What's the Difference Between Chiropractic Care and Physiotherapy?

A Brockton Physiotherapy Perspective

One of the most common questions we get at Brockton Physiotherapy in Dundas West is:
“What’s the difference between chiropractic care and physiotherapy?”

The short answer? Not much- at least, not here.

At Brockton Physiotherapy, we believe both chiropractic and physiotherapy approaches are grounded in the same core goal:
➡️ Helping people feel better through movement, exercise, and hands-on care.

Shared Philosophy, Slightly Different Paths

Both chiropractors and physiotherapists work to restore function, reduce pain, and help you move better. The ways they get there can vary slightly, often depending more on the practitioner’s training and philosophy than the profession itself.

Here’s a breakdown of the differences and the overlap.

Education and Training

Physiotherapy:

  • Requires an undergraduate degree (often in kinesiology or health sciences)

  • Followed by a Master’s in Physiotherapy (offered at 15 programs across Canada)

  • Focused training in exercise-based rehab, joint mobilization, and soft tissue techniques

Chiropractic:

  • Requires undergraduate prerequisites, though some students start chiropractic school in year 3 of their undergrad

  • In Canada, training is done at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) in Toronto or the program in Quebec

  • Strong focus on manual therapy, including spinal adjustments

Despite different routes, both types of providers learn anatomy, physiology, clinical diagnosis, and rehabilitation principles.

Manual Therapy & Adjustments: Where the Paths Diverge

One key difference often cited is spinal adjustments- a hallmark of chiropractic care.

However, did you know that physiotherapists can also be trained to perform adjustments?
At Brockton Physiotherapy, for example, Holly, one of our physiotherapists, performs spinal manipulations. She learned these techniques during her Master’s program at Queen’s University- one of the few physiotherapy programs in Canada that includes this training.

Other physiotherapists can gain these skills through additional post-graduate courses and become rostered to perform spinal manipulations.

What You Can Expect at Brockton Physiotherapy

Whether you book with our chiropractor or one of our physiotherapists, you’ll notice a lot of overlap in how we approach care:

✅ Thorough assessment
✅ Hands-on treatment
✅ Tailored exercise programs
✅ Emphasis on education and movement strategies

While physiotherapy is often seen as more exercise-heavy, and chiropractic care may be viewed as more manual therapy-focused, our team works together- and often blends both approaches based on what you need.

Some patients benefit from more hands-on care. Others thrive with an exercise-based plan. Many need a bit of both- and that’s exactly what we’re here to provide.

Proudly Serving Dundas West, Toronto

We’re located at 1594 Dundas Street West- right in the heart of the Dundas West community.
Whether you're an athlete, weekend warrior, or just looking to move pain-free in your daily life, we're here to support your goals with personalized, professional care.

Final Thoughts

In the real world, the difference between chiropractic and physiotherapy care comes down less to titles and more to treatment philosophy and patient needs.

At Brockton Physiotherapy, we focus on what matters most:
💪 Helping you move better, feel stronger, and get back to what you love.

Not sure which provider is right for you?

We’re happy to help. Contact us or book an appointment and we’ll guide you based on your goals, your body, and your story.

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