At MS Plus, we have highly skilled physiotherapists (physios) and exercise physiologists (EPs). Both have a deep understanding of multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neurological conditions. We’re here to demystify one of the common questions – what’s the difference between a physio and an EP? And which health professional is right for you?
| What does a physio do? | What does an EP do? |
|---|---|
| MS Plus physios carry out targeted assessments to diagnose and treat neurological conditions through exercise-based rehabilitation and education. They can help you manage symptoms such as fatigue, weakness and heat sensitivity, reduce pain and stiffness, increase mobility, and prevent progression of your condition. | MS Plus EPs are equipped with the knowledge and skills to design safe and effective exercise and movement programs for people with MS or other neurological conditions. Our MS Plus EPs can help you manage symptoms, reduce pain, and improve mobility, strength, balance and mental health. |
| Our physios can: | Our EPs can: |
|---|---|
| Assess if manual therapy or stretches would be beneficial in providing symptom relief | Formulate specialised exercise-based programs tailored to your desired goals (1:1 or in a group setting) |
| Carry out a neurological assessment aimed at identifying your main impairments, and design a targeted exercise program to address them | Work with you to identify achievable, realistic, and measurable goals |
| Provide education to help you understand your condition and use this knowledge to maintain function and capacity | Use exercise to manage symptoms, such as fatigue, muscular weakness, spasticity, balance, pain, cognitive declines, anxiety and depression and incontinence |
| Treatment could include: | Recommendations could include: |
|---|---|
| Soft tissue work aimed at providing pain relief or improving function | Home-exercise programs that use the equipment available within your home to achieve your goals |
| Prescribing stretches to improve your joint mobility and health | Specific neuromuscular balance exercises to re-train gait (walking) and improve balance and in turn, prevent falls |
| Prescribing exercises to improve or maintain your strength/functioning. This could be in the form of gym-based exercises, gait-re-education, or body-weight/bed-based program | Education on motivation techniques to help achieve your exercise goals |
| Rehabilitation aimed at relearning or maintaining functional skills such as sit to stands |
Seeing a physio and EP from the same organisation means we can combine our expertise to help you achieve your goals, manage your symptoms and live life to the fullest.
“Working together with Mahenddra (MS Plus Physiotherapist) allows us to make sure we’re targeting the right areas for the individual with two sets of eyes and professional experience,” said Caitlin, MS Plus Exercise Physiologist.
“We’re always coming up with ideas on how best to support our clients and discuss what program adjustments or treatments are needed get them closer to their goals.”
We understand your limits and can help you renew your confidence and push your boundaries safely. Call us on 1800 042 138 or email connect@msplus.org.au to book an appointment.
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