When it comes to promoting physical health, well-being, and pain management, there are many professionals and modalities that can offer support and guidance. Some are more common than others, but all play an important role in helping you feel better.
Two of the most common ones are exercise physiologists and physiotherapists. While their names may sound similar and have overlapping goals, they each bring a distinct area of expertise to the table.
If you’re recovering from an injury, managing a long-term condition, or simply looking to improve your overall physical well-being, it can be tricky it can be overwhelming to know which professional to turn to for help. So, when it comes time to make a choice between the two, it’s important to understand their unique approaches and how each can support your individual needs and health journey.
In this article, we’ll help clarify between an exercise physiologist vs physiotherapist. We will discuss the roles of each, their differences, treatment goals and more to guide you in determining which one is right for you.
What Is an Exercise Physiologist?
Living with pain or a chronic condition can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, it’s possible to take back control of your health. Exercise physiologists play a powerful role in helping people manage long-term conditions through safe, structured, and evidence-based movement.
With university-level training and a deep understanding of the human body as well as the risks and benefits of exercise, they design personalised programs that can help treat a range of conditions and injuries.
Exercise physiologists believe in the concept of “exercise as medicine,” a proven approach that has been shown to significantly reduce the risk and impact of many chronic illnesses.
In fact, targeted exercise programs can lower:
- Cardiovascular disease risk is reduced by up to 80%
- Type 2 diabetes risk by up to 90%
- Certain cancer risks are reduced by around 33%
- Overall mortality risk by 17%
What Do They Do?
Exercise physiologists start with a detailed assessment of their client’s physical condition. They look at movement patterns, symptoms, and health history. This evaluation helps them create customised exercise programs that match each person’s abilities and health needs, from boosting general fitness and preventing illness to managing chronic health conditions.
They work with people of all ages and abilities, helping clients achieve better health outcomes and improve their quality of life. Unlike physiotherapists who provide hands-on treatments, exercise physiologists give clients skills and knowledge to manage their own exercise programs. They focus on long-term health management through sustainable exercise habits.
These custom plans help people:
- Improve strength and endurance
- Manage symptoms more effectively
- Build confidence in their bodies
- Experience long-term improvements that last
You’ll often find them working in hospitals, clinics, private practices, and community settings, collaborating with GPs, physiotherapists, and other health professionals to deliver integrated and holistic care.
Specialised Areas of Expertise
- Exercise physiologists specialise in a range of health conditions, including:
- Managing chronic diseases (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity)
- Musculoskeletal rehabilitation and injury recovery
- Mental health conditions
- Cancer and cancer treatment recovery
- Chronic pain and fatigue management
- Neuromuscular exercise therapy for conditions like multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and Parkinson’s
- Pulmonary disease management
Qualifications and Training
In Australia, becoming an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) requires extensive academic and practical training. This includes:
- A four-year university degree in Exercise Physiology, or
- A three-year accredited degree in Exercise Science, followed by a 1.5 to 2-year Master’s in Exercise Physiology
- At least 500 hours of supervised clinical experience
- Graduates must also be accredited by Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) before they can practice.
To maintain their professional accreditation, AEPs must complete ongoing education every three years. This ensures they stay up-to-date with the latest research, safety guidelines, and best practices, so their patients always receive the highest standard of care.
Understanding the Role of a Physiotherapist
Physiotherapists are highly trained movement and mobility specialists who assess, diagnose and treat physical problems that affect human mobility and function. They are qualified healthcare professionals who help people recover from injuries, manage physical conditions and disability, regain strength and function and improve quality of life.
What Physiotherapists Do?
Many people turn to a physiotherapist after an injury or when pain starts to interfere with their daily life. They are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of acute and chronic conditions using clinical reasoning. They use a variety of proven techniques and tools to support recovery and improve mobility. These might include:
- Targeted exercise and rehabilitation programs to build strength, flexibility, and function
- Joint manipulation and mobilisation to ease stiffness and improve movement
- Soft tissue therapy and massage to relieve muscle tension and promote healing
- Dry needling to release tight muscles and reduce pain
Each treatment plan is unique and designed around your specific condition, goals, and what matters most to you.
Areas of Expertise
Physiotherapists develop skills in many clinical areas. They focus on:
- Musculoskeletal conditions: Sports injuries, fractures, arthritis, back pain
- Neurological disorders: Stroke rehabilitation, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis
- Cardiorespiratory issues: Asthma, COPD, recovery after heart attacks
- Women’s health: Pelvic pain, pregnancy-related conditions, incontinence
Education and Training
In Australia, physiotherapists must complete a recognised university program and register with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia to practise. This typically includes:
- A four-year Bachelor of Physiotherapy, or
- A three-year undergraduate degree followed by a Master’s or Doctor of Physiotherapy
To stay current with best practices and new research, registered physiotherapists must also complete at least 20 hours of professional development each year. This commitment ensures the care you receive is always informed, safe, and effective.
Key Differences Between an Exercise Physiologist vs Physiotherapist
Exercise physiologists and physiotherapists may seem similar, but they work in very different ways.
| Area | Physiotherapist | Exercise Physiologist |
| Primary Focus | Rehabilitation and recovery after injury, surgery, or illness | Prevention, management, and long-term support of chronic health conditions |
| Treatment Approach | Hands-on therapy combined with exercise (e.g., massage, joint mobilisation, dry needling) | Exercise-based therapy and education, no manual or hands-on techniques |
| Scope of Practice | Can assess, diagnose, and treat acute and chronic conditions | Uses a diagnosis (from a physio or doctor) to develop tailored exercise programs |
| Conditions Treated | Acute injuries, chronic pain, neurological conditions, cardiorespiratory and lymphatic disorders, pelvic floor issues | Chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, obesity, mental health concerns, cancer recovery, and metabolic conditions |
| Stage of Care | Early-stage treatment: acute to chronic injury and pain management | Mid to late-stage care: long-term recovery, lifestyle change, and prevention |
| Therapies Used | Manual therapy, exercise prescription, education, soft tissue work, dry needling | Clinical exercise prescription, behaviour change coaching, long-term condition management |
| Regulation & Accreditation | Registered with AHPRA under the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme | Self-regulated, accredited by Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) |
| Professional Role | Diagnoses injuries and creates treatment plans, often first point of contact after injury | Delivers targeted exercise interventions based on an existing diagnosis |
| Settings | Hospitals, clinics, private practice, rehabilitation centres | Private practice, community health, hospitals, corporate health, gyms |
| Goal of Treatment | Restore function, reduce pain, support healing and recovery | Improve overall health, manage or prevent chronic disease, support long-term wellbeing |
How to Choose Between an Exercise Physiologist and a Physiotherapist
Choosing the right health professional at the right time can make a big difference in how well, and how quickly you recover. While physiotherapists and exercise physiologists both play vital roles in your health journey, knowing who to see and when can help you get the best results.
Who to See & When
Recovering from an injury goes through several distinct stages each with different needs for treatment.
- Acute Phase (0–2 weeks): This is when you’re likely dealing with pain, swelling, and inflammation. This is often when you should see a health professional like a physiotherapist who can diagnose the injury and provide immediate relief using hands-on techniques such as joint manipulation, soft tissue work, and other therapies. Their goal is to reduce pain and swelling, helping you heal and regain function.
- Sub-Acute Phase (2–6 weeks): As your injury begins to heal, you enter the sub-acute phase. Both physiotherapists and exercise physiologists can be beneficial during this stage. Physiotherapists continue to help manage pain and stiffness through gentle manual therapies, while exercise physiologists start to introduce light, tailored exercises that help restore mobility and strength. You’ll be gradually easing into more active rehabilitation at this point.
- Chronic Phase: Once the acute pain has reduced and you are moving into long-term recovery, or are managing chronic pain and other health conditions, exercise physiologists take a more prominent role. They create customised exercise programs designed to rebuild strength, improve flexibility, and prevent future injuries. They’ll help you manage any lingering symptoms of the injury and guide you in maintaining a healthy lifestyle to avoid re-injury. Their focus is on functional improvement and ensuring you return to your normal activities safely.
Other considerations include:
You might benefit from seeing an Exercise Physiologist if:
- You’re recovering from an injury or dealing with a past injury and want to return to movement safely, without making things worse.
- You have a chronic health condition like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, or osteoporosis. Exercise physiology can help manage and improve these conditions through tailored movement plans.
- You’re aiming to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight and want expert guidance on creating a safe, effective, and sustainable exercise program.
- You’re looking for a personalised exercise prescription that’s designed specifically around your goals, abilities, and medical background.
You might need to see a Physiotherapist if:
- You’re experiencing new, unexplained, or undiagnosed pain and need a clinical assessment and diagnosis.
- You’ve sustained an acute injury, such as a sports injury, or you’re recovering from recent orthopaedic surgery and need hands-on rehabilitation support.
- Your treatment plan includes manual therapy techniques like massage, joint mobilisation, or dry needling to help relieve pain and improve movement.
Exercise Physiologist vs Physiotherapist: When You Might Need Both
In some cases, working with both an exercise physiologist and a physiotherapist can offer the best results for your recovery and long-term health. Combining the expertise of both professionals ensures a comprehensive approach to healing and helps you achieve optimal outcomes. Here are a few scenarios when you might benefit from seeing both:
- Recovering from Complex Injuries: If you’re dealing with a complicated injury that requires both immediate pain management and systematic rehabilitation, working with a physiotherapist first can provide the relief and diagnosis you need. Once the acute symptoms are managed, an exercise physiologist can guide you through an exercise-based rehabilitation program to restore strength, flexibility, and prevent future issues.
- Managing Chronic Conditions: For ongoing conditions like arthritis, heart disease, or diabetes, Physiotherapists can help manage pain and improve joint mobility, while exercise physiologists develop long-term exercise programs to improve overall fitness and manage the chronic disease effectively, reducing complications over time.
- Post-Surgery Rehabilitation: After surgery, you’ll likely start with physiotherapy to address immediate pain, swelling, and mobility issues. Once you’ve reached a stable point, an exercise physiologist can help you build up your strength and return to your daily activities through targeted, progressive exercise plans.
Key Takeaways
While both professionals play essential roles in improving movement, managing pain, and enhancing quality of life, they each bring a unique approach to your care and treatment.
If you’re dealing with new or acute pain, need a diagnosis, or benefit from hands-on treatment, a physiotherapist is usually the best place to start. But if you’re managing a chronic health condition, recovering from an injury, or working toward long-term fitness and wellness goals, an exercise physiologist may be the perfect match.
If you’ve seen what feels like countless healthcare professionals but still aren’t finding the relief or clarity you’re after, Respire is here to help. Whether you’re dealing with persistent pain, recovering from an injury, or simply want to feel stronger and more in control of your health, Respire offers a holistic, tailored approach.
As an accredited exercise physiologist based on the Gold Coast, I combine a deep understanding of how your body moves with how your breathing influences posture, tension, and overall wellbeing. Together, we’ll create a clear, sustainable plan that supports lasting change.
Ready to take the next step? Book your appointment today and let’s get you moving and feeling better, inside and out.
