Physical Therapy vs Chiropractic Care: Which Is Right for You?
When it comes to treating pain and improving mobility, you may wonder whether physical therapy or chiropractic care is the best option for you. At The Spine & Health Center, Dr. Kelly Blundy, IFMCP, DC, BCIM, ART, provides guidance to help you select the most suitable treatment tailored to your individual needs. Physical therapy focuses on strengthening and rehabilitating muscles, while chiropractic care emphasizes spinal adjustments to improve alignment. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Closter, Montvale, and Park Ridge, NJ.


Table of Contents:
What is the main difference between physical therapy and chiropractic care?
How do physical therapists and chiropractors approach pain relief?
Which conditions are best treated by a physical therapist?
Which conditions are best treated by a chiropractor?
At The Spine & Health Center, we are committed to providing comprehensive care for patients experiencing musculoskeletal pain or dysfunction, with a special emphasis on spine-related conditions. Two of the primary services we offer—physical therapy and chiropractic care—play distinct yet complementary roles in helping patients recover and maintain optimal health.
Physical therapy focuses on restoring movement, strength, and function throughout the body, especially following injuries, surgeries, or certain medical conditions. Our licensed physical therapists utilize customized exercise programs, manual therapy, stretching, and advanced modalities such as heat, cold, or electrical stimulation. The goal is to enhance your mobility, reduce pain, and support a full return to your daily activities.
Chiropractic care at our practice centers on the relationship between spinal health and overall well-being. Our experienced chiropractors diagnose and treat conditions related to the spine and nervous system, emphasizing the correction of spinal misalignments through gentle adjustments or manipulations. Proper alignment is essential for reducing nerve irritation and promoting the body’s natural healing abilities. In addition to spinal adjustments, our chiropractors may recommend therapeutic exercises and guide lifestyle modifications.
At The Spine & Health Center, we recognize that each patient’s needs are unique. That’s why we offer both physical therapy and chiropractic care, sometimes in combination, to create individualized treatment plans. Whether you are recovering from an injury, managing chronic back pain, or seeking to improve your spinal health, our integrated approach ensures you receive the most effective and evidence-based care possible.
At The Spine & Health Center, our multidisciplinary team works together to help patients manage pain and achieve optimal well-being. We understand that each individual’s pain experience is unique, and we are committed to providing personalized, holistic care that draws on the strengths of both physical therapy and chiropractic medicine.
Physical Therapy: Our physical therapists are dedicated to restoring your movement, strength, and function through evidence-based rehabilitation. When you come to The Spine & Health Center with pain or mobility concerns, our therapists begin with a comprehensive assessment to identify the root causes—whether it’s muscle imbalances, joint restrictions, or movement dysfunctions. Based on these findings, we develop customized treatment plans that may include:
● Therapeutic exercises tailored to your specific needs
● Manual therapy to address soft tissue and joint issues
● Postural correction and body mechanics education
● Modalities such as heat, cold, or electrical stimulation
Education is central to our approach; we empower you with the knowledge and strategies necessary to manage your symptoms and prevent future problems.
Chiropractic Care: Our chiropractors specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal and spinal disorders. At The Spine and Health, chiropractic care often focuses on precise spinal adjustments and manipulations designed to:
● Improve spinal alignment
● Reduce nerve irritation
● Enhance overall function and mobility
In addition to adjustments, our chiropractors may recommend soft tissue therapy, rehabilitation exercises, and lifestyle modifications to support your body’s natural healing process and promote long-term health.
Our team plays a vital role in the rehabilitation of patients recovering from orthopedic and spine surgeries, including spinal fusions, disc replacements, and joint procedures. Through personalized therapy plans, we focus on restoring strength, flexibility, and mobility, helping each patient return to their daily activities as safely and quickly as possible.
At The Spine & Health Center, physical therapy is also an essential tool for managing chronic conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and persistent back or joint pain. Our evidence-based interventions are designed to alleviate discomfort, improve function, and prevent further injury. Patients with neurological disorders—including stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or multiple sclerosis—also benefit from our targeted therapies aimed at enhancing balance, coordination, and independence.
Athletes and active individuals trust us to guide their recovery from sports-related injuries, while our expertise in ergonomics and postural correction helps those suffering from workplace or repetitive strain injuries. From pediatric patients with developmental concerns to older adults working to maintain mobility and reduce fall risk, our physical therapists provide comprehensive care at every stage of life.
We are dedicated to empowering our patients—whether they are recovering from an acute injury, managing chronic pain, or seeking to improve their long-term health. Our physical therapy services are an integral part of your journey to better spine health and overall wellness.
Beyond back and neck pain, The Spine & Health Center also provides targeted care for tension headaches and certain types of migraines, particularly when these stem from muscle tension or misalignment in the neck and upper spine. Our chiropractors are skilled in addressing joint problems throughout the body, including pain and stiffness in the shoulders, hips, knees, and other extremities, using proven adjustment and soft tissue therapy techniques.
We regularly help patients suffering from sciatica—characterized by pain radiating from the lower back down the leg—find significant relief through tailored chiropractic care. Additionally, individuals recovering from whiplash injuries, often resulting from car accidents, benefit from our personalized interventions aimed at reducing pain and restoring normal movement.
At The Spine & Health Center, our holistic approach goes beyond hands-on care. We provide comprehensive advice on posture, exercise, and ergonomics, supporting your recovery and helping you maintain long-term musculoskeletal health. While our focus is on safe and effective chiropractic treatment, we recognize that not every condition is suitable for chiropractic care. That’s why every patient receives a thorough assessment by our healthcare professionals to ensure they receive the most appropriate and effective treatment plan.
Your spine, your health—let The Spine & Health Center guide you on your journey to wellness. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Closter, Montvale, and Park Ridge, NJ. We serve patients from Montvale NJ, Closter NJ, Park Ridge NJ, Westwood NJ, Hillsdale NJ, Woodcliff Lake NJ, Alpine NJ, Englewood NJ, Hackensack NJ, Dumont NJ, and surrounding areas.


Additional Services You May Need
▸ Acupuncture
▸ Physical Therapy
▸ Chiropractor
▸ Functional Medicine
▸ Sports Performance
▸ Vestibular Physical Therapy
▸ Schroth Method For Scoliosis
▸ Active Release Technique
▸ LSVT BIG For Parkinsons
▸ Pediatric Chiropractic Care
▸ Graston Technique Muscle Therapy
▸ Functional & Kinetic Treatment with Rehabilitation
▸ Trigenics
▸ Blood Flow Restriction Therapy
▸ Head & Neck Pain
▸ Shoulder Pain
▸ Back Pain
▸ Elbow Pain
▸ Hand & Wrist Pain
▸ Hip Pain
▸ Knee Pain
▸ Foot & Ankle Pain
▸ Post-Operative Treatment
▸ Pediatric Physical Therapy
▸ Anxiety & Stress
▸ Personal Injury
▸ FMS/SFMA Trained
▸ Titleist Performance Institute Certified
▸ Kinesio Taping/Rock Tape
▸ Pregnancy Chiropractic