Personal Trainer. Physiotherapist. And You–The Education. The Practice. The Evolution.

Introduction

Yes, both of these professionals dominate in the health, fitness & wellness industries. However, these professionals are also dominant in other major global industries, such as:

• Sports (professional teams, athletes)
• Tourism (medical, wellness, fitness, sports).
• Security (law enforcement, military, private security).

In their earlier days, these professionals would’ve been restricted to medical facilities (physiotherapists) and gyms (personal trainers). Today, thanks to the evolution of: exercise science, industry/professional regulation (predominantly in 1st world countries), and the presence of trusted professional accreditation bodies– (Universities, Professional Education-certification &  Licensure-physiotherapy)–personal trainers & physiotherapists education, and  professional scope, are becoming more intertwined. And this can be seen in Gyms, Physical Therapy, and other exercise-based studios (martial arts, plates, yoga…) whereby their offering (studio and/or professional) can include the delivery of services, traditionally provided exclusively by either professional. But is this current stage of their evolution beneficial for you?

Education of Personal Trainer & Physiotherapist

 

Personal Trainer Education

The education of a personal trainer is dominated by nationally-regionally accredited certification bodies. In the USA, these include:

•  American College of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer 
• American Council on Exercise CPT
• National Academy of Sports Medicine CPT

Through these bodies the aspiring personal trainer can expect to learn:

• Gross Human Anatomy.
• Bioenergetics & Exercise Physiology.
• Biomechanics.
• Basic Nutrition.
• Exercise Programming (Resistance & Cardiorespiratory training–functional, fitness, performance) for apparently healthy population.
• Exercise Programming (Resistance & Cardiorespiratory training–functional, fitness, performance) for special population-seniors, children, pregnant & post-partum mothers; low-risk to high risk individuals.
• Human Psychology basics.
• Rapport-Building.
• Gym Management.
• Code of Ethics.

Internship is not a general feature of the personal trainer certification. Depending on the capability of the personal trainer, successful passing of their certification exam, can  generally take from 4 weeks to 1 month. Recertification every 2 years is mandatory, whereby the personal trainer will be required to pass a defined number CECs/CEUs in order to still practice. The CECs/CEUs can cover topics which include:

• Corrective Exercise Programming/Rehabilitation.
• Health Coaching.
• Advanced Nutrition.
• Brand Management.
• Olympic Lifting.

 

Physiotherapist Education

The Physiotherapist education is dominated by accredited Universities. In Jamaica, The University of The West Indies, Mona, Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy is the dominant educator. Through this institution, the aspiring physiotherapist/physical therapist can expect to learn:

• Gross Human Anatomy.
• Human Physiology & Biomechanics.
• Human Psychology basics.
• Electrotherapy.
• Massage Therapy.
• Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation.
• Orthotics.
• Evaluative Skills.
• Clinical Practice.

1 year clinical internship is a mandatory  feature, post 1st degree, plus the passing of the professional license exam, in order to legally practice as a physiotherapist/physical therapist in Jamaica. Continuing Education is required for the maintenance of their licensure to practice. According to the Council for Professions Supplementaty to Medicine (2016), Physiotherapists must generally receive minimum 10 hours discipline specific professional development & maximum 10 hours of non-discipline specific professional development, every 1-2 years.

The Practice: Personal Trainer & Physiotherapist. And You.

Read: 4 Key Steps To Safe Exercise For All Age Groups Today, with their continuing education & exposure to ongoing relevant, peer-reviewed research as resources, certified personal trainers (through internationally trusted bodies), and licensed/registered physiotherapists, through their work, are practicing on lines, that are becoming more crossed with each passing day. Physiotherapists today (some) are also certified personal trainers. And Personal trainers today (some) are also trained & experienced in physiotherapy (backed by license, and not). The dominant professional area where both of these professionals don’t cross (currently), is through referral from medical facilities, physician, and allied Healthcare professionals (registered dietician, licensed psychologist, speech therapist, chiropractor, etc).

Benefit of Healthcare Referral System for the Client/Patient

For the client/patient, this is good, because on the part of the physiotherapist, you can be assured of a minimum standard in professional competence  towards your treatment/service. Not all personal trainers (certified or non-certified), are educated equally. Similarly, a certified personal trainer does not assure you of a minimum level of professional experience, unlike the licensed physiotherapist, who assure you of a minimum of 1 year experience.  

Takeaway You Should Keep In Mind When Deciding to Work With a Personal Trainer or Physiotherapist

Personal Trainers trained by internationally-reputable certification bodies, and licensed physiotherapists, have a similar education curriculum. However, licensed physiotherapists professional training, is mostly curtailed around their working in clinical environments, towards injury prevention & rehabilitation. While internationally-reputable certified personal trainers, professional training center them towards working with clients outside of the clinical environment, predominantly for injury prevention-fitness/aesthetic-performance enhancement/maintenance. When choosing to work with an internationally-reputable, certified personal trainer, and licensed physiotherapist, vet them based on their education & experience.  

About The Author

Oshane Bryant: BSc Geology, Geography Minor; ACE CPT since 2012; Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) Accelerator Graduate-2018 cohort; Licensed KUKIBO Martial Arts & Self Defense, Senior Instructor; OB Fitness Founder & Managing Director.