The Role of Chiropractic & Physical Therapy: How They Work Together
- Dr. Alex Gehlen, PT, DPT
- Mar 29
- 2 min read
When you’re in pain—whether it’s your neck, back, or joints—it can be hard to know where to start. Should you see a chiropractor? A physical therapist? Or both?
At Trivium Wellness in Bend, OR, we often hear these questions from patients navigating their recovery. The good news is: chiropractic care and physical therapy don’t have to be either/or. In fact, they often work best together.

How Chiropractic and Physical Therapy Complement Each Other
While both chiropractors and physical therapists focus on musculoskeletal health, they approach care through slightly different—but deeply compatible—lenses.
Chiropractic Care:
Focuses on joint alignment and nervous system health
Often uses manual adjustments and mobilization
Helps reduce nerve irritation and restore mobility
Great for acute relief and restoring joint mechanics
Physical Therapy:
Focuses on movement, strength, and long-term function
Uses manual therapy, movement assessment, and exercise-based rehab
Builds strength, stability, and body awareness
Addresses root causes of movement imbalances and pain patterns
When used together, chiropractic and physical therapy create a powerful pairing:
✅ Chiropractic may help unlock motion or address alignment issues
✅ PT can help you stabilize, strengthen, and retrain movement so relief lasts
When to Choose PT vs. Chiropractic Care
Both disciplines can help relieve pain—but they serve slightly different roles in the recovery process. Here’s a guide to help decide:
If You Need... | Consider Starting With... |
Quick relief for joint or nerve pain | Chiropractic care |
Post-surgical or post-injury rehab | Physical therapy |
Movement retraining or posture correction | Physical therapy |
Recurrent spinal or joint discomfort | Both (in coordination) |
Pelvic, postpartum, or core dysfunction | Physical therapy (with referral as needed) |
Maintenance or performance support | Both (based on individual needs) |
The key is collaboration—not competition. Many patients see the best results when chiropractic care provides relief and alignment, and physical therapy helps build strength and prevent future setbacks.
Case Study: A Combined Approach to Pain Relief
A Bend patient came to us after struggling with chronic low back pain. She had some success with chiropractic care, but relief never lasted more than a few days. After her chiropractor referred her to Trivium, we partnered on her care plan.
Working together, we:
Supported spinal mobility with chiropractic adjustments
Identified core and hip weakness contributing to her back strain
Used manual therapy to reduce tissue restriction
Built a custom home program to maintain relief and improve strength
Within a few weeks, she reported lasting relief and improved confidence in her body. This is one of many examples where shared care leads to the best outcome.
Finding the Right Provider in Bend, OR
Whether you're recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or simply trying to feel more at home in your body, finding the right provider matters.
At Trivium Wellness, we believe in collaborative care—and we work closely with trusted chiropractors and specialists in the Bend community to support your whole-body wellness.
Our goal isn’t just to treat symptoms—it’s to help you understand your body, regain movement, and feel empowered in your recovery.
📍 Looking for physical therapy in Bend, OR that works hand-in-hand with chiropractic care? Explore our services and get in touch →
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