Chiropractor vs physiotherapist – which one should I see?

You’re in pain. Or stiff. Or moving like you’re 90 when you’re 30. You know you need help — but do you book a chiropractor or a physiotherapist?

Let’s break it down.

What does a chiropractor do?

Chiropractors are experts in your spine, joints, and nervous system. They assess how your body moves (or doesn’t), spot dysfunction, and use manual adjustments to improve mobility, reduce pain, and restore function. If you’re dealing with headaches, neck tension, low back pain, sciatica, or general stiffness, chiropractic care can help. Think of it as tuning your body’s alignment so it works like it’s supposed to.

What does a physiotherapist do?

Physiotherapists also deal with pain and movement issues, but often approach it with a mix of hands-on techniques and exercise rehab. They’ll help you rebuild strength, improve range of motion, and recover from injuries — especially post-surgery, after a car accident, or with chronic conditions. They’re pros at movement retraining and functional recovery.

So… which one is “better”?

Honestly? Neither. It’s not about who’s better — it’s about what you need. A chiropractor might be your go-to for spinal issues, while a physio could be better for rehabbing a torn shoulder or recovering from knee surgery. The best care sometimes includes both.

At YFS, we don’t force it.

We believe in results, not egos. If you walk in thinking you need an adjustment but your issue is better suited to physio, we’ll say so — and refer you out. Because real care means putting your recovery first, not selling you on something you don’t need.

Bottom line? You don’t need to figure it all out yourself. Book an assessment, tell us what’s going on, and we’ll guide you from there. No pressure. No upsell. Just smart, honest help.