Chiropractic is a branch of the health care sciences and is the third largest primary health care profession in the western world after conventional medicine and dentistry.

​
Chiropractic is a primary health care discipline, which emphasizes the inherent recuperative power of the body to heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery.

​

The practice of chiropractic focuses on the relationship between the structure (primarily the spine) and function (as coordinated by the nervous system) and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health. In addition, Doctors of Chiropractic recognise the value and responsibility of working in cooperation with other health care practitioners when in the best interest of the patient.

​

The basic concept of chiropractic relates to the fact that the nervous system controls all organs, tissues and cells of the body. When vital nerve communication pathways are interfered with, as can occur with a variety of structural and / or functional problems in the spine, pain and ill health can be the result. Research both within and outside the chiropractic profession now provides support for this concept.

​

The Chiropractic profession is often poorly misunderstood. Chiropractic is founded on the scientific premise that the brain and nervous system can deliver its impulses and messages for the proper function of the body’s tissues, organs and systems.

Everyday occurrences, slips and falls can cause the spinal bones to lose their usual motion or position. This misalignment of the vertebrae is called VERTEBRAL SUBLUXTION. The misalignment of the vertebrae can result in nerve interference (decreased nerve function) to the areas of the body that the nerves supply. Symptoms often include but are not limited to, tingling, pain, numbness, or no symptoms at all. This can set off a chain reaction affecting the vertebrae, nerves, muscles, soft tissues and results in degenerative changes throughout the body.

Sports therapy is a healthcare profession focused on preventing and treating sports and exercise-related injuries, and also helping individuals return to optimal levels of fitness. It utilizes principles of sports and exercise science to assess, treat, and rehabilitate injuries, incorporating techniques like manual therapy, taping, and rehabilitation exercises.
Here's a more detailed look:
What is Sports Therapy?
Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation:
Sports therapists work with individuals of all ages and abilities to prevent injuries, manage acute and chronic conditions, and facilitate a safe return to activity.
Comprehensive Approach:
They assess movement, conduct postural and gait analysis, and use a range of techniques like massage, mobilization, and taping to address injuries and improve function.
Evidence-Based Practice:
Sports therapy relies on scientific principles and evidence-based practices to guide treatment and rehabilitation strategies.
Scope of Practice:
Sports therapists are trained to recognize and evaluate injuries, provide immediate care, manage treatment, and refer for specialist advice when needed.
What does a Sports Therapist do?
Assessment and Diagnosis:
They evaluate injuries, assess movement patterns, and identify areas of dysfunction.
Treatment:
Sports therapists use a variety of techniques, including manual therapy (massage, mobilization), taping, and exercise prescription, to address pain, improve range of motion, and restore function.
Rehabilitation:
They develop and implement personalized rehabilitation programs to help individuals recover from injuries and return to their previous activity levels.
Education and Advice:
They provide guidance on injury prevention strategies, training techniques, and overall wellness.
Key Differences from Physiotherapy:
While both sports therapists and physiotherapists work with injuries, there are some key distinctions. Sports therapists often have a stronger focus on the sporting context and may work more closely with athletes on the field or in a sports setting. Physiotherapists may have a broader scope of practice and work in more diverse settings like hospitals and clinics.