As a Projector in Human Design with a 6/2 profile, my natural way of working is through insight, observation, and deep understanding. I’m here to guide—not to push—and to help others see what they may not yet see for themselves. This same approach informs how I view and practice holistic health, especially when it comes to understanding the different roles in the allied health landscape.
A question I’m often asked is: What’s the difference between a physiotherapist and an exercise physiologist? While both professions support people to recover, restore, and optimize their physical wellbeing, the paths they walk are quite distinct.
Physiotherapists: The Diagnosticians of Movement Dysfunction
Physiotherapists are trained and licensed under national registration (Ahpra) to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide variety of acute and chronic injuries and conditions. Their work spans across all systems of the body—from musculoskeletal to cardiorespiratory and neurological domains. They often use manual therapy techniques, clinical reasoning, and a wide range of therapeutic interventions including hands-on treatment and rehabilitation plans.
Think of physiotherapists as the first port of call when something has gone wrong—when you’ve sprained an ankle, hurt your back, or developed chronic pain. They’re skilled in diagnostics and immediate intervention.
Exercise Physiologists: The Guides of Long-Term, Lifestyle-Based Recovery
As an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, my role begins after a diagnosis has been made—by a physiotherapist or medical professional. I specialise in crafting evidence-informed movement-based rehabilitation plans that support long-term recovery and chronic condition management.
Our scope of practice focuses on clinical exercise prescription—tailored movement designed to prevent disease progression, restore function, and support lifestyle change. While we don’t diagnose, we often walk the journey alongside our clients for much longer—through health coaching, education, and ongoing exercise therapy.
Where physiotherapy might help initiate healing, exercise physiology helps to maintain and build on that healing over time.
A Projector’s Perspective: Why Both Matter
As a Projector 6/2, my gift is seeing patterns and systems—what works, what doesn’t, and where the gaps lie. I see how the integration of both roles—physiotherapy and exercise physiology—can offer a more complete healing experience for clients.
Physiotherapists are essential when precise clinical assessment and early-stage intervention is needed. Exercise physiologists are vital in supporting sustainable change, functional restoration, and helping clients take ownership of their movement and wellbeing long-term.
Neither profession is “better” than the other—they simply shine in different phases of your health journey.
Trusting Your Inner Authority
Whether you’re managing a chronic condition, returning to movement after an injury, or simply seeking a more embodied, personalised path to health—it’s important to know who to turn to and when. Your GP or physiotherapist may be the right starting point, while an exercise physiologist can become a trusted ally in the later stages of recovery and transformation.
In my practice, I draw from clinical training, ancient yogic principles, and the energetic wisdom of Human Design to create a deeply personalised and integrative space for healing.
Because true healing isn’t just about diagnosis or prescription—it’s about being seen, supported, and guided in a way that honours your whole self.
