Understanding the Differences: Osteopath vs Physiotherapist vs Chiropractor

In the field of manual therapy, there are several types of professionals who specialise in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. Three of the most common types of manual therapists are osteopaths, physiotherapists, and chiropractors. While these professions share some similarities, they each have unique approaches to treating patients. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between osteopaths, physiotherapists, and chiropractors.

Osteopaths
Osteopaths focus on the musculoskeletal system and how it relates to the overall health of the body. They believe that the body has the innate ability to heal itself, and that manual therapy can help facilitate this process. Osteopaths use a range of techniques, including massage, stretching, and joint mobilization, to relieve pain, improve range of motion, and restore balance to the body.

Osteopaths also take into consideration the patient’s lifestyle and environment and may offer advice on exercise, diet, and stress management. Osteopathic treatment is often holistic, addressing not only the patient’s physical symptoms but also their emotional and psychological well-being.

Physiotherapists
Physiotherapists, also known as physical therapists, are experts in movement and function. They undergo a long training and those in the UK will be registered with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC). They focus on restoring mobility, reducing pain, and improving strength and flexibility. Physiotherapists use a range of techniques, including exercise therapy, manual therapy, and electrotherapy, to achieve these goals. Physiotherapists may use equipment to diagnose and treat patients.

Physiotherapists also work closely with patients to develop personalised treatment plans and may offer advice on injury prevention and lifestyle modifications. In addition to treating musculoskeletal conditions, physiotherapists may also work with patients who have neurological, respiratory, or cardiovascular conditions.

Physios also specialise in sports injuries such as running or team sport injuries. They can diagnose the problem and provide effective treatment and exercises to get the individual to full mobility and recovery in many cases. Throughout the treatment, the physio will work with the sportsperson using a range of techniques to improve their flexibility and reduce pain.

Chiropractors
Chiropractors focus on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system. They believe that misalignments in the spine can interfere with the body’s ability to function properly and can lead to a range of health problems. Chiropractors use a range of techniques, including spinal manipulation, mobilisation, and soft tissue therapy, to correct spinal misalignments and restore proper function to the body.

Chiropractors also work with patients to develop personalised treatment plans and may offer advice on lifestyle modifications, such as exercise and diet. Chiropractic treatment is often focused on addressing the underlying cause of the patient’s symptoms, rather than simply treating the symptoms themselves.

So, what are the main differences between osteopaths, physiotherapists, and chiropractors? While they all focus on the musculoskeletal system, osteopaths take a holistic approach to treatment, physiotherapists focus on restoring mobility and function, and chiropractors focus on correcting spinal misalignments. The choice of which physical therapist to see will depend on the patient’s individual needs.

How to get Finance with Unusual Employment?

An increasing number of people are choosing flexible working opportunities with their employers, as it enables them to successfully combine both their lifestyle arrangements and their family commitments.

However, many have found that when it comes to visiting their local bank branches while looking for a home loan, car and truck loan or even equipment finance, their local bank is still apprehensive towards them. And, it is because of their irregular working hours:

1. They don’t seem to fit into the strict lending guidelines set out by banks; and

2. They are not seen by banks as holding down a stable job with a regular income.

What the Common Unusual Employment Types?

Here are some of the common unusual employment types:

1. PAYG (pay-as- you- go) contractors

2. Casual workers

3. Part-time workers

4. Self-employed individuals

5. Sub-contractors

6. People with other forms of income

Type 1 – PAYG Contractors

PAYG contractors are normally employed via an agency or directly via their employer. This form of employment is now common in a variety of fields such as:

>>Medical;

>>Engineering;

>>IT (Information Technology);

>>Mining;

>>Project Management;

>>Construction; and

>>Government.

So, if you are a PAYG contractor and you are looking for finance, here is a list of things that lenders/credit providers will require you to provide:

1. You will be required to provide a copy of your most recent “Employment Contract”, with income details listed;

2. You will need to provide evidence that you have a minimum of 12 months employment in the same industry and that you have a good track record in your chosen industry; and

3. You will need to provide evidence that your employer or employment agency takes care of your income tax and superannuation contributions for you.

Note: If you are not on the direct payroll of an employer or employment agency, you may be treated as being self-employed.

Type 2 – Casual Workers

This type of employment applies to people working on a casual basis in the following industries:

1. Restaurants;

2. Retail;

3. Teaching and Tutoring;

4. Nursing;

5. Childcare;

6. Trades;

7. Drivers; and

8. Cleaning.

If you are a casual employee, you will need to provide evidence that you have been employed at the same place for at least 6 months.

Lenders/credit providers will calculate your average earnings over a set period, and count this as your income. However, if you want to work out your own average earnings, then you can use an income annualisation calculator to calculate your own average earnings.

Type 3 – Part-Time Employees

If you are employed on a part-time basis, you will find that lenders/credit providers will generally require you to:

1. Provide evidence that you have been employed at your current place of employment for at least 6 months: and

2. Provide copies of the following documents:

>>Current computerised pay-slip covering a minimum of two (2) pay cycles in order to confirm details of your base income; and

>>PAYG Summaries; or

>>A signed letter of employment from your employer listing details of your current base-remuneration.

Type 4 – Self-Employed Individuals

You are self-employed if you run your own business. You are categorised as self-employed individual even when you are conducting freelance work as a journalist, photographer, tour guide, etc. In such a situation, you will find that most lenders/credit providers will require you to provide evidence that you have a regular income to sustain a loan. This includes providing evidence that:

1. You are a business owner or partner;

2. You have been trading in your current business for at least 24 months;

3. Your business provides a steady income; and

4. You will be required to provide copies of:

>>Your most recent Personal and Business Income Tax Returns, and

>>One set of the business financial statements, reflecting two (2) years trading activity

Note: If you conduct freelance work with an employer, you may find that lenders/credit providers may require you to provide a copy of the written agreement between you and the employer that outlines your pay and conditions.

Type 5 – Sub-Contractors

Sub-contractors have specialized skills and they are generally employed by a primary contractor to provide specialized services in a variety of fields such as:

1. Building and Construction;

2. Mining;

3. Civil Engineering; and

4. IT (Information Technology).

Note: Many sub-contractors have little to no overheads and no staff and most are typically self-employed. In a sense they are similar to PAYG contractors.

Type 6 – Other Forms of Income

If you receive any other form of income and you are unsure if it is acceptable to lenders/credit providers, you should seek help from a qualified and licensed finance broker or a mortgage broker. You can even seek financial and legal advice from your accountant and solicitor. These other forms of income can include:

1. Centrelink payments;

2. Commissions and Bonuses income;

3. Trust Distributions income;

4. Car Allowances;

5. Annuity Income from Superannuation;

6. Director’s fees;

7. Second Job income;

8. Investment income (i.e. Dividends received from publicly listed companies); or

9. Court Ordered Maintenance payments.

Seek Expert and Professional Advice

If you still have doubts regarding your employment status and want to obtain finance, you can seek help of a finance broker. You should opt for a professional qualified finance broker because he/she will have experience of dealing with many lenders/credit providers on a regular daily basis. Also, he/she will be familiar with the lending guidelines and credit policy requirements of a number of lenders/credit providers.

Singh Finance is a reputed Australian finance brokerage firm who is willing to help you through the loan process requirements, and if you require finance they will also help you in obtaining car loans, pharmacy loans, home loan for doctors and plethora of other finance packages. Call on 0424 190 or enquire online now.

Dividing Marital Property in a Washington Divorce

Every married couple accumulates assets and debts during the course of their life together. When a marriage ends, the divorce court is tasked with dividing that property between the two spouses.

Washington follows “community property” rules, meaning that courts consider nearly all assets and debts acquired during the marriage to be owned equally by both spouses. There are some exceptions to this general rule. For instance, inheritances received during the marriage are not included in this calculation. In addition, most assets and debts that were acquired before the marriage are considered nonmarital property and belong exclusively to the spouse who brought them into the marriage.

In property division cases, Washington courts will strive to divide the marital property equitably between both spouses. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the property division will be exactly equal. Instead, the court will consider the nature of the property, the length of the marriage and each spouse’s respective financial standing to determine a fair model for distribution.

Methods of property division

The division of marital property is nearly always a complicated process when the spouses are on unequal financial footing. However, it becomes even more contentious when the couple owns property that is difficult to divide, or difficult to characterize as either community or separate property. Further complicating the division of assets from a marriage are disputes as to the appropriate value to be assigned to such assets.

Some property is very easy to divide. For example, bank accounts, investment portfolios and debts can simply be distributed or reassigned according to the court order. Property division becomes more complicated, though, when the couple owns valuable non-financial assets. For example, what happens when both spouses want a particular valuable heirloom? What if they own a collection of “priceless” art? Or a large business enterprise? There can be other complicating valuation and characterization issues with respect to pension and retirement plans.

People in this situation would be wise to consult with an experienced Washington divorce attorney early on in their divorce case. The attorney will be able to assemble a team who can work with the other spouse’s attorney to reach an equitable property division solution. In some cases, the court will award the sought-after property to one spouse and give the other spouse different property of equal value. In other cases, spouses might “buy” their partner’s half. Another common solution is for the judge to order the couple to sell the property and split the proceeds.

However the property is divided, it is important for both spouses to understand the short- and long-term implications of the division. For example, if the property is expected to substantially increase in value, that should be accounted for in the division. In addition, the spouses should anticipate potential tax liabilities and factor those costs into the division as well.

If you are in the beginning stages of a divorce, thinking carefully about your property division goals now can help you be in a better position when your case is resolved. Decide what you want and what you are willing to give up. Then, be sure to communicate those goals to your divorce attorney.

Article provided by Cogdill Nichols Rein Wartelle Andrews
Visit us at www.cnrlaw.com