June, 2025 - Adelita Madrid

When it comes to treating musculoskeletal pain and improving physical function, many find themselves weighing two popular treatment options: physiotherapy and chiropractic care. While both professions aim to relieve pain and support recovery, they differ in their approaches, techniques, and areas of focus. Understanding these differences can help individuals make informed decisions about which treatment is best suited to their condition and personal preferences.

Understanding Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession that focuses on restoring movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness, or disability. Physiotherapists are university-trained professionals who use evidence-based techniques to diagnose and treat a range of conditions involving muscles, joints, bones, and nerves.

Treatment methods may include:

Exercise programs to improve strength, flexibility, and endurance
Manual therapy techniques, such as joint mobilisation and soft tissue massage
Education on posture, body mechanics, and injury prevention
Electrotherapy modalities, such as ultrasound and TENS

Physiotherapists often work collaboratively with GPs and specialists, and their scope includes post-surgical rehabilitation, chronic disease management, sports injuries, and neurological conditions.

Understanding Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care primarily focuses on diagnosing and treating mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine. Chiropractors are also university-qualified and are trained to use spinal manipulation (adjustments) as their main form of treatment.

Common chiropractic techniques include:

Spinal adjustments to restore joint function and reduce nerve irritation
Manual therapy and stretching
Lifestyle advice, including posture and ergonomics

While chiropractors are best known for managing back and neck pain, some also treat headaches, sciatica, and joint problems in the arms and legs.

Key Differences Between Physiotherapy and Chiropractic Care

Aspect	Physiotherapy	Chiropractic Care
Focus	Overall physical function and mobility	Spine, nervous system, and joint alignment
Main Techniques	Exercise, manual therapy, education	Spinal adjustments, manual manipulation
Conditions Treated	Broad range including sports, post-op, neuro	Mostly spine-related issues and pain
Treatment Philosophy	Holistic and exercise-based	Structural alignment to support function
Referrals & Integration	Often works in multidisciplinary settings	May operate more independently

Which One Is Better?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The choice between physiotherapy and chiropractic care depends on several factors:

Type of condition: If you have a spinal issue like a herniated disc or persistent neck pain, both physiotherapists and chiropractors may help, but the treatment approach will vary. For sports injuries, rehabilitation after surgery, or stroke recovery, physiotherapy Carina is generally more comprehensive.
Treatment goals: If your primary aim is long-term functional improvement, strengthening, and injury prevention, physiotherapy may be better aligned with those goals. If you’re looking for short-term relief of acute spinal pain or discomfort, chiropractic care might offer faster symptom relief.
Personal preference: Some individuals respond well to spinal adjustments, while others may prefer the active, movement-based strategies used in physiotherapy.

Evidence and Safety

Both physiotherapy and chiropractic care are supported by research for certain conditions, particularly low back pain. However, physiotherapy generally has a broader evidence base for various medical and post-surgical conditions due to its wider scope.

In terms of safety, both are considered low-risk when performed by registered professionals. However, spinal manipulation should be approached with caution in certain populations, such as those with osteoporosis, bleeding disorders, or neurological issues.

Final Thoughts

Rather than asking which is better in absolute terms, it’s more helpful to consider which is better for your specific needs. For many people, a combined approach — incorporating aspects of both physiotherapy and chiropractic care — may be the most effective. Consulting your GP or a qualified health professional can also help you determine the most appropriate pathway for your situation.

Regardless of your choice, ensure that the practitioner you see is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and has experience treating your condition.

If you’re experiencing persistent pain or movement issues, consider booking an assessment with a chiropractor or a physiotherapist at https://www.apinchofprevention.com.au/ to explore your options. A personalised approach can often make all the difference to your recovery and long-term wellbeing.

For many people experiencing chronic foot pain, poor posture or reduced mobility, orthotics provide vital support. These shoe inserts aim to realign the foot, redistribute pressure and improve biomechanics. But a key question arises: should you choose custom orthotics or rely on off-the-shelf options? The answer depends on various factors including foot structure, activity levels, budget and the underlying cause of discomfort.

Many individuals seek podiatry Wembley and other local clinics for expert guidance in selecting the most appropriate orthotic solution. Both custom and prefabricated orthotics feature in podiatric care plans, but their suitability varies based on individual needs.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotic devices are specialised shoe inserts designed to:

Provide targeted support to foot arches and heels
Correct alignment issues such as overpronation or supination
Alleviate pressure points to reduce pain from conditions such as plantar fasciitis or heel spurs

There are two main types:

Custom orthotics: Tailored by a podiatrist using foot scans, pressure mapping and gait analysis
Off-the-shelf orthotics: Mass-produced in standard sizes and available in stores or online

While both types offer benefits, the extent of relief they provide can differ significantly.

Advantages of Custom Orthotics

Custom orthotics are often regarded as the premium choice, particularly for complex or chronic issues. Here’s why they stand out:

1. Exact Fit

Custom orthotics are created based on a mould or digital scan of your feet, ensuring they precisely match your arch, heel and overall foot shape. This tailored fit provides improved alignment and even pressure distribution during movement.

2. Condition-Specific Treatment

Conditions such as severe pronation, diabetic neuropathy or arthritis require precise correction. Custom devices are prescribed after a comprehensive biomechanical assessment to address the root cause, not just symptoms.

3. Longevity

Although more expensive upfront, custom orthotics—made from materials such as polypropylene, EVA foam or carbon fibre—can last several years when maintained properly.

4. Improved Biomechanics

Studies show custom orthotics help correct posture and gait, affecting the ankle, knee, hip and even the lower back. This can benefit not only those with pain but also active individuals and athletes. The Journal of Foot and Ankle Research reports that custom foot orthoses can significantly reduce pain and improve function in patients with plantar heel pain.

When Off-the-Shelf Orthotics May Suffice

Prefabricated orthotics offer a budget-friendly and accessible alternative. While lacking the personalisation of custom devices, they do provide basic support and cushioning.

1. Lower Cost

These insoles usually range between $30 and $100, compared with $400–$800 for custom orthotics. For mild or temporary conditions, prefabricated options may be cost-effective.

2. Immediate Availability

No waiting period—these can be bought instantly at pharmacies, sports stores or online. They are ideal for those needing quick relief or temporary support following injury.

3. Adjustability

Higher-end prefabricated orthotics often include removable arch pads, allowing some degree of customisation to suit different levels of support.

However, off-the-shelf solutions can cause issues if the fit is incorrect or the material collapses under pressure.

Direct Comparison

Feature	Custom Orthotics	Off-the-Shelf Orthotics
Fit	Moulded to the individual	Standardised sizes
Prescription	Required	Not required
Price	High	Budget to mid-range
Durability	2–5 years or more	Often under 12 months
Effectiveness	High for complex conditions	Moderate, best for mild pain
Availability	1–3 weeks post-assessment	Immediate
Suitability	Chronic or structural issues	Mild heel/toe pain

Match by Foot Condition

Plantar Fasciitis

Recommendation: Custom orthotics
Heel pain from plantar fascia strain benefits from targeted cushioning and arch support only custom inserts can reliably provide.

Flat Feet (Fallen Arches)

Recommendation: Custom orthotics
Without sufficient support, flat feet can lead to overpronation and related problems in knees, hips or lower back. According to the Better Health Channel, orthoses can assist people with structural issues like flat feet by reducing strain and promoting natural movement.

Mild Heel Pain

Recommendation: Off-the-shelf orthotics
For occasional discomfort, a quality prefabricated option may offer sufficient relief.

Diabetic Foot Complications

Recommendation: Custom orthotics
People with diabetes and neuropathy need precise cushioning and pressure relief to prevent ulcers. Healthdirect Australia emphasises the importance of custom orthotics and professional foot care to reduce the risk of complications.

Athletic Support

Recommendation: Depends
Recreational exercisers may do fine with high-quality off-the-shelf orthotics, while elite athletes or those with recurring injuries benefit from custom devices.

Role of the Podiatrist

If foot pain persists for more than a few days, worsens with activity or affects posture, a podiatric assessment is highly recommended. Clinics offering podiatry Wembley services typically include gait analysis, pressure mapping and 3-D foot scanning to determine whether custom orthotics are necessary.

Podiatrists also guide patients toward reputable off-the-shelf products and can customise prefabricated devices to better suit individual foot profiles. As noted by the Better Health Channel, podiatrists are trained to prescribe or adjust orthoses for specific medical needs, helping ensure maximum benefit and proper foot alignment.

Ensuring Quality in Off-the-Shelf Options

Not all mass-market orthotics are reliable. Look for products with clinical testing and trusted reputations. The Better Health Channel advises consumers to choose orthotics based on their foot type and to wear proper footwear that accommodates these inserts.

Healthdirect Australia also notes that while flat feet are often harmless, orthotics may be recommended if pain or functional issues arise.

Summary: Which Option Should You Choose?

Custom orthotics provide the best fit, more effective correction and long-lasting support—especially for chronic or structural issues
Off-the-shelf orthotics are affordable, easy to access and effective for mild discomfort or short-term needs

Ultimately, the optimal orthotic choice depends on the individual’s condition, physical activity levels and advice from a professional. Most importantly, proper assessment by a qualified podiatrist—particularly those offering podiatry Wembley services—ensures that the chosen orthotic supports both immediate comfort and long-term foot health.

Month: June 2025

Is Physiotherapy Better Than Chiropractic Care?