Chiropractors and Chinese Medicines Practitioners
If you have back pain,
And don’t want to seek Traditional Western Medicine treatment options such as medication or surgery, a Chiropractor or Chinese Medicines Practitioner may be better suited for you.
But, how do you choose between Chiropractors and Chinese Medicines Practitioners?
Chiropractor
Doctors of Chiropractic (registered chiropractors) are primary healthcare professionals that provide chiropractic care to their patients. Unlike traditional medical doctors that utilize medicine and surgery, chiropractors provide non-invasive treatments such as manual chiropractic adjustments, rehabilitation exercises and prescription orthotics.
Chiropractors mainly focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of spinal bone and joint conditions as well as extremities. Chiropractors may utilize X-rays or MRIs in their diagnostic protocol to better their patient management and treatment approach. Supportive exercise recommendations may also be provided for a more comprehensive and holistic recovery.
Non-registered personnel claiming to practice chiropractic as a chiropractor is illegal in Hong Kong. Illegal practice can subject such individuals to HKD50,000 fine and up to 1 year imprisonment.
Chinese Medicines Practitioners
Chinese Medicine Practitioners in Hong Kong must complete an accredited undergraduate degree in Chinese medicine or an equivalent program before applying for registration with the Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Council.
According to Section 53 of the Chinese Medicine Ordinance, practitioners who were practicing in Hong Kong before January 3, 2000, can also become listed Chinese medicine practitioners without a degree. After the transition period, only degree-graduated Chinese medicine practitioners can legally practice Chinese medicine in Hong Kong.
Chinese Orthopedics (also known as Traumatology) is a clinical discipline within Chinese medicine that primarily uses techniques such as tui na (massage), bone setting, and acupuncture methods to treat patients. Its treatment scope can be broadly divided into four categories: muscle injuries, fractures, dislocations, and internal injuries. In addition to manual techniques, Chinese medicine also utilizes internal and external herbal medicine, aiming to regulate the dysfunction of meridians and Qi and “blood” flow.
Understanding whether a bone-setting master is a registered Chinese medicine practitioner
Differences Between Chiropractors and Traditional Chinese Medicine Orthopedics
Doctors of Chiropractic (registered Chiropractors) and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) orthopedics may seem similar in their treatment methods, but the underlying philosophies of the professions are quite different.
The philosophy of chiropractors is based on Western anatomical medicine. The diagnostic process includes medical history assessment, full spine pathological examination, spinal joint mobility assessment, palpation of spinal muscles and surrounding tissues, posture and gait analysis, imaging diagnostics (X-rays and MRI etc.), and spinal thermography. Chiropractic adjustments intend to correct spinal dysfunctions and subluxations according to the above subjective and objective findings. If necessary, chiropractors will also incorporate rehabilitation exercises and prescription orthotics to ensure a full recovery.
The principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine Orthopedics are mainly based on restoring Qi and “blood” flow, unblocking meridians, reducing swelling and pain, reconnecting bones and tendons, and nourishing collaterals. Treatments are based on traditional Chinese theories where practitioners utilizes bone setting techniques, tu na (massage), acupuncture and herbal ointments to manage these disorders.
Professional training for chiropractors
The professional training of chiropractors is different from traditional Western medicine or physiotherapy (physical therapy). In the United States, applicants must first have a bachelor’s degree related to health and sciences and the corresponding credits before enrolling in a chiropractic college.
The professional training in chiropractic requires at least 4,400 hours (four years postgraduate) and clinical internship.
- Human body functions
- Anatomy
- Muscle functional pathology
- Neuropathology
- Physiology
- Public Health
- Cell and Microbiology
- Otorhinolaryngology Pathology
- Pathology
- Biochemistry
- Neuromuscular Pathology
- Neurology
- Endocrinology
- Cardiothoracic and Pulmonary Medicine
- Orthopedics
- Geriatric Medicine
- Reproductive Medicine
- Infectious Disease
- Nutrition
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatric Pathology
- Gynecological Pathology
- Extremity Trauma Pathology
- Laboratory Diagnosis
- Image diagnosis and analysis
- Pathology Research
- Emergency medical treatment
- Physical therapy
- Chiropractic treatment
- Rehabilitation treatment
- Pathological philosophy
- Professional Ethics and Conduct
Only those who have passed the examination and assessment in the above major subjects (not all listed) will be eligible to obtain a national (U.S.) practicing license. There are four parts to the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners in the United States. Graduates must obtain passing scores in all exams before they can apply for registration. Depending on the state where you practice, you may need to obtain a state license after national registration to practice chiropractic.
In Hong Kong, qualified persons can apply for registration with the Chiropractic Council under the Department of Health. In addition to professional qualifications, applicants must also meet the following qualifications:
- Written declaration by a professional that you are capable of practicing as a chiropractor
- Not subject to disciplinary sanctions or investigation by an inquiry committee
- No criminal record or professional misconduct
- Approved medical accountability insurance (Indemnity)
All Doctors of chiropractic (registered chiropractors) practicing in Hong Kong must be registered with the Chiropractic Council.
For details, please visit and register: https://www.chiro-council.org.hk/
How to choose the right chiropractor
Choosing the right chiropractor in Hong Kong is an important decision. You can find a suitable chiropractor for yourself and your family by evaluating the chiropractor’s qualifications and educational background, treatment methods and his reviews. An initial consultation with the chiropractor can also give you a better insight to his professionalism.
Considering the geographic location and accessibility of the clinic in Hong Kong is also crucial for treatment visits. If regular treatment is needed, choosing a nearby chiropractor can save travel time and related inconveniences. Additionally, the clinic building’s accessibility features are factors also worth considering.
Unregistered Therapists
Source：
Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong
https://www.cmchk.org.hk/cmp/chi/#../../chi/main_index.htm
The World Federation of Chiropractic (wfc.org)
https://www.wfc.org/website/
Chiropractors Council
https://www.chiro-council.org.hk/tc/intro.php
Physiotherapists Board
https://www.smp-council.org.hk/pt/index.html