Chiropractor vs Physical Therapist

As America’s Baby Boomer generation ages and the scientific understanding of pain and movement evolves, the demand for physical therapists and chiropractors has grown significantly in recent years.

Physical therapists and chiropractors use non-surgical methods to provide treatment, rehabilitation, or preventive care to those of all ages. Both typically work in an office, clinic, care facility, or home visit setting, where patients can receive one-on-one care. However, the professions differ in treatment philosophy.

Physical therapists use exercises, hands‑on therapy, and assistive equipment to provide care. This includes demonstrating exercises or stretching maneuvers for patients to do at home, using hands‑on treatment such as stretching muscles, or equipment such as wheelchairs or exercise machines. Some PTs may see many different patients in one day, working with everyone from a patient who has cerebral palsy to a patient recovering from a sports injury.

Others may focus on a specific area of practice, such as pediatric or orthopedic care. Typically, physical therapists are seen by referral and work as part of a patient’s care team.

Physical therapists must obtain a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and be licensed to practice physical therapy. Licensing requirements vary by state but universally require passing the National Physical Therapy Examination. Some physical therapists may want to pursue a specialty through the American Board of Physical Therapist Specialities (ABPTS). The ABPTS offers nine specialties, including women’s health, oncology, geriatrics, and sports.

Alternatively, chiropractors focus on the alignment of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine, to provide treatment and care. They use spinal adjustments, ultrasound, massage therapy, and more to help patients with musculoskeletal health problems. The field has over 100 methods of treatment, and there is a wealth of chiropractic specialties to work in.

Chiropractors may choose to specialize in multiple methods or work within a specific area of chiropractic. Similar to physical therapists, chiropractors may see a lot of different patients in one day. However, seeing a chiropractor does not require a referral unless otherwise required by a health insurance plan.

Chiropractors must be licensed to practice chiropractic, requiring obtaining a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree. While states have different licensure requirements, each state requires passage of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners exam.

Below is a side‑by‑side comparison of chiropractors and physical therapists, including the typical timeline to practice, responsibilities, education, licensure, and professional resources.

Education Chiropractors are not required to have a bachelor’s degree but must have a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree. However, most state licensing boards require chiropractors to have a bachelor’s degree and a DC degree. Many accredited chiropractic schools offer concurrent BS/DC degrees.

Additional certifications in a variety of specialties are also available. Physical therapists must earn a bachelor’s degree and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree (DPT). There are many accredited programs that offer concurrent BS/DPT degrees.

The American Board of Physical Therapist Specialities (ABPTS) offers additional certifications in nine specialty areas.

It typically takes over three years of graduate education, training, and credentialing for chiropractors to practice after earning a bachelor’s degree.

After earning a bachelor’s degree, PTs generally take three years of graduate education and training to qualify for a license to practice. However, additional residency and fellowship options may extend this timeline to four or five years.

• Review patients’ medical history and meet with them to understand their concerns. This may include a physical examination, such as testing their reflexes or assessing their posture.
• Work with patients to develop a care plan, including other health and lifestyle advice, such as…