When it comes to disability services and the multidisciplinary team, two professions that often get confused are physiotherapy and exercise physiology. While both are related to improving physical health and may overlap in some areas, there are distinct approaches and scope of practice. This blog post will explore the key differences between physiotherapy and exercise physiology, and how they contribute to a person's overall well-being.

What is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapists have a wide scope of practice and can work with individuals who are recovering from acute injuries or have chronic conditions that impact their mobility, function or quality of life. Physiotherapists are highly trained to treat a variety of conditions, including musculoskeletal injuries, neurological disorders, respiratory conditions, and cardiovascular issues. Their primary goal is to promote movement, alleviate pain, improve physical function, and prevent further injury or deterioration.

In settings such as aged care and disability, physiotherapists play an important role in manual handling strategies, falls prevention strategies, functional and mobility training, and the use of assistive devices. They also provide training for support workers, carers and family members, as well as designing home exercise programs. For example, a physiotherapist can make recommendations for the purchase or rental of a transfer aid and then develop a manual handling program to train carers and family members on how to use the device effectively.

In the case of acute injuries, musculoskeletal physiotherapists assess and treat injuries using a combination of education, hands-on techniques, and targeted exercises aimed at recovery. The treatment plan will be specific to the injury, with close monitoring and careful prescription of exercises to prevent further damage and restore proper movement. For instance, a physiotherapist might help someone recover after surgery, rehabilitate a sprained ankle, or manage ongoing back pain.

A key aspect of physiotherapy involves a thorough assessment of the individual’s physical condition to develop a tailored treatment plan. Physiotherapists use specific assessments and outcome measures—such as tests for strength, balance, coordination, pain, and range of motion—to ensure the underlying cause of the problem is correctly identified. Essentially, physiotherapy is centred on enhancing physical function and movement, taking into account your medical condition, history, injuries, and pain management needs.

You can learn more about how physiotherapists can help in our other article, How Physiotherapy Can Help People with Disabilities Perform Daily Activities.

What is Exercise Physiology?

Exercise physiology, on the other hand, are experts with strengthening and conditioning, and focus on managing chronic medical health conditions (like diabetes, hypertension, or obesity). As such, they may help a patient manage weight loss, improve cardiovascular health, or build strength and endurance. In addition, they may also explore lifestyle factors or behaviours that may impact someone’s overall health. Unlike physiotherapists, exercise physiologists do not typically treat injuries or specific medical conditions but instead focus on helping individuals maintain or improve their overall physical health and fitness.

Exercise physiologists work with individuals across a wide range of populations—from athletes looking to enhance their performance to older adults or people with chronic conditions seeking to improve their overall health through exercise. Their role involves conducting fitness assessments and developing personalised exercise regimens that are safe, effective, and tailored to the individual's health status, fitness level, and goals.

Key Differences Between Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology

While both physiotherapists and exercise physiologists aim to improve a person’s physical function, their approaches differ in several key ways.

Treatment and Assessment:

Physiotherapy focuses on the rehabilitation of injuries, pain management, and restoring mobility or function. They deal primarily with the treatment of specific conditions or injuries. While physiotherapists can prescribe targeted exercises related to the condition or injury, treatment can also include a wide range of interventions, including hand-on treatment like manual therapy, joint mobilisations, and therapeutic modalities (e.g., ultrasound or electrical stimulation). Physiotherapists can also review someone’s ability to mobility or transfers, and recommend walking aids or transfer devices. 

Exercise Physiology is focused on optimising physical performance, promoting overall health, and improving fitness levels through exercise. Focus is more on strengthening and conditioning, and managing chronic medical health conditions. While it can be therapeutic, they do not treat injuries directly. They focus on exercise as the primary intervention, designing fitness regimens, managing exercise intensity, and helping individuals enhance their strength, endurance, and cardiovascular health. They may use testing and monitoring techniques like heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen consumption during exercise assessments.

Scope of Practice:

Physiotherapists are trained to diagnose and treat a wide variety of physical conditions, and can use hands-on techniques to manage pain and improve function. They are able to make recommendations for exercise equipment, walking aids or transfer devices. They can also make recommendations for an individual's mobility status. 

Exercise Physiologists focus on exercise prescription, fitness assessment, and improving the overall health and performance of individuals through tailored exercise programs. They are not involved in diagnosing injuries, treatment of a physical injury or hands-on treatment modalities. 

Education and Training:

Physiotherapists require a bachelors, master's or doctoral degree in physiotherapy, and are registered to practice under their governing body, Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Exercise Physiologists typically have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in exercise physiology. Exercise physiologists are registered under a governing body called Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA). 

How to Decide Which Service is Right for You

Although both physiotherapists and exercise physiologists are essential to improving physical health, their roles differ in terms of assessment, treatment, and scope of practice. Often, these two professionals collaborate, with physiotherapists focusing on restoring function and mobility by treating physical injuries or conditions, while exercise physiologists concentrate on enhancing strength, cardiovascular fitness, and preventing or managing chronic health conditions. Together, they provide a comprehensive approach to improving overall well-being.  

Final Thoughts

Understanding the difference between these two fields can help individuals make informed decisions about the type of care or guidance they need. Both professions are essential in maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle, but they approach it from different angles. Whether recovering from an injury or looking to optimise fitness, individuals can benefit from the expertise of either a physiotherapist or an exercise physiologist, depending on their specific needs.

If you would like to discuss your needs and whether physiotherapy or exercise physiology could help you, then please give us a call today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between physiotherapy and exercise physiology?

Physiotherapy focuses on diagnosing and treating injuries, pain, or physical conditions using hands-on techniques, mobility aids, and targeted exercises. Exercise physiology, on the other hand, emphasises improving overall health and fitness through tailored exercise programs, often aimed at managing chronic health conditions like diabetes or hypertension.

Do I need a referral for physiotherapy or exercise physiology?

In most cases, you don’t need a referral to see a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist. However, if you’re accessing these services through a program like the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Medicare, or private health insurance, a referral may be required. Check with your provider for specific details.

Which should I choose: physiotherapy or exercise physiology?

The choice depends on your needs. 

• Choose physiotherapy if you’re recovering from an injury, surgery, or managing a condition that affects mobility or causes pain.
• Choose exercise physiology if you want to improve overall fitness, manage chronic conditions, or enhance strength and endurance.

However, both professionals can work together to provide comprehensive care.

Can physiotherapists or exercise physiologists help with chronic pain?

Yes, both can help with chronic pain, but in different ways:

• Physiotherapists use hands-on techniques, pain management strategies, and targeted exercises to alleviate discomfort and restore movement.
• Exercise physiologists create exercise plans to improve fitness and overall health, which can indirectly reduce chronic pain through better conditioning and lifestyle changes.

Are these services covered by the NDIS?

Yes, both physiotherapy and exercise physiology can be covered under the NDIS if they align with your goals and support plan. Speak to your NDIS provider or give Ascend Health a call to determine your eligibility and how these services fit your plan.

Can I see both a physiotherapist and an exercise physiologist at the same time?

Absolutely. Many individuals benefit from a multidisciplinary approach, where a physiotherapist addresses specific injuries or mobility issues, and an exercise physiologist designs a program to build strength and endurance. Working together, they can provide a well-rounded plan for recovery and overall health.

What qualifications do physiotherapists and exercise physiologists have?

Physiotherapists complete a degree in physiotherapy and are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Exercise physiologists hold a degree in exercise physiology and are accredited with Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA).

Can exercise physiology help with weight management?

Yes, exercise physiologists are highly skilled in designing programs that support weight management by improving cardiovascular health, boosting metabolism, and building muscle strength. They can also guide lifestyle changes for sustainable results.

How do physiotherapists and exercise physiologists support people with disabilities?

Physiotherapists focus on mobility, pain management, and assistive devices to improve day-to-day functioning.

Exercise physiologists create safe, tailored exercise programs to enhance strength, flexibility, and overall health, helping individuals achieve greater independence.

How often should I see a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist?

The frequency of visits depends on your condition and goals:

• Physiotherapy: May require frequent visits during acute recovery, gradually decreasing as you improve.
• Exercise physiology: Regular sessions (e.g., weekly or fortnightly) can help maintain fitness and manage chronic conditions over time.

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