Sports Physiotherapist, Trainer or Exercise Physiologist?

What's the difference and when do you see one over the other?

The good news is that more and more of us are embracing exercise and sport with vigour. There are many different exercise options nowadays from martial arts to calisthenics, functional training to Zumba, Crossfit and even circus acrobatics!

But whatever sport you're into, chances are that at some point you may suffer from an exercise or sports induced injury and will need to see a physiotherapist.

Physiotherapists, sports physiotherapists and exercise physiologists all have the same goal: to help you get back your physical strength and optimal level of fitness. However there are subtle differences in the roles they can play and it is important to know which healthcare professional is right for your needs.

What is a Sports Physiotherapist?

Sports physiotherapy is a specialised branch of physiotherapy. It is concerned with the treatment and rehabilitation of sporting injuries.

A titled ‘Sports Physiotherapist’ is university educated – including post graduate qualifications recognised by the peak body in the physiotherapy industry, the Australian Physiotherapy Association. Such physios utilise the principles of sports science – they are trained in musculoskeletal disorders and the treatment, management and prevention of sporting injuries. Some also specialise in cardiovascular, pulmonary or neurological rehabilitation.

In general, the stresses and strains of the muscles, joints and bones of sports men and women can be acute and recurring, and most sports physios are experts on the injuries caused within a specific field of sport.

A Sports Physio will diagnose and use a variety of treatment methods. This can include exercises, Clinical Exercise, pre and post activity sports massage, and joint mobilisation and manipulation to assist recovery and build up strength and stability. They will also provide education and management techniques to prevent further injury.

How does a Sports Physiotherapist differ from a regular Physiotherapist?

The main difference between a Sports Physio and a regular Physiotherapist is that a Sports Physio has specialist post graduate qualifications in Sports Physiotherapy.

Sporting injuries are different from regular injuries. This is because athletes demand a lot from their bodies and the constant overuse of their muscles results in chronic pain that requires specialist treatment.

The role of a Sports Physiotherapist is more focussed on these sporting injuries. They implement relevant sports rehabilitation programs in order to get the participant back to the level required for training and competition required for their sporting interest.

Sports Physios also commonly work for a sports team, which allows them to develop expertise with a variety of sports.

General Physiotherapists, whilst also very able to treat sports injuries, tend to provide a more general healthcare service. The aim of this is to reduce pain and restore mobility and function to those who have suffered neurological injuries caused by accident, illness, disability, ageing, life-changing events, or cardiothoracic conditions, like emphysema, asthma and severe bronchitis.

Like Sports Physios, they too use exercise programs and joint manipulation and mobilisation techniques to reduce pain, as well as electrotherapy, dry needling, hydrotherapy and a range of breathing exercises.

What is an Exercise Physiologist?

Exercise Physiologists (EPs) have extensive knowledge and experience on the benefits of exercise on a person's mind and body.

EP’s don’t diagnose injuries or conditions but rather rely on other medical professionals to do this. They utilise exercise in order to manage and prevent injury, and to help patients increase their fitness levels.

By using a series of individualised exercises and treatments, they treat a range of conditions, such as obesity, arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, asthma and other cardiovascular and musculoskeletal diseases.

They can also have a strong focus on changing patients' lifestyles and behavioural habits for optimal health and wellbeing.

What is the main difference between a Sports Physiotherapist and a Sports Trainer?

The first thing to take into consideration is that most Sports Trainers don’t have any tertiary level education.

While many Sports Physiotherapists also work as sports trainers at their local clubs on the weekend, this is not always the case.

A Sports Physio and a Sports Trainer both work with people who have suffered from some type of sports injury. A Sports Physio will work at a more in-depth level to restore physical strength and help the patient get back to training and competition. On the other hand, a Sports Trainer is there to devise appropriate strategies to make sport safer and minimise injuries.

Sports Trainers, while unable to diagnose conditions, work with athletes on the field and are often the link between the player and the Sports Physio or Sports Doctor.

Key learnings

There are many types of health care professionals that can you help regain your fitness or recover from injury. Here we’ve outlined just some of the different health practitioners that can provide support for the different types of goals that you may have for your body.

Hopefully next time you have the unfortunate occurrence of an injury, you will be able to use one of these practitioners for information on the best course of treatment!

At Back In Motion preventative health measures for long term wellness underpins our clinical philosophy. We won’t just provide you with a quick fix which might be great at the time but can put you at the risk of injury reoccurrence. We’ll help you on your personal journey to optimal lifelong physical health with our Results4Life® program.

If you want to find out more about our Results4Life® program and maintaining long term health and wellness, book a Free Initial Assessment online.