If you are struggling with back pain, recovering from a sports injury, or trying to regain mobility after surgery, you may be wondering whether chiropractic care or physical therapy is the right option for you. Both treatment approaches are highly effective, but they differ in focus and methods.
At Bergen Medical Sports & Spine, we specialize in both chiropractic and physical therapy services at our Paramus, Bayonne, and West Orange, NJ locations. Our integrated approach ensures that patients don’t have to choose one or the other blindly. Instead, they receive personalized recommendations based on their unique condition, lifestyle, and recovery goals.
In this article, we’ll break down the differences between chiropractic care and physical therapy, explain when each is most beneficial, and show you how combining them often leads to the fastest, most complete recovery.
What is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care is a natural, non-invasive healthcare discipline focused on correcting spinal misalignments and restoring joint mobility. At Bergen Medical, our chiropractors use gentle spinal manipulations and other hands-on techniques to improve posture, relieve pain, and help the body heal itself without the use of medication or surgery.
Some of the chiropractic services we offer include:
- Spinal decompression therapy using the advanced DRX-9000® system, which relieves pressure on herniated or bulging discs.
- Chiropractic manipulation, which involves safe, controlled adjustments to restore mobility and reduce nerve irritation.
- Myofascial release therapy, which targets tight or restricted soft tissue to improve circulation and reduce pain.
- Postural analysis and correction, which helps patients prevent recurring pain by addressing underlying alignment issues.
- Nutrition counseling, which supports healing and long-term health with personalized recommendations.
Patients often turn to chiropractic care for conditions like acute low back pain, neck stiffness, headaches, herniated discs, sciatica, or posture-related discomfort. Because adjustments help restore proper alignment, many people experience immediate relief and improved function after a session.
What is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy (PT) is a broader specialty designed to help patients improve strength, flexibility, and mobility. Physical therapists use movement-based exercises, manual therapy, and state-of-the-art modalities to treat injuries, manage pain, and restore physical function.
At Bergen Medical, our physical therapy programs include:
- Manual therapy to reduce pain and improve range of motion.
- Joint and soft tissue mobilization for better flexibility and healing.
- Therapeutic exercises that rebuild strength and balance.
- Post-operative rehabilitation, which helps patients recover safely after surgery.
- Cold laser therapy and electrical stimulation (TENS) to decrease inflammation and improve circulation.
Physical therapy benefits a wide range of patients, from young athletes recovering from sports injuries to seniors dealing with chronic joint stiffness. It’s particularly helpful for anyone who has undergone surgery or experienced a major injury and needs to gradually regain mobility and strength.
The Key Differences Between Chiropractic Care and Physical Therapy
While chiropractic care and physical therapy share the goal of improving function and reducing pain, they take different approaches.
- Chiropractic care focuses on spinal and joint alignment. It is often the best choice for acute issues such as sudden back pain, neck stiffness, or nerve irritation. Chiropractic adjustments can provide immediate relief and restore mobility quickly.
- Physical therapy is more focused on long-term recovery. It helps patients rebuild strength, flexibility, and balance after surgery or a significant injury. PT often involves exercise programs, mobility training, and rehabilitation techniques designed to improve overall physical performance.
In short, chiropractic care often provides fast pain relief, while physical therapy delivers gradual improvements in strength and mobility. Both are effective, and the right choice depends on your specific condition and goals.
When to Choose Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care may be the right fit for you if:
- You are experiencing sudden or acute back or neck pain.
- You have a herniated disc or spinal stenosis and want non-surgical relief.
- You’re seeking treatment for headaches, migraines, or posture-related pain.
- You prefer a hands-on, natural, and drug-free approach to pain management.
- You want to improve joint function quickly so you can return to normal activities.
Patients who want to avoid invasive procedures often turn to chiropractic first. By correcting misalignments, chiropractors can help reduce inflammation, improve nervous system function, and restore mobility without the need for medication.
When to Choose Physical Therapy
Physical therapy may be your best option if:
- You are recovering from surgery and need a structured rehabilitation program.
- You’ve experienced a significant sports injury or accident that affects your mobility.
- You want to rebuild strength, balance, and flexibility.
- You need targeted exercises to improve long-term function.
- You are dealing with chronic musculoskeletal conditions that require ongoing management.
Because physical therapy uses therapeutic exercises and mobility training, it’s ideal for patients who need a step-by-step recovery plan. PT not only helps patients recover but also teaches them how to prevent future injuries.
Why Chiropractic and Physical Therapy Work Better Together
At Bergen Medical Sports & Spine, patients don’t always have to choose between chiropractic and physical therapy. In fact, many of our patients benefit from a combined approach.
When chiropractic adjustments restore spinal alignment and reduce nerve irritation, physical therapy can then strengthen the muscles and joints that support those corrections. Together, they create a comprehensive recovery plan that addresses both the immediate pain and the long-term stability of your musculoskeletal system.
This integrated model of care often leads to:
- Faster healing and recovery times.
- Improved mobility and flexibility.
- Long-term prevention of recurring injuries.
- A holistic, drug-free, and non-surgical treatment plan.
Our multidisciplinary team of chiropractors and physical therapists works closely together to ensure you receive seamless, customized care that supports every aspect of your health and recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I know whether I need chiropractic care or physical therapy?
A: The best way to know is through a professional evaluation. At Bergen Medical, our doctors assess your symptoms, medical history, and goals to determine which treatment—or combination of treatments—will be most effective.
Q: Can I receive both chiropractic care and physical therapy at the same time?
A: Yes. Many patients benefit from a combination of both. Chiropractic care provides immediate pain relief and alignment, while physical therapy builds long-term strength and function.
Q: Do you accept insurance for chiropractic and physical therapy?
A: Yes, we accept most major insurance providers. Contact our office, and we can verify your coverage before your first appointment.
Q: What can I expect during my first visit?
A: During your first appointment, our team will review your medical history, perform a physical examination, and discuss your symptoms. From there, we create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Q: How soon will I see results?
A: Some patients feel relief after just one chiropractic adjustment, while physical therapy typically requires several sessions for noticeable improvement. Your recovery timeline will depend on your condition and consistency with your treatment plan.
Q: Are your services drug-free and non-surgical?
A: Yes. Both chiropractic and physical therapy are natural, non-invasive treatments that focus on the body’s ability to heal itself without the use of medications or surgery.
Contact Bergen Medical Sports & Spine
If you’re dealing with pain, injury, or limited mobility, our team at Bergen Medical Sports & Spine is here to help. We provide expert chiropractic and physical therapy services across multiple convenient locations in New Jersey.
📍 Paramus, NJ – 1 Sears Drive, Suite 305 — Phone: (201) 261-5220
📍 Bayonne, NJ – 10 East 22nd Street — Phone: (201) 339-8889
📍 West Orange, NJ – 405 Northfield Ave, Suite 102 — Phone: (973) 321-7889
We also speak multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Korean, Japanese, Mandarin, Albanian, and Tagalog, so that all patients feel comfortable and supported during their care.
When deciding between chiropractic care and physical therapy, remember that the “right” choice depends on your condition, your recovery goals, and your lifestyle. Chiropractic is excellent for immediate pain relief and realignment, while physical therapy provides a path to long-term strength, mobility, and prevention.
At Bergen Medical Sports & Spine, you don’t have to make that choice alone. Our team will guide you through a personalized recovery plan that may include chiropractic care, physical therapy, or both—so you can heal faster, move better, and get back to the activities you love.
