What is the Difference Between Physiotherapy & Exercise Physiology?

There are many types of health professionals that work within the industry and in various sectors. Sometimes, these sectors can overlap into others. When it comes to Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology let’s first describe what both of these health professionals do - and how they are similar - and then define how they are different.

Similarities Between Professions

A Physiotherapist will assess, diagnose and manage a wide variety of injuries, chronic conditions and disabilities. An Exercise Physiologist will use exercise as a way of preventing and managing chronic disease, injuries and disabilities. Both health professionals use exercise within their roles, however there are differences in their respective 'scope of practice,' outcomes and goals. Let’s take a look now at their differences.

Qualifications

To operate as a Physiotherapist or as an Exercise Physiologist, degree level university qualifications are required.

Physiotherapy

A Physiotherapist is permitted to do certain things within their 'scope of practice' which an Exercise Physiologist is not permitted to do. A Physiotherapist can diagnose injuries and conditions, and are permitted to use manual techniques such as massage, dry needling, joint mobilisation and manipulation. Physiotherapists can also prescribe or provide advice regarding assistive technology (ie: aids, appliances or equipment like walking aids or wheelchairs). Physiotherapists can work across all stages of injury rehabilitation but often focus on the acute stages.

In terms of the disability sector, a Physiotherapist will use different forms of exercise and stretches, along with passive and active movements, to assess and manage various disabilities. A Physiotherapist may also look at functional mobility such as transfers (getting in and out of a car/bed), balance and make assessments regarding how someone can move around and perform everyday tasks. Physiotherapy can be applied across all stages of an individual's life, depending on their needs and goals. Physiotherapists must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency to operate in Australia. Refer also to our previously published definition of a Neurophysiotherapist in our blog.

Exercise Physiology

An Exercise Physiologist uses exercise as a form of treatment to manage chronic diseases, injuries and disabilities, but also works to prevent chronic disease from occurring. Exercise Physiologists often focus on the later stages of injury rehabilitation to assist a person to return to pre-injury sport and physical tasks. Within the disability sector, Exercise Physiologists can provide exercise, stretching and passive movement techniques.

An Exercise Physiologist can also work alongside a Physiotherapist or an Occupational Therapist to assist with achieving desired outcomes and goals. Exercise Physiologists also have an important role in behavioral change and education regarding self-management techniques to improve health, wellness and quality of life. Exercise Physiologists work with healthy people, people recovering from injury, people with chronic disease, people with disabilities, children or elite athletes to create exercise programs to help people achieve their goals in a safe manner. Exercise Physiologists are accredited by Exercise & Sports Science Australia. Also refer to our previously published blog article on our parent company's website (Body Agility): 'What is a Exercise Physiology?' for more details.

Personalised Treatment Aligned to Achieving Your Goals

If you or someone you love would like further guidance regarding Physiotherapy or Exercise Physiology reach out to us to have a chat. We will take the time to understand what you'd like to achieve and integrate this into a personalised Support Plan to help you achieve your goals.

Family Agility Can Help You, Your Child & Your Family

​At Family Agility, we always take a neurodiversity-affirmative approach to your child's therapy and we include Family Goals in everything that we do. Our specially trained Occupational Therapists are highly qualified and experienced in assisting children, young people and families with physical, sensory, cognitive or behavioural issues through play therapy.

Family Agility, under it's parent company, Body Agility Pty Ltd, are nationally registered NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) providers of physiotherapy, occupational therapy, play therapy, speech therapy, exercise physiology and therapy assistance. Experience the Family Agility difference and experience exceptional care and customer service. We take the time to understand your child's NDIS Goals - along with your family goals, so that the whole family benefits from our supports.

What are YOUR family's goals? We can help. Contact us now, we have capacity to provide services to you immediately, right across the broader Perth region with home visits, or at one of our clinics / gyms / any hydropool - or via video consultation (telehealth). We'd be delighted to hear from you.