Different Allied Health Providers

Chances are, you know what a Physiotherapist is and could easily explain the profession. Physiotherapist’s have been working in the healthcare industry for many years and service a large array of people in many different settings.

Perhaps less known is the role of an Exercise Physiologist, who also work within the Allied Health sector, providing services within the healthcare industry.

At Bloom Allied Health, we provide both Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology services, so let’s unpack the differences.

Firstly, let’s explain what an Exercise Physiologist (EP) is.

An EP is a University Qualified Allied Health Professional who specialises in prescribing and delivering exercise to help treat different health health conditions, injuries and disabilities. Examples may include helping those with Diabetes, Osteoporosis, Heart Disease, Frozen Shoulder or Down Syndrome.

EP’s can choose to specialise in many health areas such as metabolic, oncology, respiratory, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, neurological, mental health and any other condition where exercise can positively impact on a persons health.

So what are the main differences?

Sometimes, this is hard to distinguish because exercise prescription and delivery is important for both professions.

However, depending on the physician, the main differences may be:

1. Physiotherapists are able to test and diagnose for musculoskeletal conditions and provide acute care following an injury or painful experience.
2. Physiotherapists may provide more ‘hands on’ treatment, including mobilisation, dry needling, massage or taping.
3. Exercise Physiologists will provide exercise and movement as their primary form of treatment to help improve a patient’s quality of life.
4. Exercise Physiologists may treat health conditions that are more ‘chronic’ in nature.
5. Exercise Physiologists specialise in exercise prescription and have an expert understanding around the physiology of exercise and movement.

What are the benefits of having both on your team?

The benefits of having both Allied Health providers on your team are endless, because each provider brings their own speciality and expertise!

1. A Physio can provide expert opinion by providing a diagnosis and ruling out red flags when an injury or pain occurs.
2. From there, a Physio can provide the necessary acute care and treatment to ensure the initial stages of recovery are well managed.
3. Once it is appropriate, the Physio can refer the patient to the EP for exercise rehabilitation to occur, ensuring the injury or pain condition is managed with the appropriate rehabilitation program.
4. The Physio and EP can work together to provide expert care and guidance towards the patients recovery.

At Bloom, we provide both Physio and EP services to ensure our clients receive expert care from start to finish. Whether this is an acute injury from a sporting match, or pain that is occurring from arthritis.

We strongly believe in the holistic approach to recovery by allowing both our Physio and EP to work together as a team with the patient.

Are you in need of a team approach? Contact us today to learn more about how we may be able to help!