Exercise Physiology

What is exercise physiology?

Physiology refers to the way living things function. Exercise physiology is the study of how your body responds to movement.

An exercise physiologist is a highly trained allied health professional who helps you prevent or manage health difficulties through exercise.

Exercise as therapy

Exercise is a powerful tool for improving your health and wellbeing.

Regular physical activity helps to improve your:

Brain health
Weight
Risk of disease
Bone and muscle strength
Ability to do everyday activities.

Small changes can make a big difference.

Who benefits from seeing an exercise physiologist?

Exercise is important for every single body. That said, some people face particular challenges in moving regularly or easily.

Exercise physiology helps people who are at risk of or living with many different health conditions.

Cardiovascular disease
Multiple sclerosis
Parkinson’s disease
Spinal cord injuries
Arthritis & osteoporosis
Chronic pain
Injury prevention or rehabilitation
Cancer
Cystic fibrosis
COPD
Emphysema
Diabetes
Overall health improvement
Rehab after surgery
Exercising with confidence
Improving functional capacity

What treatments do exercise physiologists use?

Exercise physiologists use a number of non-invasive, evidence-based treatments, including:

Coaching you in behaviour change
Providing health education
Showing you how to exercise in a way that benefits your body
Encouraging you in hydrotherapy
Prescribing a certain amount or type of exercise for you to do regularly.

What is hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy involves exercises in a nice warm pool (warmer than a typical swimming bath) where the water supports your weight.

This sort of therapy isn’t like aquarobics. It’s focused on slow, controlled movements that help you:

Relax
Ease joint pain
Increase range of motion in your joints
Improve muscle strength
Develop gross motor skills like strength, balance and coordination
Increase aerobic capacity
Exercise in comfort and without / with less pain
Develop fine motor skills like hand and finger strength.

What can I expect from my first appointment?

Your first appointment provides an opportunity for you and your exercise physiologist to get to know one another.

Your exercise physiologist is likely to ask you questions about your:

Symptoms or concerns
Lifestyle and interests
Medical history
Overall health and wellbeing.

After reviewing that, we’ll conduct a physical assessment and, from there, we can develop a treatment plan that meets your needs.

There’s some paperwork to complete before your first appointment. We’ll email this to you when you book. If you prefer to complete the forms in hard copy, please arrive 10 minutes early.

Do I need a referral?

You may benefit from getting a referral from your GP. If you have a chronic condition like diabetes, for example, your GP may be able to develop a Chronic Disease Management Plan for you that allows you to claim a DVA or Medicare rebate towards the cost of your treatment.