If you’ve been told to “see a physio” for one issue and “see an exercise physiologist” for another, you’re not alone in finding the distinction confusing. Both are university-trained, nationally accredited professions — physiotherapists are registered with AHPRA (the Physiotherapy Board of Australia), while accredited exercise physiologists (AEPs) are credentialed through Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) — but they play distinct, often complementary, roles in your recovery and long-term health.
What Does a Physiotherapist Do?
Physiotherapists assess, diagnose, and treat musculoskeletal injuries, pain, and movement dysfunction. Treatment typically combines hands-on manual therapy, dry needling, joint mobilisation, and exercise prescription with patient education. A physiotherapist is usually the right first point of contact for a new or acute problem — a sprained ankle, a flare of back pain, a shoulder that won’t lift properly, or rehabilitation following surgery — because part of their role is diagnosing what’s actually going on before treating it.
What Does an Exercise Physiologist Do?
Accredited Exercise Physiologists use exercise as medicine to manage and prevent chronic disease, disability, and injury, and to build long-term strength and function. Their scope covers conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, and chronic pain, as well as NDIS-funded exercise programs and post-rehabilitation strength and conditioning once an acute injury has settled. At Burwood Physio, Savio Gracias Flor works with clients on NDIS-funded exercise physiology and personal training, building tailored, progressive programs for clients moving beyond the acute treatment phase or managing an ongoing condition.
Where the Two Overlap
In practice, physiotherapy and exercise physiology often work together rather than as alternatives. A common pathway looks like this:
- A physiotherapist treats the acute injury and gets pain under control.
- Once you’re pain-free or close to it, an exercise physiologist takes over long-term strength, conditioning, and return-to-activity programming.
- For NDIS participants or clients managing a chronic condition, an AEP designs and progresses an exercise program, with a physiotherapist available if a flare-up needs hands-on treatment.
How to Choose the Right Practitioner for You
See a physiotherapist first if: you have a new or acute injury, unexplained pain, are recovering from surgery, or need a diagnosis.
See an exercise physiologist if: you’re managing a chronic condition, have NDIS funding for exercise-based support, are past the acute injury phase and want structured strength and conditioning, or want a personalised long-term exercise program.
Not sure which you need? That’s fine — book with either practitioner at Burwood Physio and we’ll point you in the right direction, or refer you internally if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a GP referral to see a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist?
No referral is needed to see a physiotherapist privately. For exercise physiology accessed under NDIS or a GP Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, a referral or plan from your GP is generally required to claim a rebate — but you can still book privately without one.
Can physiotherapy and exercise physiology be claimed on private health insurance or Medicare?
Both professions are typically covered under private health extras (check your specific policy for limits). Medicare rebates are available for eligible chronic conditions via a GP Chronic Disease Management plan, and NDIS participants with an approved plan can access funded exercise physiology sessions.
I have NDIS funding — can Burwood Physio help?
Yes. Burwood Physio is a registered NDIS provider offering both NDIS physiotherapy and NDIS exercise physiology and personal training.
What’s the difference in a typical session?
A physiotherapy session usually involves hands-on assessment and treatment — joint mobilisation, soft tissue work, dry needling — alongside exercise. An exercise physiology session centres on structured, progressive exercise prescription and coaching, typically in a gym-style setting, with less hands-on manual therapy.
Not Sure Which You Need? Book an Assessment in Burwood
Whether you need hands-on treatment for an acute injury or a structured long-term exercise program, our team can help you find the right starting point. Call 02 8322 9022 or book online — same-week appointments available, HICAPS on-site.
Related: NDIS Physiotherapy in Burwood | Meet Savio and the Burwood Physio Team
Reviewed by the Burwood Physio Clinical Team
BPhty (Hons) | AHPRA Registered Physiotherapists | Member, Australian Physiotherapy Association
Our clinical team has over 20 years of combined experience in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, sports rehabilitation, and pain management. All content is reviewed for clinical accuracy and updated in line with current evidence-based practice guidelines. Meet our team →
