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Patient Questions  /  Physical therapist or chiropractor?

Starting Physical Therapy

What's the Difference Between a Physical Therapist and a Chiropractor?

Both are licensed health professionals who treat pain. Chiropractors focus mainly on the spine and joints, often using adjustments. Physical therapists focus on movement and function, using exercise, hands-on care and education across the whole body.

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How the approaches differ

  • Physical therapists evaluate how you move and function, then treat with progressive exercise, hands-on techniques and education, aiming to build strength and mobility so you can manage on your own. They treat the whole body, including rehab after surgery, balance and dizziness, sports injuries and pelvic floor problems.
  • Chiropractors focus mainly on the spine and joints, and spinal adjustments (manipulation) are a central part of their care. Many also use exercise and other treatments.

There is overlap, and approaches vary from one practitioner to the next.

Which one is right for me?

Consider physical therapy if you want to rebuild strength and movement, you're recovering from surgery or an injury, you have a balance, dizziness or pelvic floor problem, or you want a program you can continue on your own. Some people see both.

Insurance coverage differs too. For example, Medicare covers chiropractic care mainly for spinal manipulation, while it covers physical therapy for a wide range of conditions.

How physical therapy at ARI can help

At ARI, your care is one-on-one with a licensed physical therapist, built around exercise, hands-on treatment and a clear plan to get you back to what you enjoy.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi.

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

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This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed September 2026