with a practitioner you feel confident in and whose approach aligns with your health goals.

FAQs About Osteopathy vs Chiropractic

Can osteopaths and chiropractors both treat back and neck pain?

Yes. Both are skilled in managing spinal pain, though their techniques and treatment focus may differ.

Are their qualifications regulated in Australia?

Yes. Both professions are regulated by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), ensuring high standards in training and professional conduct.

Is one more hands-on than the other?

Both are hands-on professions, but chiropractic care often focuses more on spinal adjustments, while osteopathy incorporates a broader range of manual and movement-based techniques.

Can I try both approaches?

Yes. Many patients try both osteopathy and chiropractic care at different times depending on their condition or preferences.

Author

Heath Williams
Principal Osteopath, Educator, Workplace Health Consultant
With over 15 years in clinical practice, Heath provides patient-centred osteopathic care and education. He integrates movement-based rehab with hands-on therapy and believes in empowering clients with knowledge and choice.

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What is the difference between an osteopath and a chiropractor?