Lower Back Pain Geelong: When to See a Chiropractor vs. Physio
Your lower back is killing you. You've googled "back pain Geelong" and now you're faced with a decision: chiropractor or physiotherapist?
Both seem to treat the same thing. Both have good reviews. Both cost roughly the same. So how do you choose?
As a Geelong chiropractor who's treated over 45,000 patients since 2009, I'm going to give you an honest comparison - including when you might actually be better off seeing a physio instead of me.
Here's the truth: both chiropractors and physios in Geelong can help with lower back pain. But we approach it differently, and understanding those differences will help you make the right choice for your situation.
The Honest Truth About Chiro vs Physio
Let me start with something that might surprise you: chiropractors and physiotherapists work from essentially the same knowledge base when it comes to musculoskeletal pain.
We both understand anatomy, biomechanics, and how the body moves. We're both trained to assess and treat lower back pain. There's significant overlap in what we do.
The main difference is HOW we get results:
Physiotherapists tend to focus on getting your brain and body connection working through movements and exercises - either that you do yourself (active rehab) or with machines that facilitate the change. The work is mostly done by you, the patient, with the physio guiding and supervising.
Chiropractors can prescribe exercises too, but we also get results by doing the work FOR you - through manual adjustments and hands-on treatment. Less homework, faster initial relief.
Long-term? Both approaches require you to do the work (staying active, maintaining good habits, managing lifestyle factors). But short-term, I believe chiro gets results faster for most acute lower back pain.
That said - and this is important - it comes down to the practitioner and how well you get along with them above everything else. The best treatment is the one you'll actually follow through with.
When You Should See a Chiropractor for Lower Back Pain
Here are the situations where I genuinely believe chiropractic care is your best first option:
1. Acute Lower Back Pain (Just Happened)
You bent down to pick something up and your back seized. You slept wrong and woke up barely able to move. You've been fine for years and suddenly you're not.
Why chiro works better here:
Immediate relief through adjustment
We're addressing joint restriction and muscle spasm directly
You don't need to wait weeks doing exercises to feel better
Less onus on you to "do the work" when you're in acute pain
What happens in treatment:
Quick assessment (what caused it, how bad is it)
Manual adjustment to restore proper joint function
Soft tissue work to reduce muscle tension
You typically feel significantly better within 1-3 visits
My approach: I generally recommend 4 visits over 2 weeks for acute lower back pain, then we assess how you're feeling and make a solid plan from there.
2. You Want Relief NOW (Not in 6 Weeks)
Let's be honest: some people want immediate results and don't want homework.
Physio approach: You'll likely need to do exercises at home between sessions. The results come from your consistent effort over time.
Chiro approach: I do the work for you. You show up, I adjust you, you leave feeling better. There's less requirement for you to be compliant with home exercises to get initial relief.
This doesn't mean you can ignore lifestyle factors forever - but it means you get faster short-term relief with less effort required from you.
3. Recurring Lower Back Pain from Lifestyle
Your back feels fine for a few weeks, then flares up again. Then settles down. Then flares up. It's a pattern tied to your work, your posture, or your activity level.
Here's the reality: neither physio nor chiro can permanently fix lower back pain if you're staring at a computer screen all day or doing heavy physical labor. The lifestyle keeps recreating the problem.
But chiropractic care can keep it at bay. If I can give you 4-5 weeks of relief with one adjustment, then coming in every 3-4 weeks for maintenance means you're managing the problem instead of suffering through it.
Think of it like this: you can't stop doing your job, but you can get regular "resets" that keep you functional.
4. You've Tried Physio and It Didn't Work
This is a pattern I see regularly in my Geelong practice. Someone does 6-8 weeks of physio, diligently does their exercises, and still has pain.
The typical story: "I didn't continue with the exercises after physio finished, and I want something that will relieve the pain now."
Sometimes the issue isn't that physio doesn't work - it's that it requires ongoing patient compliance, and life gets in the way. Chiropractic offers an alternative approach that doesn't rely as heavily on you doing homework.
5. Joint-Related Pain (Not Just Muscle Strain)
If your lower back pain is primarily coming from restricted or misaligned joints in your spine, chiropractic adjustment directly addresses that. We're restoring proper joint movement and function.
Physio can help with this too through mobilization techniques, but adjustment is faster and often more effective for pure joint issues.
When You Should See a Physio Instead
I'm not going to pretend chiro is always the answer. Here are situations where I'd genuinely recommend trying physio first:
1. Post-Surgery Rehab
If you've had back surgery, you need guided rehabilitation with someone who specializes in post-surgical care. That's typically a physiotherapist.
They'll have protocols for safely rebuilding strength and function after surgery. This isn't chiro's wheelhouse.
2. Chronic Lower Back Pain with Weakness
If you've had lower back pain for months or years AND you've noticed weakness, difficulty with certain movements, or significant functional limitations, you might benefit more from physio's extensive rehab programs.
Why physio works better here:
Longer appointment times (30-60 minutes vs my 20 minutes)
More focus on rebuilding strength and movement patterns
Structured, progressive exercise programs
More time spent on education and technique
3. You Want a Gentler Approach
Some people prefer a more gradual, exercise-based approach to healing. They want to feel like they're actively participating in their recovery, not just "getting fixed."
If that's you, physio might feel more comfortable. You're working WITH the physio to improve, rather than having something done TO you.
4. You're Highly Motivated and Have Time
Physio requires more from you - home exercises, regular practice, ongoing commitment. If you're the type of person who thrives on structured programs and has the time to dedicate to rehab, physio can be incredibly effective.
If you're time-poor and just want to feel better quickly, chiro's probably a better fit.
5. Specific Soft Tissue Injuries
While I do soft tissue work (massage, dry needling when warranted), some soft tissue injuries benefit from the more extensive manual therapy and rehab that physios offer.
I refer patients to physios when they need help with specific soft tissue injuries that require more intensive rehab than I provide.
The Cost and Time Comparison
Let's talk practically about what each option costs in time and money:
Physiotherapy in Geelong:
Typically more expensive per session (often $80-120+)
Longer appointment times (30-60 minutes)
Usually requires MORE sessions in a SHORT amount of time (2-3x per week initially)
Total investment: Higher upfront, but finite (once you're better, you're done)
Chiropractic in Geelong:
Typically less expensive per session ($65 at my practice)
Shorter appointment times (20 minutes)
Usually requires FEWER sessions initially (1-2x per week)
Total investment: Lower upfront, but may require occasional ongoing maintenance
Example scenario - Acute lower back pain:
Physio approach:
6-8 sessions over 3-4 weeks
Cost: $480-960
Plus home exercises you need to do daily
Chiro approach:
4 sessions over 2 weeks (my typical acute protocol)
Cost: $260
Minimal homework required
Both can be effective. The question is which approach suits your situation, budget, and lifestyle better.
What About Doing Both?
Here's something people don't realize: you can see both a chiropractor and a physio at the same time.
I regularly treat patients who are also doing physio sessions. It's not an either/or situation.
Common combination approach:
Chiro for immediate pain relief and joint function
Physio for long-term strengthening and rehab
Both working toward the same goal from different angles
In fact, some of my best results come from patients who are doing both. The chiro adjustments keep them comfortable enough to actually DO the physio exercises effectively.
The Misconceptions About Chiro vs Physio
Let me address the common misconceptions I hear:
Misconception #1: "Physio is more evidence-based"
Both chiropractic and physiotherapy are evidence-based healthcare professions. We both rely on research, clinical experience, and proven techniques.
The difference is that physio has been more integrated into mainstream medical practice historically, so there's a perception that it's more "legitimate." But chiropractic has actually been around longer - we just have more variation in how different chiros practice (think McDonald's vs local burger shop - both are valid, just different approaches).
Misconception #2: "Chiro is just cracking backs"
Adjustment is a key tool, yes. But I also do soft tissue work (massage), dry needling when warranted, and prescribe exercises when appropriate. There's significant overlap between what chiros and physios do for musculoskeletal pain.
Misconception #3: "Physio is safer"
Both chiro and physio are safe when performed by qualified practitioners. Serious adverse events are extremely rare in both professions.
The "danger" narrative around chiropractic is largely outdated and not supported by current evidence.
Misconception #4: "You have to pick one forever"
You can try chiro. If it doesn't work, try physio. Or vice versa. Or do both. You're not locked into one approach for life.
The best healthcare is collaborative, and the best practitioners (whether chiro or physio) will refer you elsewhere if their approach isn't working.
My Honest Recommendation for Lower Back Pain in Geelong
If you're dealing with lower back pain right now, here's my practical advice:
Try chiro first if: ✅ The pain just started (acute)
✅ You want fast relief
✅ You're time-poor and can't commit to extensive home exercises
✅ You've had this pain before and adjustment helped
✅ You prefer hands-on treatment
Try physio first if: ✅ You're post-surgery
✅ You have chronic pain with weakness
✅ You're highly motivated to do rehab work
✅ You prefer a gentler, exercise-based approach
✅ You want longer appointment times and more education
Consider both if: ✅ You've tried one approach and it only partially helped
✅ You have complex or long-standing lower back pain
✅ You want the fastest, most comprehensive recovery
The bottom line: Both chiropractors and physios in Geelong are trying to achieve the same thing - getting you out of pain and functioning well. We just use different methods to get there.
The "best" option is whichever approach resonates with you, fits your lifestyle, and gets you results.
What Happens at Your First Chiro Appointment
If you decide to try chiropractic care for your lower back pain, here's what to expect at Latrobe Terrace Chiropractic:
First visit (20 minutes):
Quick paperwork - basic info about your pain
Assessment - what caused it, where it hurts, how it affects your movement
Treatment on day one - if it's safe to adjust you, we're doing it
Manual adjustment to restore joint function
Soft tissue work to reduce muscle tension
Sometimes exercises or advice if needed
Typical treatment plan for acute lower back pain:
4 visits over 2 weeks
Then reassess and adjust the plan based on your progress
Cost: $65 per session, no prepaid packages required
Opening hours:
Monday-Saturday: 9am-12pm and 3pm-7pm (some days I close earlier)
Online booking available: chirogeelong.au/book-online
Located at 293 Latrobe Terrace, Geelong (plenty of parking out back)
Call 03 5224 1838 if you have questions or prefer to book by phone.
The Real Question: What Works for YOU?
Look, I'm a chiropractor, so obviously I believe in what I do. But I also respect that different people respond to different approaches.
Some people love physio and get amazing results. Others prefer chiro. Some need both.
The key questions to ask yourself:
Do I want immediate relief or am I willing to work gradually toward improvement?
Do I have time for regular home exercises, or do I need someone to do the work for me?
Is this acute (just happened) or chronic (been going on for months)?
What's my budget and how many sessions can I realistically commit to?
Do I prefer hands-on treatment or guided self-treatment?
Answer those honestly, and you'll know which direction to try first.
And if you try one and it doesn't work? Try the other. There's no penalty for switching, and the best practitioners will support that decision rather than trying to lock you into their approach.
Ready to Try Chiropractic Care for Your Lower Back Pain?
If you're dealing with acute lower back pain, recurring pain, or you've tried other approaches without success, chiropractic might be exactly what you need.
Book your first appointment here - you'll see my real availability for same-day or next-day appointments.
I'm not going to promise miracles, but I can promise:
Honest assessment of whether chiro is right for your situation
Treatment on day one if appropriate
No pressure to commit to endless appointments
Referral to physio or other practitioners if I think that's better for you
$65 per session, 20 minutes of your time, and we'll figure out together whether chiropractic care is the right approach for your lower back pain.
Or call 03 5224 1838 if you have questions first.
Either way, don't suffer through lower back pain when effective treatment options exist right here in Geelong.
