Physiotherapist & Personal Trainer: Relationship

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