Chiropractic vs Tit Tar 跌打: 5 Key Differences You Must Know Before Treatment.
Palmer & Wong Fei Hung
If you’re comparing chiropractic vs tit tar 跌打 in Malaysia, you’re not alone. Many people dealing with back pain, neck pain, or injuries aren’t sure whether to see a chiropractor or visit a Tit Tar practitioner. While both involve bone setting techniques, the approach, precision, and long-term results can be very different.
Chiropractic and tit tar 跌打 are amongst the most common treatments sought after by Malaysians with back pain, neck pain and other injuries. Chiropractors are not the same as tit tar practitioners, who are commonly referred to as Chinese chiropractors but that is incorrect. So to help everyone understand chiropractic and tit tar better, we’ve compiled 5 key differences you must know before seeing them, so you make an informed decision.
👉 “If you’ve tried Tit Tar but still have pain, read this”
1. History
The term chiropractic originates from Greek for done by hand, ‘cheir’ (meaning 'hand') and praktos (meaning 'done'). Now the world’s third-largest healthcare profession was founded in 1895 in America by DD Palmer. Chiropractic treatments started in Malaysia in the early 1920s. Although it is still considered relatively new in Malaysia, chiropractic has especially been gaining popularity in the past few decades.
The term tit tar 跌打 originates from Cantonese, directly translated as ‘fall hit’ is but one areas of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is concerned primarily with healing physical trauma. Thought to have been initiated in the Canton province of China by Master Wah Toh in 200 B.C., tit tar was closely associated with the Chinese martial art of kung fu. It could be that tit tar was derived from the need to effectively, quickly, and safely heal injuries sustained during the practice or execution of high-contact martial arts.
2. Treatment Philosophy
Chiropractic is the correction of subluxations, which are by definition, minute bone dislocations, most commonly found in the spine. Chiropractic adjustments aim to remove interference to the nervous system, typically pressure on the spinal cord or nerves caused by subluxations.
Chiropractic adopts an evidence-based practice, meaning the doctor of chiropractic fully understands the patient’s medical history, needs, and preferences then apply the right clinical treatments indicated by the newest evidence-based research.
Chiropractors take a western approach to treatment. They are medical professionals who diagnose and treat disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. They use traditional diagnostic testing methods (such as x-rays) along with specific chiropractic techniques that involve hands-on manipulation of the articulations (joints) of the body. They don’t prescribe medications, and they do not perform surgery; however, many chiropractors work closely with medical doctors and will refer a patient when necessary.
Traditional Chinese Medical philosophy is derived from Taoist ideas of natural balance, qi, and yin and yang. In essence, its philosophy revolves around the understanding that the human body is a sophisticated universe of interconnecting systems that work in balance for the general health of the body.
Traditional Chinese medicine philosophy also states that the body is equipped with its mechanisms to fight illness and cure itself. Hence, any kind of therapy applied is to assist the normal self-healing function of the human body, not interfere with it.
Wong Fei Hung was a Tit Tar sinsei.
3. Treatment Technique
A Chiropractor’s principal method of treatment is through specific adjustments to restore the proper joint function of the spine and other osseous structures.
Chiropractic treatment starts with a consultation, sometimes accompanied by x-rays or MRIs. Usually, notes are taken down into the patient's record. Then an examination of the spine and joints is performed before deciding the treatment technique. Precise manual adjustments are performed with high velocity, low amplitude which they trained for years.
Chiropractors, in addition to using manual adjustments, also offer other treatment modalities such as physiotherapy, ultrasound, electrotherapy, and dry needling.
Tit tar 跌打 principles & treatment start with an examination of the joints within the body starting with the head then moving towards the legs. The practitioner will do a series of mobility exercises for the patient to determine their problem.
The practitioner then proceeds to treat the patient by using physical manipulations to relocate the joints and also do massages to relieve blood flow to the “cold” muscles. The practitioner may also use a traditional herbal healing ointment to help with blood circulation.
4. Education and Regulation
Spinal adjustments are only safe and effective when the practitioner is certified and has comprehensive knowledge of human anatomy.
All chiropractors must complete a 4-year degree in chiropractic from an accredited college by the Councils on Chiropractic Education International (CCEI). Chiropractic education covers the scope of anatomy, neurology, radiology, and pathology, among other fields.
Most chiropractors are members of the Association of Chiropractic Malaysia (ACM) which is regulated under the Federation of Complementary and Natural Medical Associations, Malaysia (FCNMAM) which is recognized by the Ministry of Health, Malaysia (MOH).
Tit tar 跌打 practitioners are not obligated to have a degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) although many universities offer this course.
Formal TCM education covers acupuncture, tuina, tit tar (bone manipulation/setting), herbs, and others. Some TCM students can choose to specialise in specific disciplines.
Only Chinese medicine practitioners who have degrees from accredited universities are regulated by Traditional & Complementary Medicine (T&CM) which is under the Ministry of Health, Malaysia (MOH).
For those who are not formally educated in TCM, their skill and education come from master’s, sensei’s, tit tar course or family. Their apprenticeship may only range from a few weeks, months or years. They are not regulated by MOH.
5. Price
Prices of chiropractic sessions in Petaling Jaya & Kuala Lumpur averagely range from RM150-RM300 per session. Most chiropractors sell packages which lowers the price per session.
Prices of tit tar 跌打 in Selangor range from RM200 to a few thousand ringgit per session. Commonly calculated by the number of “body parts” and depending on the master/sensei’s fame and experience.
Chiropractic vs Tit Tar for Back Pain in Malaysia
When it comes to back pain treatment in Malaysia, both chiropractic and tit tar 跌打 are commonly used. However, tit tar 跌打 is often chosen for quick relief, while chiropractic focuses on correcting spinal alignment and preventing recurring pain.
If your pain keeps returning after treatment, it may indicate an underlying issue that requires a more structured approach.
Conclusion
Both chiropractic and tit tar 跌打 have evolved significantly throughout the years and have combined their practice with other disciplines. However, if your goal is not just relief but lasting correction and prevention of recurring pain, a more structured and precise approach may be necessary. The key is choosing the treatment that addresses the root cause, not just the symptoms.
As with any other healthcare practitioner, there are risks involved. You should do research using the 5 points we have provided. Ask them questions until you feel comfortable enough to proceed with treatment.
FAQ: Chiropractic vs Tit Tar 跌打
Is Tit Tar the same as a chiropractor?
No. While both involve bone setting, chiropractic uses structured assessment and precise spinal adjustments.
Which is better for back pain in Malaysia?
It depends. Tit Tar may help short-term, while chiropractic focuses on long-term correction.
Why does pain come back after Tit Tar?
Because the underlying alignment or structural issue may not be fully corrected.
Can chiropractic fix problems Tit Tar cannot?
In some cases, yes. Especially when the issue involves ongoing misalignment or nerve-related symptoms.