Both disciplines originated in the United States: osteopathy was founded by Andrew Taylor Still in 1874, and chiropractic by Daniel David Palmer in 1895.
While both professions share a set of values and practices centered on a manual, holistic approach aimed at improving overall well-being, they have some key differences, summarized in 4 points :
1. Philosophy :
- Chiropractic focuses on enhancing nerve impulse transmission for effective communication between the nervous system and the entire body.
- Osteopathy aims to improve the circulation of bodily fluids, particularly lymphatic and vascular, for optimal body function.
2. Education :
- The title of chiropractor is awarded by a single school in France after a full-time 5-year program, with the training standardized internationally.
- The title of osteopath is awarded by around 30 schools in France after a 5-year full-time program. Other healthcare professionals like doctors, physiotherapists, midwives, nurses, and podiatrists can also undertake osteopathy training, which is typically shorter and part-time.
3. Regulation :
| Chiropractor | Osteopath | |
|---|---|---|
| Non-force mobilizations / manipulations | authorized | authorized |
| Manipulations with force vector | authorized | prohibited |
| Instrument-assisted mobilizations / manipulations | authorized | prohibited |
| Mechanically assisted mobilizations / manipulations | authorized | prohibited |
| Non-force manipulations of the neck | authorized | only after a medical clearance indicating no contraindications |
| Manipulations with force vector or instrumental of the neck | authorized | prohibited |
| Pain relief advice | authorized | prohibited |
| Treatment of functional disorders | authorized | authorized |
| Treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and their effects | authorized | prohibited |
4. Frequency of care :
In both disciplines, the number of sessions is tailored to your specific needs, but typically :
- Chiropractic consultations are more frequent (4 to 10 times per year). The initial session is longer (30 min to 1 hour), while follow-up visits are shorter (15 to 30 min).
- Osteopathy consultations are less frequent (1 to 3 times per year) and last between 45 min and 1 hour.
In conclusion, whether you choose a chiropractor or an osteopath, the common goal is to improve your health and quality of life. While each therapist may have their own specialties and experiences, the most important factor is finding a practitioner you feel comfortable with and trust.