Are Osteopathy, Physiotherapy & Chiropractic different?

To a regular human being, an osteopath, a physiotherapist and a chiropractor may appear similar type of doctors, relating to musculoskeletal pain. However, the three are not the same. Shiksha draws a difference between Osteopathy, Physiotherapy and Chiropractic.

Related to musculoskeletal pain, osteopathy, physiotherapy and chiropractic are sometimes considered to be interchangeable by regular people. However, these are three different streams of doctorate that have different ways of treating the patients. Shiksha draws a comparison between these three fields of medicine, their future prospects and skillset required to excel in each.

 

Osteopathy

Osteopathy focuses on total body health by strengthening and treating the musculoskeletal framework. The primary theory behind osteopathy is that the health of a person depends on their muscles, bones, connective tissue and ligaments functioning effortlessly together. 

Eligibility

Individuals who have completed Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS), Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS) or any other degree course in the field of medicine can opt for a course in Osteopathic Medicine. But, there are only a limited number of institutes in India that offer a course in this subject field.

Skillset required to be an Osteopath

• Good organisational skills
• Good communication, listening and interpersonal skills
• Ability to pay attention to detail
• Ability to work in a team
• Excellent hand-eye coordination
• Physical fitness and good health
• Understanding and sympathetic

Prospects

Osteopathy is a relatively innovative area of alternative medicine. The scope for this emergent career field is much for the innovative candidate as those trained in this area are few compared to the chances that are already available to explore.

Osteopaths typically work along with medical practitioners, dietitians, podiatrists, naturopaths, and other healthcare professionals. In maximum cases, Osteopaths are self-employed, as they manage private practice by launching their clinics. The working hours can be irregular; appointments can be more during weekends or in the evening. One can also choose to work in a health centre or hospital. Individuals might choose to go into the field of investigation, to intensify understanding about osteopathic methods.

Pay Package

Osteopaths usually charge as per treatment, their earnings will differ with the number of patients they see. But, this too will be based upon the place of employment and experience. An Osteopath can charge a rate based on their years of experience and reputation. For a visit, a well-experienced Osteopath could charge upto Rs 4,000. 

Institutes offering Osteopathy in India 

• Institute of Alternative Medicines, Kolkata
• Holy Angels College of Alternative Medicine, Mumbai
• Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences, Andhra Pradesh

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is an independent health professional who is aimed at alleviating or preventing of movement dysfunction in individuals. The individual, who is specialised in this area, is known as a Physiotherapist.

Eligibility 

For the admission to the physiotherapy programme, the candidate should have qualified the examination conducted by the specific universities/institutions. To pursue the course you will have to meet the below-mentioned criteria:

• Must have physics, chemistry, and biology in 10+2 examination
• Must be 17 years of age
• Must have completed the 10+2 examination with a minimum 50 per cent marks
• Must have an excellent score in the entrance examination

Skillset required for the Physiotherapist

• Ability to speak in a convincing tone
• Fluency in English
• Clarity of speech
• Ability to operate equipment wisely
• The scientific rationale behind procedures
• Empathy
• Influential and persuasive
• Confidence
• Excellent presentation skills

Prospects

After completing the physiotherapy programme, the physiotherapist can work as a doctor, a health counsellor, a sports coach or a physical trainer. After the completion of the course, they may also opt for higher study such as as M.PT or PhD. 

Also read: Career and Prospects - Physiotherapy

Pay Package 

The initial salary of a physiotherapist in India is Rs 2 to 2.5 lakh per year. But with experience and by pursuing a higher degree the salary can go up to Rs 5 lakh.

Institutes offering Physiotherapy programme

• St. John's Medical College, Bengaluru
• Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences And Research, Delhi
• M.S. Ramaiah Medical College, Bengaluru
• SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Chennai

Chiropractor

Chiropractic is a branch that focuses on bone, nerve and other parts of Neuro-musculoskeletal system. It is a non-invasive treatment used to alleviate the pain of the mid-back and lower back region, joints, neck, and nervous system of human beings. Individuals who specialise in this field are known as Chiropractors.

Eligibility

Chiropractic being a dedicated professional course necessitates several years of study and rigorous training for hours. To pursue this course, the aspirant must complete a Bachelor’s degree from a renowned university. A candidate can pursue chiropractic course either via a five-year integrated programme which combines three of years undergraduate and two years of post-graduate programme, or a doctoral program of four years. However, to enroll for Chiropractic course, the students need to complete their Class 12 board examination with Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. 

Skillset required to become a Chiropractor

• Skill to identify the area of pain
• Communication skill
• Use of modern treatment techniques
• Loving and caring attitude
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skill
• Perseverance and endurance
• Time management skill
• Team working skill 

Job Prospects

There are lots of job opportunities for a chiropractor. After receiving a license they may work at private and government hospitals, nursing homes, etc. They might set up their clinic and begin a private practice. A chiropractor can work in: 

• Clinics and health departments
• Government hospitals
• Nursing homes
• Old age homes
• Private hospitals
• Military hospitals
• Training institutes as educators
• Sports academy 

Pay Package

A chiropractor’s salary will increase with experience and skill. Nursing homes and private hospitals usually pay remuneration of Rs 20,000-25,000 per month. With experience, the salary can increase to Rs 50,000 per month. An experienced chiropractor works in association with a neurologist or orthopedist and can charge for consultation by the hour.

Institutes offering Chiropractic course in India           

• Holy Angels College of Alternative Medicines, Mumbai
• Institute of Alternative Medicines and Research (IAMR), Kolkata