If you’re dealing with pain or injury, one of the most common questions people ask is: “Should I see a chiropractor or a physiotherapist?”
At Costa Health, we approach this differently. It’s not about choosing a job title. It’s about getting the right clinician, at the right time, for your specific injury and goals.
Why It’s Not About Chiropractor vs Physiotherapist
Modern healthcare no longer fits neatly into professional boxes. Many clinicians share overlapping skills, and most injuries don’t follow a simple rulebook.
What matters most is:
- The type of injury
- Whether it is acute, persistent, or post-surgical
- Your movement, pain levels, and function
- What you want to achieve, whether that’s pain relief, rehabilitation, return to sport, or long-term management
This is why focusing purely on titles can be misleading.
How We Match You to the Right Expert at Costa Health
We work as a multidisciplinary team, meaning our clinicians collaborate and adapt care based on what you need, not rigid professional boundaries.
You can see our team here
https://costahealth.es/meet-the-team/
Daniele and Flora Physioterapists:
Daniele most commonly sees:
- Knee, shoulder, and ankle injuries
- Post-surgical rehabilitation (knee, shoulder, and ankle)
- Progressive rehabilitation and return-to-function programmes
He also regularly treats actute back and neck conditions, particularly where rehabilitation, strength, and long-term recovery are key.
Flora has a special interest in:
- Disc-related injuries
- Persistent or complex back and neck pain
- Spinal conditions involving nerve symptoms
Her approach is detailed combining manual therapy with rehabilitation, making her particularly well suited to more complex or longer-standing spinal issues.
Sarah and Paul: Chiropractors for Acute Injury and Movement Care:
Sarah and Paul are Chiropractors who typically see:
- Acute back and neck pain
- Joint restriction and loss of movement
- Sudden onset or flare-up injuries
Their care often focuses on manipulation and restoring movement, especially in the earlier stages of injury when pain and stiffness are limiting daily activity.They combine a variety of techniques including dry needling and muscle release.
Richard and Andrea: Sports Massage and Soft Tissue Specialists
Richard and Andrea provide:
- High-quality sports and remedial massage
- Soft tissue treatment for muscle tension, overload, and recovery
- Supportive care alongside rehabilitation and manual therapy
In many cases, clients are initially assessed by one of our diagnostic clinicians and then referred to Richard or Andrea for more focused bodywork as part of a wider treatment plan. Massage plays an important role, but it is most effective when used at the right stage and for the right reason.
Quick Tip: If you’re unsure whether you need hands-on treatment or rehabilitation exercises, don’t worry. Our triage process will guide you to the right starting point based on your symptoms, not guesswork.
Why a Team Approach Works Better
Injuries change over time. You may need:
- Pain relief and movement restoration first
- Followed by rehabilitation and strengthening
- Supported by massage and soft tissue work
- And occasionally medical input
Because we work as a team:
- Care adapts as you improve
- Clinicians communicate and share insights
- Treatment plans evolve with you
You’re never passed around. You’re supported.
Medical Support When It’s Needed
In situations where a medical opinion or prescription is required, Costa Health can also facilitate access to an online GP service.
This allows us to:
- Ensure continuity of care
- Avoid unnecessary delays
- Provide a higher level of support when medical input is appropriate
It means you’re not left navigating different systems on your own.
How We Decide Who You See
Every new client at Costa Health is triaged before their first appointment. When you contact us, we take time to understand:
- What you’re experiencing
- What you’re concerned about
- Your injury history
- What you’re hoping to achieve
- What sort of treatment you require
We then guide you towards the clinician most likely to help, even if that’s not who you initially thought you needed.
Our aim is simple: high service, high standards, and the right care from the very start.
Quick Tip: When you contact us, have a rough idea of when your symptoms started, what makes them better or worse, and what activities you’d like to get back to. This helps us match you with the right clinician more quickly.
Your Next Step
You don’t need to know whether you need a chiropractor, physiotherapist, sports massage therapist, or medical input. That’s our job.
Your job is simply to tell us what’s going on, and we’ll make sure you see the right person, at the right time, with the right skills to support your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to choose between a chiropractor or a physiotherapist?
No. At Costa Health, you don’t need to decide. We triage every client and guide you to the clinician best suited to your injury, symptoms, and goals.
How do you decide which clinician I should see?
We assess your symptoms and injury history, whether your issue is acute, persistent, or post-surgical, your movement and pain levels, daily limitations, and what you want to achieve from treatment. Based on this, we recommend the clinician most likely to help you, not just the next available appointment.
Can I move between clinicians if my needs change?
Yes. Injuries often change as you recover. You may start with one clinician and later benefit from another skill set, such as rehabilitation or massage. Our team works together so care adapts as you improve.
When is sports massage the right choice?
Sports massage is particularly helpful for muscle tension and overload, recovery from training or sport, and supporting rehabilitation programmes. In many cases, massage works best alongside diagnosis and rehabilitation rather than as a standalone treatment when an injury is present.
Why might I be referred to massage after an assessment?
If your assessment shows that soft tissue tension is limiting movement or recovery, you may be referred for massage as part of your treatment plan. This ensures massage is used for a clear purpose, not just temporary relief.
What types of injuries do you treat most commonly?
We regularly treat back and neck pain, disc-related injuries, knee, shoulder, and ankle problems, post-surgical rehabilitation, sports and gym-related injuries, and acute flare-ups and persistent pain.
Do you offer medical input if it’s needed?
Yes. If a medical opinion or prescription is required, we can facilitate access to an online GP service. This allows us to provide a more complete level of care without unnecessary delays. We also have connections with local surgeons if a referral is required.
What if I book the wrong appointment?
Don’t worry. This is very common. If you’re unsure, our team will help guide you to the most appropriate clinician before your appointment, ensuring you receive the right care from the start.
Do I need a referral to attend Costa Health?
No referral is needed. You can contact us directly, and we’ll take care of the rest.
What makes Costa Health different from other clinics?
Our strength is our multidisciplinary, triage-led approach. Rather than focusing on job titles, we focus on the right person, at the right time, with the right skills. This ensures high-quality care tailored to each individual.
For more information you can visit our website at www.costahealth.es
Contact: +34 711 079431