The question of whether a chiropractor can perform physical therapy services often confuses people seeking care for musculoskeletal issues. A Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) is not a licensed Physical Therapist (PT) and cannot legally call themselves one. However, chiropractic care frequently incorporates physical rehabilitation methods that closely resemble those used in physical therapy, such as therapeutic exercise and various passive modalities. This overlap creates the perception that the services are identical, but their legal and philosophical foundations remain distinct.
Core Focus of Chiropractic Care
The primary focus of a Doctor of Chiropractic is the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mechanical disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. The foundational principle centers on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system. Chiropractors operate on the idea that proper alignment promotes the body’s natural ability to heal itself, believing that spinal misalignments (subluxations) can interfere with nerve function and cause pain.
The main treatment modality used by chiropractors is the spinal adjustment, also known as spinal manipulation. This hands-on technique involves applying a controlled, sudden force to a specific joint to restore mobility and improve function. This core practice is complemented by a holistic view of patient wellness, considering lifestyle, posture, and preventative care. The goal is to address the underlying mechanical cause of a condition rather than treating symptoms with drugs or surgery.
Rehabilitative Techniques Used by Chiropractors
Chiropractors commonly integrate various physical rehabilitation techniques into their treatment plans to support spinal alignment and function. These adjunctive procedures are used to stabilize adjustment results, promote soft tissue healing, and prevent future injury. The inclusion of these methods often leads patients to perceive the care as a form of physical therapy.
Therapeutic exercises are a significant component, often including specific stretching and strengthening routines designed to improve muscle function and core stability. Patients may be instructed in core stabilizing therapy to help the muscles of the stomach and back support the spine. Chiropractors also utilize manual therapies beyond the spinal adjustment, such as myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and soft tissue mobilization, aimed at relieving muscle tension and improving flexibility.
Passive modalities, which do not require active patient participation, are frequently applied to manage pain and inflammation. These include heat and cold therapy (such as hot moist packs or ice massage) to assist with pain management. Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) or transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) may be used to stimulate muscles or control pain through electrical currents. Therapeutic ultrasound, which uses high-frequency sound waves to promote tissue healing, is also employed within the chiropractic scope of practice.
Understanding Licensing and Scope of Practice
The ability of a chiropractor to perform rehabilitative services is governed by state licensing boards, leading to significant variations in practice scope across the country. Legally, a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) cannot advertise or practice as a Physical Therapist (PT) unless they have completed the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and obtained a separate PT license. The educational pathways are distinct: a DC earns a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, while a PT earns a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.
State laws define the boundaries of “physical medicine,” “rehabilitation,” or “adjunctive procedures” that DCs are permitted to use. In some states, a chiropractor must pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) Physiotherapy examination or an equivalent test to be authorized to use certain therapeutic modalities. This regulatory framework ensures that DCs use rehabilitative services under the umbrella of chiropractic medicine, not as licensed physical therapists.