Physio, Chiro, Osteo…
Disclaimer: I am not a practioner of any of these, I’ve just been a patient.
So many ‘Oooooooo’s’!!!
What is the difference? I’ve tried them all. So here is my brief run down of each so you can see if any of these may be able to help you recovery from trauma, injury or just maintain your health and wellbeing.
The aim of all of these therapies is to reduce pain, improve movement and agility and/or recovery from surgeries or injuries. It’s about helping your body to heal itself. I think it’s fair to say none of these can cure you, they are all about helping your body to regulate and heal themselves.
Physiotherapy
Physio focuses on assessing how your body moves, then treating with massage, guided stretches, or movement exercises. Equipment like resistance bands, treadmills, or bikes may be used.
My main experience was through a concussion clinic, rebuilding muscle strength and overall fitness. Sessions were usually a mix of discussion, gentle manipulation, and guided exercise. In my experience, some physios are fantastic, others less so—so check reviews or get a recommendation.
✅ Funded in part by ACC in New Zealand
⏱ Sessions: 30–60 minutes
Chiropractic Therapy
Chiropractors work mostly on your skeletal system, focusing on subluxations (misalignments in joints or vertebrae). Treatment usually involves quick, precise movements to realign and release tension.
It can be very effective, but often needs regular sessions to maintain results, which adds up in cost and time. My first chiropractor in Wellington also included nutritional support and kinesiology, which was an amazing bonus.
✅ Funded in part by ACC in New Zealand
⏱ Sessions: 15–30 minutes
Osteopathy
To me, osteopathy feels like a blend of physio and chiro—working with both muscles and bones for a more “whole body” approach. Treatments may include adjustments, massage, and stretches, and they often give you exercises to continue at home.
There’s also cranial osteopathy, which is related but different to cranio sacral therapy. Overall, I’ve found osteopathy the best value for money—I usually left sessions feeling rebalanced and great.
✅ Funded in part by ACC in New Zealand
⏱ Sessions: ~45 minutes.