Frequently Asked Questions

Find insights into what to expect from your initial appointment and whether a gym membership is a prerequisite for our services. Wondering when to see an Exercise Physiologist? We've outlined that too. If your question was not answered below, please get in touch so that we can provide clarity.

Exercise physiologists and physiotherapists are both University qualified, trusted allied health professionals that have similar end goals with treatment. They both work within a varied scope of practice that does have some overlap so it is understandable that there is some confusion between them.

The key differences between an Exercise Physiologist and a Physiotherapist are:

Exercise physiologists specialise in treating patients with clinical exercise interventions and programs as their main mode of treatment. In contrast, physiotherapists diagnose and treat injuries, disability and pain with hands on treatment and exercise prescription.

Exercise physiologists and physiotherapists work together to assist you in your recovery from an injury. Physiotherapists will generally be your first port of call for assessment, diagnosis and treatment in the acute recovery stage. Exercise physiologists will assist in the mid to late recovery stages to help build capacity and prepare you to return to your normal activities and exercise as safely as possible. Exercise physiologists also work alongside physiotherapists during your recovery to keep you healthy and active whilst working around your current injury.

When to see an exercise physiologist VS when to see a physiotherapist

Exercise Physiologist	Physiotherapist
You would like to improve your athletic potential and sports performance	You require help with assistive mobility devices such as walking aids
You have a chronic health condition or have a weight loss goal	You have recently undergone orthopedic surgery
You would like an exercise program to meet your health and wellness goals	You would like hands-on treatment such as dry needling, mobilisation or massage
You are worried about aggravating an old injury	You have sustained a recent sports injury
You are recovering from an injury and would like to resume activity, work or exercise	You have pain that is new, unexpected or that hasn’t been diagnosed

Starting a new exercise program can be daunting and asking for help isn’t always easy. Firstly we aim to make you feel as comfortable as possible as you start on your exercise journey with us. After all, we are human just like you.

Your initial appointment is where we get to know you, what health conditions or concerns you may have, and what you would like to achieve. We discuss things like how you are currently managing, what your overall lifestyle looks like, including your exercise background and preferences. It is likely that we get you up and moving to get a good understanding of where your baseline strength and fitness is, and see how you move surrounding any injuries you may have. For this reason it is recommended you come dressed in something you are comfortable moving in.

From here we bring all this information together to put a plan in place to move you from where you are now to where you would like to be. We break this down into small manageable steps so that you feel comfortable and confident to start moving in the right direction.

All our initial appointments are 45-60min so you never feel like you are being rushed through. Our aim is that you feel heard, understood and empowered in your health. This starts with your initial appointment.
No, there is no entrance fee or membership requirements when you come to see us for your Exercise Physiology appointments.