Welcome to Steadfast Spine & Sport in Warrenton MO where we provide chiropractic, sports medicine, and functional health services for Warren County and the surrounding areas. Today we’re answering the question “What is a chiropractor?”, explain how each office (even within the same town) practices differently, and comparing chiropractic care with other specialties that people sometimes confuse with it.
Understanding What Chiropractors Do
In Missouri, chiropractors are physician level providers for neuromuscular and musculoskeletal conditions. They can diagnose, create individualized treatment plans, and order imaging studies such as X-rays, Ultrasound, MRIs, and CT scans.They can also order lab testing such as blood counts, metabolic panels, hormone panels etc. Chiropractors in Missouri cannot prescribe medications.
Chiropractors often work alongside your primary care provider and focus on hands on care. This may include adjustments, soft tissue work, rehab exercises, and lifestyle or nutritional recommendations. Their goal is to support your health with drug free, conservative treatment options.
Not Every Chiropractic Office is the Same
If you’ve been to more than one office, you’ve probably noticed the differences. Some clinics use open bays, some use curtains, and others, like our office, treat patients in private rooms for comfort and confidentiality.
You’ll also notice differences in visit length. Some offices schedule very short appointments while others allow more time for a thorough exam, patient discussion, and personalized care. We prioritize the patient by treating on the first visit unless contraindications are present.
Adjustment styles vary too. Some common techniques include:
- Diversified Technique – manual adjustments that often produce a popping sound
- Activator Method – a handheld instrument for gentle, controlled impulses
- Thompson Technique – uses a drop table for a lighter adjustment
- Gonstead – focuses on precise biomechanical analysis
- Flexion–Distraction – gentle stretching, often used for low back cases
Different patients respond better to different techniques. All aim to improve mobility, reduce pain, and support overall function.
Missouri offices may also offer different supportive therapies, such as:
- Laser therapy
- Decompression therapy
- Acupuncture and/or dry needling (when appropriately trained)
- Soft tissue work
- Exercise and Rehab Plans
- Functional health services
Chiropractor vs Acupuncturist in Missouri
Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) technique that involves the application of thin, sterile needles along the meridians of the body. In Missouri, trained chiropractors (including Steadfast Spine & Sport) can perform acupuncture. However, an acupuncturist cannot perform manual adjustments and spinal manipulation. Other key differences include:
- Chiropractors diagnose musculoskeletal conditions; acupuncturists do not diagnose in the same Western medical sense.
- Chiropractors use adjustments manual therapy; acupuncturists use needles to stimulate targeted points.
- Chiropractors may incorporate acupuncture into their practice; acupuncturists cannot incorporate chiropractic care.
Where they overlap:
- Both take a whole body approach.
- Both use natural, drug free methods.
- Both aim to reduce pain, improve function, and support overall wellness.
If you live in the Warren County MO area and want to explore acupuncture as a gentle pain relief or stress reduction option, give us a call by clicking here.
Chiropractor vs Massage Therapist in Missouri
Massage therapists in Missouri focus focus solely on soft tissue work. They cannot diagnose conditions or perform manual joint manipulation. While chiropractors also perform soft tissue techniques, massage therapists typically spend more time on one area or offer full body session
With that being said, the two complement each other beautifully. Massage helps relax tight muscles, which can improve the effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments. Meanwhile, adjustments address deeper joint motion and movement patterns. Together, they support better mobility and reduced tension.
Chiropractor vs Physical Therapist in Missouri
In Missouri, chiropractors and physical therapists (PTs) are both licensed healthcare professionals who help patients recover from pain or injury.. Similarities between the two include:
- Graduate level education
- Ability to assess patients
- Use of exercise based approaches
- Create rehab plans
- Focus on improving movement and function
- Neither can prescribe medications
Keep in mind that some chiropractors have additional training in exercise science, sports medicine, or rehab (like our chiropractors!), just as some physical therapists have advanced training in manual therapy or sports rehab. Training varies by provider, not just profession.
How they differ:
- Chiropractors blend diagnosis, joint care, soft tissue work, and rehab in one visit.
- PTs focus on structured rehab programs and cannot perform chiropractic adjustments. Some PTs perform joint manipulation, although its quite rare.
- In Missouri, chiropractors do not need referrals; PT referrals may or may not be needed depending on the situation.
Why you should choose us
Many patients can benefit from a blended approach to care. At Steadfast Spine & Sport in Warrenton MO our trained and experienced providers offer sports medicine, acupuncture, soft tissue work, functional health, among many other services.
Give us a call to meet with one of our talented providers today!
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