Physical therapists and personal trainers help people looking to improve their health and fitness. Here, we explain differences between these professions so that you can make an informed decision about which professional will best help you achieve your goals.
Differences
Education and Training
Physical therapists require a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, which typically takes 3 years to complete after earning a bachelor's degree. They must pass national and state licensure exams and are considered healthcare professionals. In New Jersey, the abbreviation “PT” is a protected title denoting a physical therapist.
Personal trainers typically need a certification from a recognized organization and may have a bachelor's degree in a related field, but it's not always required. Personal trainers are considered fitness professionals, not healthcare providers.
Scope of Practice
Physical therapists diagnose and treat injuries, movement disorders, and other health conditions. They develop rehabilitation plans for patients recovering from injuries or surgeries but also treat clients who are looking to optimize movement mechanics, strength, and performance. Physical therapists use techniques like manual therapy, therapeutic exercises/activities, neuromuscular re-education, and can employ treatments like dry needling and deep tissue laser that trainers cannot do.
Personal trainers focus on improving overall fitness, strength, and performance by designing exercises programs tailored to clients’ goals. However, they cannot diagnose injuries or health conditions and are not qualified to treat injuries or provide medical advice.
When to See Each Professional
See a physical therapist if you:
Are experiencing pain or limited mobility due to an injury
Are recovering from surgery
Have a chronic condition affecting your movement
Need preventive care for potential injuries
See a personal trainer if you:
Want to improve your general fitness level
Need help developing an exercise routine
Are looking to lose weight or gain strength
Want to enhance your athletic performance
At Fluid Physio, we treat every patient as an athlete and care for each individual as a whole. We carefully analyze how each segment relates to another and assess movement pattern deficits to optimize function and performance utilizing a treatment plan that includes manual therapy, corrective exercise prescription, and neuromuscular reeducation. We welcome the opportunity to work with personal trainers to provide comprehensive, complimentary care especially when transitioning from injury rehabilitation to general fitness improvement to help you achieve your goals.
Comments