absolutely!!!!!! I totally agree that there are good and bad in every profession. Chiros do however take part in a LOT of passive care too. Part of our training is rehabilitation and although I think that is where physios can be very good it is something we do also. I think we have a name (for what ever reason) for manipulating and thats it. Chiropractors are first class manipulators, hence the 5 year training course, not just a post-grad course in SMT afterwards. I run back care exercise classes and I would never say to a pt that I need to see them 3 times a week for 6 weeks, that's unethical and uneccessary.
As for not having biomechanical analysis skills, again, 5 years training and hours and hours of it suggests we are as good as the next profession.
It seems to me that people are very quick to "assume" they know everything about how and what we train in. Manipulations are a very very skilled manouevre and it takes years to perfect. Exercises / rehab and preventative care are all incredibly important for chiropractors and without all of them combined it is impossible to treat someone. I feel some people shouldn't be so judgmental and unless you have done and passed a chiropractic degree will you ever know what we do and don't do.
Additional Comment I forgot:
I agree there are good and bad in every profession, I also say the same as you if my pt is already seeing or due to see a physio. That it is up to them to make the decision on who they see. I think the difference is is that because NHS physios are free for them they have their dedicated 8 sessions then come back. Others stay. I can understand from the pt point of view that they are usually desperate to see anyone who will help and want to try it all.
I still wish we could all work together. No professional "slagging" matches anymore would be lovely. I wouldn't dream of telling someone not to go somewhere or stop going.