Chiropractor or physical therapist for posture issues?

[IdahoMike]

I have posture issues I want to get sorted out with professional assistance rather than just stretching. Cost difference between the two doesn’t make a difference to me. I have imbalances everywhere t seems. My body feels crooked, one leg shorter than the other, forward head posture, anterior pelvic tilt.

[Nick]

Doc first - and then get his/her recommendation for a qualified physical therapist.

[Gammmmo]

OK I'll bite. The issues you cite are often dealt with directly and by advice from a sports massage therapist. I am a qualifed one although admittedly I don't practice so am rusty. If money isn't tight I'd get a recommendation from someone else in your area for a massage therapist first and address the muscles. I agree that just stretching is just "playing at it" because a few minutes of that a day has to compete against ingrained body movement patterns and habits for you e.g. you may work at a desk 40 hours/week slumped over, or sleep in a less optimal position. Take your anterior pelvic tilt for instance - that means the pelvis is being pulled downwards at the front and so it's likely you have tight quads and/or tight lumbar area and/or weak abdominals and/or lazy glutes. So...while a sports massage therapist will temporarily address that by relaxing tight muscles, you'd be better off identying which muscle are weak and strengthening (or even learning how to "switch on") those in the weight room or possibly with body weight exercises. Nothing stopping you diligently stretching the tight ones too. Also, you have to look at WHY you have these dysfunctions in the first place e.g. protracted upper back "kyphosis" could be from not standing up straight or bad posture when at a desk etc. You need to address these source issues too.

Now, I think you'll know when you need a chiropractor. My OH is seeing one as she has a slipped disc in her lumbar area. A massage therapist could help with discomfort with surrounding muscles but they wouldn't be able to manipulate the joint in the same way. These sort of issues are often acute ones. Sounds like yours are chronic issues so see first paragraph.

DISCLAIMER: This is intended as advice but you must manage your own condition....obviously.

[Dangerscouse]

I agree. I used to go to a chiro fairly regularly due to a displaced pelvis from a chronically tight hip flexor. They always helped but I have also now managed to 'self treat' by regularly stretching my hip flexors and doing lots of Pilates.

There's no substitute for proper medical advice but I don't think that a chiro will help other than the fact that they will massage you prior to manipulating your back