Physical Therapy vs Chiropractor: Which Is Right for You?
If you’re dealing with back pain, neck pain, stiffness, or limited mobility, you may be wondering whether physical therapy or chiropractic care is the better choice. While both treatments focus on relieving pain and improving function, they work in different — and often complementary — ways.
At The Spine & Health Center of New Jersey, we offer both physical therapy and chiropractic care under one roof, allowing our team to create personalized treatment plans based on your condition, goals, and lifestyle. We proudly serve patients throughout Montvale, Closter, and Park Ridge, NJ.
What Is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy (PT) focuses on restoring movement, strength, flexibility, and overall function through guided exercises, hands-on techniques, and evidence-based rehabilitation.
Physical therapy is commonly recommended for:
- Post-surgical recovery
- Sports and orthopedic injuries
- Chronic pain conditions
- Balance and mobility issues
- Neurologic and musculoskeletal rehabilitation
At The Spine & Health Center of NJ, our physical therapy services are designed to address the root cause of pain while helping patients return to daily activities safely and confidently.
Common Physical Therapy Treatments
- Therapeutic exercise programs
- Manual therapy and soft-tissue techniques
- Postural and movement retraining
- Strength and flexibility conditioning
- Injury prevention and performance rehab
What Is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care focuses on the relationship between the spine, joints, and nervous system. Chiropractors use precise manual techniques to restore joint mobility, reduce nerve irritation, and improve alignment.
Chiropractic care is often effective for:
- Back and neck pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Sciatica and nerve pain
- Joint stiffness and mobility restrictions
- Postural imbalances
Our experienced providers offer chiropractic care tailored to each patient’s condition, with a focus on long-term spinal health and function.
Common Chiropractic Treatments
- Spinal adjustments
- Joint mobilization
- Postural correction
- Soft-tissue techniques
- Functional movement assessments
- Common Chiropractic Treatments
Physical Therapy vs Chiropractor: Key Differences
| Physical Therapy | Chiropractic Care |
|---|---|
| Focuses on rehab, strength, and movement | Focuses on spinal alignment and joint mobility |
| Exercise-based treatment plans | Hands-on manual adjustments |
| Often used after injury or surgery | Often used for spine-related pain |
| Improves long-term functional capacity | Improves joint motion and nervous system function |
While these approaches differ, they are not competing treatments — they often work best together.
Which Is Better: Physical Therapy or a Chiropractor?
There is no universal answer. The best option depends on your symptoms, diagnosis, and goals.
Physical therapy is ideal for patients who need rehabilitation, strengthening, or post-surgical recovery.
Chiropractic care may be best for patients with joint restrictions, spinal stiffness, or nerve-related pain.
Many patients benefit from a combined approach using both physical therapy and chiropractic care to address pain and movement limitations at the same time.
Our team works collaboratively to determine the most effective plan for each patient.
Can You See a Physical Therapist and Chiropractor Together?
Yes — and in many cases, it’s recommended.
Combining physical therapy and chiropractic care can:
- Reduce pain more efficiently
- Improve mobility while building strength
- Address both symptoms and underlying causes
- Help prevent future injuries
Because The Spine & Health Center of NJ offers integrated care, patients don’t need to coordinate between multiple offices — everything happens in one location with a unified care team.
Conditions Treated with Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care
Our integrated approach helps patients with:
- Back pain and neck pain
- Sciatica and nerve conditions
- Sports injuries
- Auto accident and personal injury cases
- Postural dysfunction
- Shoulder, hip, and knee pain
- Chronic pain conditions
Learn more about our personal injury treatment services.
FAQs: Physical Therapy vs Chiropractor
Is physical therapy better than a chiropractor?
Neither treatment is universally better. Physical therapy and chiropractic care serve different purposes and often complement each other depending on the condition being treated.
Should I see a chiropractor or physical therapist first?
This depends on your symptoms and diagnosis. An evaluation with our team helps determine whether physical therapy, chiropractic care, or a combined approach is best.
Can physical therapy fix back pain without chiropractic adjustments?
Yes, physical therapy can be highly effective for many cases of back pain, especially when muscle weakness, posture, or movement patterns are contributing factors.
Does insurance cover physical therapy and chiropractic care?
Many insurance plans cover both services. Our office can verify coverage for patients in Montvale, Closter, and Park Ridge, NJ. Check out our insurance form.
How long does treatment usually take?
Treatment length varies based on condition severity and individual goals. Some patients improve in a few weeks, while others benefit from longer-term care plans.
Why Choose The Spine & Health Center of New Jersey?
- Physical therapy and chiropractic care under one roof
- Personalized, evidence-based treatment plans
- Locations in Montvale, Closter, and Park Ridge, NJ
- Modern rehab, manual therapy, and diagnostic techniques
- Collaborative team focused on long-term results
Whether you need focused rehabilitation through physical therapy or hands-on spinal care through chiropractic treatment, our team is here to help you move better, feel better, and recover with confidence.
Schedule An Appointment!
If you’re struggling with pain, limited movement, or muscle weakness, Trigenics Therapy may be the solution you’ve been searching for.
Closter: 31 Vervalen St, Closter, NJ 07624
Park Ridge: 146 Kinderkamack Rd, Park Ridge, NJ 07656
Montvale: 32 Philips Pkwy, Montvale, NJ 07645
External Resource
American Physical Therapy Association — https://www.apta.org
American Chiropractic Association — https://www.acatoday.org
Service Areas
We proudly serve patients from Closter, Park Ridge, and Montvale, and throughout Bergen County, NJ, including Westwood, Hillsdale, Woodcliff Lake, Alpine, Englewood, Dumont, and Hackensack.