The difference between a Clinical Exercise Physiologist and a Physiotherapist is that Clinical Exercise Physiologists specialise in clinical exercise interventions. They often work in a multidisciplinary allied health team alongside other professionals such as Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, and medical doctors. A Physiotherapist advises on exercises, posture and ways to relieve pain.

Clinical Exercise Physiologists aim to prevent and manage disease or injury and assist in restoring optimal physical function and health through progressive exercise rehabilitation programmes. Interventions may include functional capacity testing and screening, lifestyle modifications and education, and workplace hazard identification, and do not do any physical manipulation of the body. 

Physiotherapists advise on exercises, posture and ways to relieve pain. They may also use massage, manipulation, and acupuncture and provide mobility aids. They aim to keep your joints and muscles flexible and strong to support body alignment and joint health.   

The two have a lot of crossover between them, and both have unique benefits. Both work with you to aid the treatment of various conditions and aspects of health and wellbeing.

You will typically seek treatment from a Physiotherapist if you are in the acute phase of your injury. Once your rehabilitation process is further along, seeking treatment from a Clinical Exercise Physiologist to help create a specific and individually tailored exercise programme can be highly beneficial. 

A Physiotherapist is more “hands-on”, while a Clinical Exercise Physiologist is exercise-focused rather than “hands on”. 

If you can’t find a Clinical Ezercise Physiologist in your area, you can find one who does online consultations or ask a Physiotherapist for an exercise programme to support your goals. 

Read more about what the various types of allied health professionals do by visiting our Allied Health Team page.