Which professionals should I see according to my needs?

Sometimes, we have trouble understanding the difference between kinesiologists and osteopaths, the benefits of acupuncturists or the services offered by chiropractors.

This article explains which services each professional offers and which are best suited to your needs.

Physiotherapists

Physiotherapists work with people with who have a variety of physical ailments to restore optimal physical function.

Physiotherapists verify  your medical history and analyze your health status. They often work with people who have been in accidents or need rehabilitation.

They prepare a treatment plan that lists your personal goals with exercises, equipment, and assistive devices that may be prescribed (resistance bands, exercise balls, electro-stimulators, foam rollers, bandages, free weights, and balance cushions).

Occupational therapists 

Occupational therapists assess individuals' functional, physical, cognitive and psychosocial capabilities. 

They work with people suffering from injury, illness, or disability to help them regain their functional abilities and reintegrate into their familial, social and professional environments. 

They work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as physiotherapists, speech therapists and social workers, to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated approach to care.

Chiropractors

Chiropractors specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of neuro-musculoskeletal disorders, with an emphasis on the spine.

Chiropractors can use a variety of complementary therapies, including ultrasound, laser, electrical and shockwave therapy, to relieve pain and promote healing.

Chiropractors can help with chronic pain, tendonitis, or headaches.

Osteopaths

Osteopaths use their hands and props to treat musculoskeletal issues.

Osteopaths adopt a more holistic approach, considering the body as a whole, in contrast to massage therapists, who concentrate primarily on muscles and soft tissues. This includes bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and even internal organs.

They can help babies as well as adults, especially those with headaches, back pain or a need to regain mobility. Some osteopaths also specialize in sports.

Kinesiologists

Kinesiologists often work with people recovering from injury or surgery to help them regain mobility and functional ability. They create personalized exercise programs based on their clients' individual needs, goals and abilities.

Physiotherapists focus primarily on exercise and rehabilitation, while osteopaths use body and bone adjustment as their main therapeutic tool.

Massage therapists

Massage therapists use manual techniques to relieve muscle tension, improve blood and lymph circulation, and promote relaxation and general well-being.

Massage therapists can provide advice on stretching and relaxation exercises to help their clients maintain the benefits of massage between sessions.

They can also help with headaches, and muscular tension, improve your sleep quality, and more.

Acupuncturists

Typically, acupuncturists start by doing a comprehensive health assessment of their patients. Based on the theories of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), this may involve palpating the patient's pulse, observing the tongue, or conducting a series of questions.

Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body in order to stimulate energy flow and restore the body's energetic balance. 

Other TCM treatments include moxibustion, Tuina, Gua Sha and Chinese herbal prescriptions. They can work in tandem with various professionals, such as massage therapists and osteopaths.

Naturopaths

Naturopathy is an approach to health and well-being that focuses on promoting the body's natural healing process. 

It uses non-invasive methods and natural remedies such as nutrition, herbs, dietary supplements, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, and movement therapy.

Naturopaths often encourage an integrative approach, collaborating with other health professionals when necessary (massage therapist, psychologist, etc.).

Glossary:

Holistic medical approach: A care method that considers the individual as a whole, taking into account not only physical symptoms but also the mental, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of health.

Neuro-musculoskeletal disorders (TMS): These are conditions affecting muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints and other structures of the musculoskeletal system.

Moxibustion: An ancient Chinese medicinal method in which the plant mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) is burned in order to promote healing. 

Tuina: A form of traditional Chinese therapeutic massage. It is an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine, alongside acupuncture, moxibustion and phytotherapy.

Gua Sha : Gua Sha is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves using a flat, smooth tool, often made of jade or horn, to rub the skin with gentle pressure.

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GOrendezvous is a tool designed to facilitate health appointment scheduling and case management. However, please note that GOrendezvous is not a medical professional and is not authorized to make medical diagnoses.