Both a physiotherapist and a personal trainer use exercise to achieve certain goals so deciding whether a physiotherapist or personal trainer is better for your specific needs can be a difficult decision. There are, however, key differences between the two so you will need to decide which one is better suited to your needs.
Both physiotherapists and personal trainers are taught proper body mechanics in order to ensure client safety. A physiotherapist is taught more about clinical aspects of health so has a deeper understanding of medical conditions a client may have. Therefore, they are able to diagnose and treat a wide variety of conditions and injuries. They must have a degree in order to be qualified and work as a physiotherapist. A personal trainer, on the other hand, has a deeper understanding of how best to train your body to become a healthier version of yourself.
A physiotherapist will provide their client with strengthening and rehabilitating exercises with the primary goal to focus on healing and re-strengthening an injured area. They are permitted to use manual techniques such as mobilisation, manipulation and massage to treat certain injuries. They also use exercise as a form of rehabilitation after an injury to assist a patient reach a level of mobility they had prior to an injury.
A personal trainer, on the other hand, can’t diagnose or treat conditions and will often refer their clients to a physiotherapist if they suffer from an injury. They usually create exercise programmes for ‘healthy’ clients to help them achieve a specific goal such as weight loss, improving cardiovascular fitness or strength training. Personal training can be an infinite number of sessions as goals can always be extended or modified. Some personal trainers may also provide advice on diet and nutrition.
In summary, a physiotherapist is useful to provide pain relief and treatment for a range of injuries and conditions that may be preventing you from reaching your fitness goals. Whereas, a personal trainer is useful to help achieve specific fitness goals.
If you feel that physiotherapy can help you to achieve your fitness goals, please contact Home Physio Group on 0330 335 1016 to talk to our team, or alternatively, please use the contact form on the website and we will reach out to you.