While Chiropodists work mainly with the feet, Chiropractors work mainly using spinal adjustments with manual or instrument-assisted techniques to adjust the spine, relieving pain and promoting overall wellness. Both are health specialists needed by many people to be able to get the most out of everyday life, but people tend to confuse the two or are unaware what both terms actually mean.
A chiropodist and a chiropractor are both healthcare professionals, but they focus on different areas of the body and treat distinct conditions. The confusion comes about because of the Greek word chiro, where it has the meaning “hand. ” This meaning is found in such words as: chiropodist, chiropractor.
Chiropractic and chiropody are both healthcare professions, but they focus on different aspects of the body and use different methods for treatment:
Chiropractic:
- Focus: Chiropractors primarily focus on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal issues, particularly those related to the spine and nervous system.
- Treatment methods: The main treatment technique used by chiropractors is spinal manipulation or “adjustments,” which aim to improve spinal alignment and reduce pain, restore mobility, and improve function.
- Conditions treated: Chiropractors commonly treat conditions such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, joint pain, and musculoskeletal injuries.
- Education: Chiropractors typically undergo extensive education, including a doctoral-level program (Doctor of Chiropractic), which can take 3-4 years of postgraduate study.
Chiropody (or Podiatry in some regions):
- Focus: Chiropody, known as podiatry in some countries, is a medical field concerned with diagnosing and treating conditions related to the feet, ankles, and lower limbs.
- Treatment methods: Chiropodists provide treatments such as foot care, nail trimming, callus removal, foot orthotics, and treatment of conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, and ingrown toenails.
- Conditions treated: Chiropodists deal with foot problems, foot-related infections, and disorders affecting mobility, especially in patients with diabetes or those with circulatory or neurological conditions.
- Education: Chiropodists typically complete a degree in podiatry (which may be a bachelor’s or a clinical doctorate, depending on the region) and undergo specialized training in foot and lower limb care.
In summary, chiropractors focus on spinal and musculoskeletal health, while chiropodists (podiatrists) specialize in the care of feet and lower limbs. Dr. David Black from Armadale Chiropractic Centre discusses the two professions and the potential to confuse the terms.
