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