Exercise Physiology versus Physiotherapy, What’s the Difference?

A question we are commonly asked here at OTEP is what the difference is between Exercise Physiology and Physiotherapy?

If you were wondering this question, you are not alone! It can often be confusing as there is a lot of crossover between the services. This confusion can often lead to time and money wasted seeing the wrong therapist when another may be more effective to help you towards your goals.

Whilst there is cross-over between these professions, there are a few key differences that can help decide who to choose.

Exercise Physiology

An Exercise Physiologist is someone who uses exercise as an intervention to assist people to overcome injury, manage chronic disease or improve the physical wellbeing of people with disability

Generally, EP’s specialize in assisting people to manage chronic diseases, injuries, illnesses or disabilities that they may have been dealing with for long periods, and where a routine exercise program can assist with improved health outcomes. 

Some examples of people who can benefit from an Exercise Physiologist may include,

• Chronic Pain - A person dealing with chronic pain or fibromyalgia

• Falls - An elderly person looking to maintain muscle mass and reduce falls risk

• Down Syndrome - A person with Down Syndrome looking to lose weight and become more physically active

• Chronic Back Pain - Someone with Chronic back pain looking to perform more lifting tasks at home

• Depression - A person with Depression looking to use an exercise regimen to improve their mental health

Exercise Physiologists are experts in developing engaging, fun, effective and beneficial exercise programs to help these kinds of populations not only manage their conditions, but enjoy exercise and implement it as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Note – Whilst Exercise Physiology primarily assists those with chronic conditions, many Exercise Physiologists have skills in acute (short term) rehabilitation and as such it pays to raise this with the practicing therapist before deciding on which service to choose.

Physiotherapy

A Physiotherapist is an Allied Health Professional who utilizes manual interventions/modalities and exercises to manage disease, injury or deformity.

Generally, Physiotherapists will assist people with acute physical rehabilitation, immediately after acquiring injury, illness or disability. This can include using manual therapy techniques such as massage, assisted stretches, dry needling and exercise to improve range or motion and functioning of the body.

Traditionally, Physiotherapists would assist the following types of patients

• A patient in the early stages of a Total Knee Replacement

• An athlete who has strained a muscle or sprained a joint

• An elderly patient who has suffered a fall

• Someone who has suffered back pain from lifting

However! Many Physiotherapists specialise in more extensive exercise programs and can support participants to improve their overall physical health and well-being. Because Physiotherapists can assist with so many different areas, it’s important to speak to each therapist and learn their individual areas of speciality to see if they are the right one for you.

So who is the right therapist for me?

Hopefully at this stage you have an idea of the specialties of both professions, and the main types of clients whom they can assist with. So who is the right one to choose for your situation?

Well, if you have recently suffered an injury, developed illness or are recovering from a surgery and need to get back on your feet, or perhaps you have a child with specific paediatric needs, then a Physiotherapist can be a great choice to get you back on track.

If you are looking to get into an exercise routine to help manage a long-term condition, illness or ongoing disability, then an Exercise Physiologist can be a great professional for you. They can help you by developing an effective, beneficial and fun exercise routine that fits in with your lifestyle to get the results you are looking for.

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At OTEP, we provide the highest quality, caring and empathetic allied health support. To get in touch with an Exercise Physiologist or Physiotherapist, reach out to us today.