Whether you’re recovering from an injury, dealing with chronic pain, or simply want to improve how your body moves, knowing where to start can be tricky. One of the most common questions people ask is, Should I see a physiotherapist or an exercise physiologist?
Despite the fact that both are essential to movement and rehabilitation, their methods, resources, and specialisations differ. You can choose the best option for your objectives if you are aware of these distinctions. What each specialist does, when to see them, and how the appropriate combination can help you improve your movement, performance, and long-term health are all covered in this article.
What Is Physiotherapy?
The main goals of physiotherapy are to evaluate, identify, and treat physical dysfunction, discomfort, and injuries. When someone is hurt or in excruciating or chronic pain, it is usually the first point of contact.
To relieve pain and restore movement, physiotherapists combine exercise rehabilitation with manual methods such joint mobilisation, massage, dry needling, and taping. They also assist sportsmen with sporting injuries, individuals recuperating from accidents, and patients recovering from surgery.
If you’ve rolled your ankle, have a pinched nerve, or are struggling with lower back pain, seeing a physio in Brisbane CBD can help you get relief, improve your function, and guide you back to full strength safely.
What Is Exercise Physiology?
The science of employing movement as medicine is called exercise physiology. Professionals with a university degree who specialise in recommending therapeutic exercise to enhance long-term performance, prevent injury, and promote health are known as accredited exercise physiologists, or AEPs.
The goal of exercise physiotherapy, as it is frequently referred to, is to develop cardiovascular fitness, strength, flexibility, and endurance in a methodical and scientifically supported manner. It is perfect for those recovering from injuries or looking to maximise their training, as well as those with long-term health issues including diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis.
In contrast to physiotherapists, AEPs do not provide direct patient care. Exercise is their primary tool; it is focused, gradual, and tailored to your body’s needs and objectives.
Key Differences Between Physio and Exercise Physiology
1. Focus Areas
Physiotherapists specialise in treating dysfunction, pain, and injuries. Exercise physiologists concentrate on enhancing long-term resilience, strength, and fitness.
A physio helps get you back on your feet after an injury. An exercise physiologist helps you stay strong, mobile, and pain-free in the long run.
2. Methods Used
Physios often combine manual therapies like massage, dry needling, and joint mobilisation with guided exercise rehab. Their focus is on treating specific problems and restoring function.
In contrast, exercise physiologists use customised movement and strength-building programs tailored to your lifestyle, health conditions, and performance goals. Their sessions might feel more like structured training, but every movement is rooted in science.
3. Type of Conditions Treated
A physiotherapist is ideal for:
- Acute injuries (e.g. sprains, tears)
- Post-surgery rehabilitation
- Persistent pain or mobility issues
- Sports injuries or overuse problems
An exercise physiologist is better suited for:
- Managing chronic diseases (e.g. arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes)
- Weight management and general conditioning
- Performance enhancement
- Preventing re-injury through long-term strength work
If your concern is pain or recent injury, physio is likely the starting point. If you’re managing long-term health or rebuilding your body after recovery, exercise physiology may be the next step.
4. When You’d See Each Practitioner
Use this simple guide:
| Scenario | Best Fit |
| You’ve just injured yourself | Physio |
| You have ongoing pain from an old injury | Physio (then EP) |
| You’re managing a chronic health condition | Exercise Physiologist |
| You want to build long-term strength post-rehab | Exercise Physiologist |
| You want both treatment and performance optimisation | Both |
When You Might Need Both
Many people benefit from using both services, either simultaneously or in stages. For example, you might see a physiotherapist initially after a knee injury to manage swelling, pain, and early-stage rehab. Once the injury stabilises, an exercise physiologist can step in to build back strength, improve joint stability, and prevent recurrence.
This integrated approach is becoming more common, especially in Brisbane clinics where physios and AEPs work closely together to offer complete, wrap-around care. It’s not just about healing, it’s about building a body that can go further and last longer.
Finding the Right Help in Brisbane CBD
Brisbane’s CBD is home to a growing number of sports and exercise clinics that combine physiotherapy and exercise physiology under one roof. This makes it easy to access both services in one location, ensuring your treatment is coordinated, consistent, and tailored to your lifestyle and goals.
Whether you’re recovering from injury, managing a chronic condition, or taking your training to the next level, finding the right practitioner can fast-track your progress and give you the confidence to move well for life.
So, which one do you need? It depends on where you are in your journey. If you’re injured, in pain, or recovering from surgery, start with a physiotherapist. If you’re working towards long-term health, managing a chronic issue, or looking to improve your performance, an exercise physiologist could be the perfect fit.
Often, the best outcomes come from combining both, a physio to guide your recovery, and an exercise physiologist to build your strength for what’s next. Whichever you choose, investing in professional care is one of the best things you can do for your body today and long into the future.
