There are a whole range of professionals who are experts in musculoskeletal health, but have very different job titles and roles.
This is your guide to who is who, and who does what.
What is a physiotherapist?
A physiotherapist is a healthcare professional who specialises in helping improve movement and function.
They often work as part of multi-disciplinary teams, supporting patients with long term health conditions or disabilities, or with rehabilitation after injuries, surgeries or illness.
They use various techniques like exercises, massage, manual therapy, as well as things like electrotherapy or ultrasound - and give advice on lifestyle changes. Their goal is to restore normal movement, reduce pain, and help people achieve their highest level of independence.
Physiotherapists don’t just work on the musculoskeletal system, but also on neurological, respiratory and cardiovascular systems – for instance helping people with breathing problems to improve lung function, or people who’ve had a stroke regain things like speech and muscle control.
Physiotherapy shouldn’t hurt, but you might find some exercises you’re asked to do challenging - and you might feel very tired afterwards. It’s also likely you’ll be asked to practice or repeat exercises at home between sessions.
When might you see a physiotherapist?
You might see a physiotherapist if you’re experiencing bone, joint and muscle issues – things like arthritis, back or neck pain, or if you’ve had a sports injury.
You might also see one after experiencing heart and circulation problems, like a heart attack, if you’ve got a neurological issue, like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease, or a respiratory condition like COPD or asthma.
They can also help women during or after pregnancy with issues like pelvic pain and incontinence.
What is a chiropractor?
In the UK, a chiropractor primarily focuses on the spine and its relationship to the nervous system, using manipulative techniques to address alignment issues, working on the bones, muscles and joints in the back.
Some chiropractors use only their hands while others use various instruments. The process shouldn’t be painful unless the area being treated is swollen, but patients might hear popping or clicking noises, similar to knuckles cracking, and might be stiff or slightly sore after their treatment.
The NHS considers it to be a type of complementary or alternative medicine – and it’s not usually a medical treatment they will prescribe. However, some patients do find it an effective way to manage pain or improve mobility - and it is a regulated profession. All chiropractors in the UK must be registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC).
When might you see a chiropractor?
You might choose to pay to see a local chiropractor if you have a sudden injury or strain to your back and want to seek immediate relief or support.
What is an osteopath?
The NHS describes osteopathy as a way of detecting, treating and preventing health problems by moving, stretching and massaging a person's muscles and joints.
While physiotherapists tend to work on one area of the body, osteopaths take a holistic view of the body as an interconnected system, and are looking at how it all works together. Their aim is to restore and realign bones, muscles, ligaments and connective tissue - improving movement, reducing pain and encouraging blood flow.
It tends to involve a lot of soft tissue work, but as with a chiropractor, you might hear popping or clicking, and feel sore after treatment. Unlike chiropractic therapy, osteopathy is available on the NHS, and recognised as a valuable tool to help treat MSK conditions.
The profession is regulated and by law osteopaths must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC).
When might you see an osteopath?
You might consider seeing an osteopath for a variety of musculoskeletal issues, including persistent pain, limited mobility, or if you suspect a postural problem. They can also be helpful for sports injuries, headaches, or pain related to pregnancy.
So what’s the difference?
In summary it all boils down to different philosophies, techniques and clinical approaches.
If you’re not sure what kind of help you might need, your GP – or the Equipsme 24/7 GP – is a good place to start.
How can Equipsme help?
As well as our GP service, your Equipsme plan also comes with physiotherapy sessions through AXA Health.
We’ve even got a fast-track MSK Pathway that you can access without a GP referral.
All you need to do is contact AXA Health by phone or through the Equipsme portal, and ask for the MSK Pathway. You’ll fill in a short online assessment and be given advice to manage and improve symptoms via a phone or video appointment - often within 24 hours.
That initial consultation will provide you with a support plan, determine whether you need hands-on therapy with a practitioner, or if you need further tests or scans.
Depending on your plan level, you can then submit a claim to AXA Health, through Equipsme too, and they will assess whether any recommended additional treatment is covered under the plan or not.
Find out more in these other Equipsme blogs:
How to get an Equipsme physiotherapy appointment
How to access diagnosis services through Equipsme
Sources
www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/physiotherapy
www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/osteopathy
www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/chiropractic
www.gcc-uk.org
www.osteopathy.org.uk/home
www.csp.org.uk
All our information is desk-based research from credible sources only, including the NHS and medical/disease charities.
Date created: June 2025
