Who Do I Choose for My Injury or Pain? Chiropractor, Physiotherapist, or Massage Therapist?

When pain or injury strikes, it’s natural to wonder: “Who should I see first?” Chiropractors, physiotherapists, and massage therapists all play important roles in musculoskeletal health, but their approaches differ. Choosing the right practitioner depends on your condition, goals, and preferences. Let’s break it down with an evidence-based perspective.

Chiropractor

Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who focus on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions involving the spine, joints, muscles, and nervous system.

• What they do: Chiropractors use manual therapies such as spinal adjustments, joint mobilisations, soft tissue techniques, dry needling, and exercise prescription.

• Best suited for:

  • Back and neck pain

  • Headaches related to the spine (tension-type and cervicogenic headaches)

  • Joint stiffness and restricted mobility

  • Postural-related pain

  • Sports injuries (Certain chiropractors may have special interest in knee, shoulder, ankle rehab etc.)

Evidence: Clinical guidelines, such as those from the Lancet Low Back Pain Series (2018) and Australian Clinical Care Standards (2022), recommend spinal manipulation and exercise as first-line care for low back pain. Chiropractors are trained to provide both.

Physiotherapist

Physiotherapists specialise in restoring movement and function after injury, illness, or surgery.

• What they do: They use exercise rehabilitation, manual therapy, education, and modalities (e.g., dry needling, electrotherapy) to help recovery and improve mobility.

• Best suited for:

  • Sports injuries (e.g., sprains, strains, tendon injuries)

  • Post-surgical rehabilitation

  • Neurological and cardiorespiratory conditions

  • Chronic pain requiring graded exercise programs

Evidence: Research supports physiotherapy-led exercise and rehabilitation in improving outcomes for musculoskeletal injuries (Cochrane Reviews, 2019). For post-surgical care, physiotherapy remains the gold standard.

Massage Therapist

Massage therapists focus on the soft tissues of the body — muscles, tendons, and fascia.

• What they do: They use hands-on techniques to reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation.

• Best suited for:

  • Muscle tightness and soreness

  • Stress-related tension

  • Supporting recovery from training or sport

  • Complementary care alongside chiropractic or physiotherapy

Evidence: Systematic reviews (Cochrane, 2015) suggest massage can reduce short-term pain and improve relaxation, especially for chronic conditions such as low back pain, but it is most effective as part of a broader treatment plan.

So, Who Should You See?

• Back or neck pain, postural strain, joint stiffness? → A Chiropractor is often a good first step. Check out our Chiropractors, there are not your typically chiropractors.

• Sports injury, post-surgery, or complex rehab? → A Physiotherapist may be the most appropriate.

• Muscle tightness, stress, or recovery support? → A Massage Therapist can provide effective relief.

Importantly, these professions often work best together. For example, a patient with chronic back pain may see a chiropractor for spinal function, a physiotherapist for exercise rehab, and a massage therapist for muscle relief.

Our Approach at Epoch Health

At Epoch Health, we believe in evidence-based, collaborative care. Our chiropractors, massage therapists, and dietitians work together to ensure you get the right treatment at the right time. If you’re unsure where to start, our team can guide you to the practitioner best suited to your needs.

👉 Book an appointment today and take the first step toward recovery and long-term wellbeing.