We can explain the difference between a physiotherapist and personal trainer by asking a basic question:
Why Do People Get Hurt?
The reason why most people get injured is usually due to a lack of knowledge and more specifically, on a physical level, a lack of flexibility, and core strength, (the deep abdominal and low back muscles). In consultation with and through physical rehabilitation and/or training sessions all three aspects will be addressed thoroughly.
Once introduced to the proper methods of targeting the weak areas – a client/patient can easily work on these daily, alone at home or with the assistance of a personal trainer to build confidence.
Physiotherapist vs. Trainer:
The primary difference between the physiotherapist’s work and a personal trainer’s approach lies in the stages of recovery. Working with a personal trainer is the perfect transition in a client/patient’s recovery. Instead of going straight from the physiotherapy clinic trying to return to an active lifestyle (whether this may be everyday activities or a return to sport/exercise), a personal trainer provides all the information, knowledge and tools to progress in the client/patient’s stage of recovery.
Without this step, the likelihood of re-injury is increased.
Let’s examine the three aspects to address to significantly improve a client/patient’s recovery;
Lack of Knowledge
- Identify with the client/patient exactly how and why the injury occurred
- Explain in ‘non-clinical’ term why this happened
- Use visual aids such as anatomy diagrams, etc.… to show client/patient
- Discuss lifestyle changes and how they can prevent re-injury
- Determine client/patient’s willingness to participate in plan of action
Lack of Flexibility
- Explain to client/patient why a lack of flexibility can be a cause of injury
- Locate which specific areas are tight and why they may be (lifestyle)
- Practice the appropriate exercise/stretches with client/patient
- Establish a realistic at-home program within the client/patient’s comfort zone
- Periodically re-asses the development of their flexibility and range of motion
Lack of Core Strength
- Educate the client/patient on what core strength means
- Locate the key muscles which represent core strength (or the ‘powerhouse’ of the body)
- Introduce basic core concepts to client/patient
- Introduce stability ball exercises as part of the recovery and strengthening process
- At appropriate stages of recovery, assess if client/patient is capable of moving to more intermediate and eventually more advanced exercises