Exercise Physiology
What is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist:
Accredited Exercise Physiologists are practitioners that specialise in movement rehabilitation. They are university qualified allied health professionals that hold a 4-year University Degree and specialise in evidence-based exercise prescription for musculo-skeletal injury, mobility loss, chronic health conditions, injury prevention, pre or post-surgical rehabilitation, general conditioning and lifestyle modification change.
Accredited Exercise Physiologists are accredited through Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA), the national registration body for exercise science professionals.
Some AEP’s may further specialise in additional fields such as strength and conditioning, neurological conditions, women’s health promotion etc.
What type of role do Exercise Physiologists perform?
Exercise Physiologists (EP’s) are highly skilled at providing movement interventions, working with clients in the acute, sub-acute and chronic phase of injury and health. EP’s work both collaboratively— facilitating treatment alongside other allied health professionals involved in a client treatment plan; and also, independently—offering individualised coaching, group training and long-term training partnerships with their clients.
Their key focus is to coach and guide you to move often, and to move confidently!
And this is what they love to do.
What to expect in your initial appointment with an Accredited Exercise Physiologist:
- Your initial 45-minute consultation with our AEP will include a comprehensive assessment and movement evaluation.
- Based on your assessment, a treatment plan will be devised based on your needs and health objectives. This will be a collaborative discussion between yourself and the AEP.
- Key areas outlined in your movement evaluation will be implemented to provide an individualised exercise intervention to manage your injury/condition or return you to meaningful activities.
- Consultation with your GP or other health professionals will be included, where appropriate
*If you wish to discuss multiple health concerns, please book an extended (complex) initial consultation of 60-minutes to allow adequate time to assess and evaluate your health concerns.
What common conditions can Exercise Physiologists help me with?
- Persistent pain
- Rehabilitation after (or before) injury or surgery
- Sport specific training
- Lower back, neck, hip and shoulder pain
- (ie. shoulder impingement, discal injuries, knee pain)
- General strength and conditioning
- Osteoporosis – low BMD
- Stress related health impacts
- Metabolic conditions such as diabetes and pre-diabetes
- Osteoarthritis
- Inflammatory conditions – Arthritis, RA, Fibromyalgia
- Mental health conditions (eg, depression, anxiety, mood regulation)
- Cardiovascular disease
Other key areas of treatment/service:
- Balance and reducing falls risk interventions
- Exercise for physical restrictions or mobility issues
- Neurological conditions
- Difficulty maintaining motivation + adherence to exercise routines
- NDIS services (self-managed)
- GP Management Plans
Do I need a GP referral to see an Exercise Physiologist?
No, you are able to see an Accredited Exercise Physiologist privately without a referral from your GP.
Rebates are available from private health insurance with most health funds now offering rebates for services provided by Accredited Exercise Physiologists. For exact rebate amounts, please contact your health fund. Exercise physiology services are available for electronic claiming through HICAPS. HICAPS allows eligible patients of participating health funds the convenience of on the spot claims processing.
Alternatively if you do wish to seek a referral from your doctor, eligible patients can claim a maximum of five (5) allied health services per calendar year through Medicare’s Chronic Disease Management Scheme. Patients with Type 2 Diabetes can claim up to eight (8) allied health group services per calendar year.
If you’re seeking an Accredited Exercise Physiologist through worker’s compensation, you must have a GP referral and lodge a claim with your employer.
Seeking more information about Accredited Exercise Physiologists?