If you’re dealing with persistent back pain, a sports injury, joint stiffness, or nerve-related symptoms, a common question is:
“Should I see a chiropractor or a physiotherapist?”
In London, Ontario, patients have access to both – but the most effective path to recovery often isn’t choosing one over the other. Instead, it’s understanding how chiropractic care and physiotherapy work together when guided by proper clinical assessment.
At London Chiropractic & Massage Clinic, we take an integrated, evidence-based approach to care – ensuring treatment decisions are based on findings, function, and patient-specific goals.
Chiropractic Care: Restoring Joint Function and Movement
Chiropractorsspecialize in the assessment and treatment of the neuro-musculoskeletal system, with a particular focus on spinal and joint mechanics. When joints lose normal motion—due to injury, postural strain, or degeneration – pain, stiffness, and altered movement patterns often follow.
Our chiropractors use manual and instrument-assisted techniquesto:
- Restore normal joint motion
- Improve spinal and peripheral joint mechanics
- Reduce pain associated with movement restriction
The London Advantage: Cox® Technic
Across our Colborne Street, Hamilton Road, and Wortley Village locations, we utilize Cox® Technic spinal decompression. This is a gentle, evidence-informed approach commonly used for disc-related conditions, sciatica, and complex spinal cases—particularly when high-force techniques may not be appropriate.
Physiotherapy: Rebuilding Strength, Control, and Function
Physiotherapists focus on movement rehabilitation—how muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints work together to support function. Their role is essential in restoring strength, coordination, and endurance, especially following injury or surgery.
Our physiotherapy programs commonly include:
- Targeted therapeutic exercise for injury recovery
- Manual therapy for soft-tissue restrictions
- Education on load management (particularly relevant for London’s industrial and physically demanding occupations)
- BioFlex Laser Therapy and Shockwave Therapy to support tissue healing when clinically indicated
Specialized Care
Our team also includes Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy, providing a critical resource for patients whose symptoms extend beyond general musculoskeletal care. This ensures patients are appropriately directed when pelvic, core, or postural contributors are identified during assessment.
Why an Integrated Care Model Works Better
In many cases, chiropractic care and physiotherapy address different—but complementary—components of the same condition.
A common and effective sequence we see in our clinics:
- Chiropractic care restores joint mobility and reduces mechanical restriction (mechanical foundation)
- Physiotherapy strengthens and retrains surrounding tissues to support that mobility (neuromuscular support)
This coordinated approach helps to:
- Improve tolerance to daily and occupational activities
- Reduce the likelihood of symptom recurrence
- Support long-term functional recovery, rather than short-term relief
Care is never one-size-fits-all. Treatment decisions are based on assessment findings, clinical reasoning, and individual patient goals.
Navigating Your Care in London, Ontario
At London Chiropractic & Massage Clinic, we provide coordinated care under one roof, allowing patients to benefit from:
- Collaborative communication — your providers actively discuss progress and care planning
- Direct billing — including MorCare, Sun Life, and Canada Life, where plan eligibility permits
- Advanced therapeutic options — including custom orthotics, shockwave therapy, and laser therapy, prescribed based on objective findings
Not Sure Which Therapy You Need? Start With an Assessment
You don’t have to guess which provider is right for you.
Our clinical team begins with a thorough assessment to determine:
- Which therapies are appropriate
- Whether coordinated care is indicated
- How to progress safely toward functional recovery