What is an Exercise Physiologist? How are they different to a Physiotherapist? Exercise Physiologists are the most qualified allied health professionals in Australia when it comes to exercise prescription. We are specifically trained for a variety of health conditions including all forms of disability. Exercise Physiologists must undertake a minimum of 4 years of university to become accredited. Exercise Physiologists are also trained to work with children and elderly, meaning we can work with people of all ages. Exercise Physiologists are different to Physiotherapists in a number of ways. The main way we differ is that Physiotherapists specialise in the acute phases of injury (early stages) and Exercise Physiologists specialise in the chronic phases (long term conditions/injuries/goals). Physiotherapists also provide much more physical and hands on treatment, such as massage. An Exercise Physiologist will not massage a patient unless they are specifically trained in massage therapy.