Similarities & Differences
Osteopathy, Chiropractic,
Physiotherapy, Massage Therapy
(DO vs DC vs PT vs MT)
European
style Osteopathy, massage therapy & physiotherapy are offered in a diploma
or degree format, while chiropractic is offered only as a degree. These four
professions have more similarities than differences. They all offer valuable
services to patients and are great health professions. In many cases and in
many rehabilitation clinics, osteopaths, chiropractors, physiotherapists and
massage therapists work together as a multidisciplinary team to get patients
better in the best way applicable. They each offer unique & amazing health
care which is much appreciated by patients worldwide.
|
Osteopathy
|
Chiropractic
|
Physiotherapy
|
Massage Therapy
|
Designation
|
DOMP, DO, BSc (O), MSc (O)
|
DC, BSc (C), MSc (C)
|
BSc (PT), MSc (PT), PhD, DPT
|
RMT, LMT, MT
|
Average School Tuition
|
$5,000 to $100,000
|
$60,000 to $120,000
|
Free (government paid) to $100,000
|
$15,000 to $30,000
|
Study Time for Regular Students
|
From 1 to 4 years (depending on
diploma or degree)
|
3 to 4 years
|
2 to 4 years
|
1 to 2 years
|
Accelerated Program Study Time for Students
With Prior Health Education
|
4 months to 2 years (depending on student’s
background & diploma or degree program)
|
1 to 2 years depending on student’s
background
|
1 to 2 years depending on student’s
background
|
4 months to 1 year depending on
student’s background
|
Average Annual Income
|
$90,000
|
$100,000
|
$80,000
|
$60,000
|
Average hiring salary for new
graduates
|
$30 per hour
|
$40 per hour
|
$40 per hour
|
$20 per hour
|
Average Hourly Treatment Fee (Canada)
|
$80 to $140
|
$100 to $150
|
$80 to $150
|
$60 to $80
|
Hourly Fee Set by Financial Service
Commission of Ontario for Car Accident Patients
|
$57.67
|
$111.80
|
$98.86
|
$57.67
|
Insurance Coverage in Canada
|
Accepted by all major insurers
|
Accepted by all major insurers
|
Accepted by all major insurers
|
Accepted by all major insurers
|
Board Exams
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Practice
|
Primary health practitioner. Can open
independent clinic and see patients directly without supervision.
|
Primary health practitioner. Can open
independent clinic and see patients directly without supervision.
|
Primary health practitioner. Can open
independent clinic and see patients directly without supervision in most
countries. In some places must be supervised by MD
|
Primary health practitioner. Can open
independent clinic and see patients directly without supervision.
|
Medical Diagnosis
|
Yes (for degree holders), No (for
diploma holders)
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
Manual Diagnosis
|
Yes, both diploma & degree holders
can perform osteopathic diagnosis
|
Yes, can perform chiropractic
diagnosis
|
No. Manual diagnosis is not taught
|
No. Manual diagnosis is not taught
|
Physiotherapy Modalities
|
Yes (diploma holders need extra
training)
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
NO
|
Prerequisite to Education
|
High school graduation for diploma
holders & BSc (O), university education for DO & MSc (O)
|
University education
|
High school graduation
|
High school graduation
|
Employment Potential
|
Zero unemployment
|
Zero unemployment
|
Zero unemployment
|
Zero unemployment
|
Radiography
|
Not permitted
|
Able to take x-rays
|
Not permitted
|
Not permitted
|
Radiology
|
Degree holders able to read x-rays.
Diploma holders no.
|
Able to read x-rays
|
Not able to read x-rays
|
Not able to read x-rays
|
Most Common Disorder Treated
|
Low back pain followed by neck pain
|
Low back pain followed by neck pain
|
Low back pain followed by neck pain
|
Low back pain followed by neck pain
|
Foot Orthotics
|
Able to cast & dispense
|
Able to cast & dispense
|
Able to cast & dispense
|
Not able
|
Orthopaedic Bracing
|
Able to dispense
|
Able to dispense
|
Able to dispense
|
Not able
|
Compression support hose
|
Able to dispense
|
Able to dispense
|
Able to dispense
|
Not able
|
Treatment Plan
|
Able to sign
|
Able to sign
|
Able to sign
|
Able to sign
|
functional Abilities Evaluation
|
Degree holders permitted.
|
Permitted
|
Permitted
|
Not permitted
|
Job Site Analysis
|
Degree holders permitted
|
Permitted
|
Permitted
|
Not permitted
|
Home Based Assessment
|
Degree holders permitted
|
Permitted
|
Permitted
|
Not permitted
|
Independent Medical Evaluation
|
Degree holders permitted
|
Permitted
|
Permitted
|
Not permitted
|
Treatments at Home
|
Permitted
|
Permitted
|
Permitted
|
Permitted
|
Regulation
|
Regulated in 7 countries
|
Regulated in 7 countries
|
Regulated in all countries
|
Regulated in 7 countries
|
Can Open Independent Clinic
|
Yes, in all countries
|
Yes, in all countries
|
Yes, in some countries. Elsewhere PTs must
work in an MD owned clinic or hospital
|
Yes, in all countries
|
Largest Schools in Canada
|
National Academy of Osteopathy
|
Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College
|
University of Toronto
|
Humber College
|
Largest Schools Internationally
|
National University of Medical
Sciences
|
Palmer University
|
University of Southern California
|
University of Illinois
|
Founder
|
Dr Andre Taylor Still
|
Dr Daniel David Palmer
|
Henrique Ling
|
Unknown
|
First known school
|
121 years ago in USA
|
116 years ago in USA
|
100 years ago in UK
|
Less than 100 years ago in USA
|
Largest Association
|
International Osteopathic Association
|
American Chiropractic Association
|
American Physical Therapy Association
|
American Massage Therapy Association
|
Osteopathy vs Chiropractic vs Physical Therapy vs
Massage Therapy