If you’ve been dealing with pain or stiffness, you might be wondering: should I see an osteopath or a physiotherapist? Both are highly trained professionals who help people recover from injury and improve movement — but their methods and philosophies can differ. At Summit Osteo & Performance in Ringwood, our team focuses on helping you understand these differences so you can make an informed choice for your health and recovery.
Bayley Forbes is an osteopath and strength & conditioning coach based in Ringwood, Victoria. He founded Summit Osteo & Performance to help people bridge the gap between treatment and performance — combining hands-on care with tailored movement and strength programs to support long-term recovery and better performance.
If you’ve been dealing with pain or stiffness, you might be wondering: should I see an osteopath or a physiotherapist?
Both are highly trained professionals who help people recover from injury and improve movement — but their methods and philosophies can differ.
At Summit Osteo & Performance in Ringwood, our team focuses on helping you understand these differences so you can make an informed choice for your health and recovery.
While both osteopaths and physiotherapists treat musculoskeletal conditions, their approach can vary slightly.
Focus: Whole-body approach – looks at how different areas interact
Treatment Style: Manual, hands-on treatment combined with movement strategies
Assessment: Considers posture, movement, joint relationships and muscular function
Goal: Restore overall body balance, mobility, strength and function
Focus: Targets specific areas of injury or weakness
Treatment Style: Exercise-based rehab and mobility retraining
Assessment: Focuses on localised muscle and joint function
Goal: Rebuild strength and restore specific function
Neither approach is “better” — they simply have different strengths. In many cases, both can work well together, especially for chronic or recurring injuries.
An Osteopath in Ringwood can help when pain stems from muscle tension, joint restriction, or overall movement imbalance.
Common reasons people visit an osteopath include:
Osteopathy is particularly useful when you feel your body is “out of balance” or moving inefficiently — not just in pain.
Physiotherapists often use exercise prescription and load progression as the main form of treatment — especially for injury recovery or performance improvement.
Absolutely!At Summit Osteo & Performance, we frequently collaborate with physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, and GPs to provide comprehensive care.
Your osteopath can work alongside other practitioners to ensure treatment plans are consistent and goal-driven.
The right choice depends on your symptoms, goals, and preferences.
If you prefer hands-on treatment, movement assessment, and whole-body strategies, osteopathy might be ideal.
If you’re following a structured rehab plan post-injury or surgery, physiotherapy might suit better.
If you’re unsure, your osteopath can guide you based on your presentation and refer you where appropriate.
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Or learn more about our approach on the Osteopathy in Ringwood page.
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⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and does not replace individual medical advice.
If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, please consult your healthcare professional or osteopath for assessment.
