Exercise Physiologist

Exercise Physiology Services

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What is Exercise Physiology?

Exercise Physiology is the study and delivery of effective exercise programs in order to rehabilitate pain and discomfort in a person, which may have stemmed from a health condition or injury.  An accredited exercise physiologist therefore, specialises in preventing or managing acute, sub-acute or chronic illness in a person, with the aim of optimising a person’s physical function, health or wellbeing.


What do Exercise Physiologists treat and manage?

Our fully accredited Exercise Physiologists treat a wide range of issues including:

1. Rehabilitation from injury, illness or operation

The aim of rehabilitation is to minimize one’s loss associated with acute injury or chronic disease, by promoting recovery through maximising fitness, performance and functional capacity.  Rehabilitation is crucial to regaining a person’s motion and strength, and also to ensure that future injury does not reoccur. Our Exercise Physiologists are experienced in creating rehabilitation plans to help manage and mitigate injuries.

2. Managing Common Chronic Conditions

Chronic diseases are defined as long lasting health conditions with persistent effects, and were the leading cause of death in Australia in 2018 (89%).  We can help with managing:

  • Cardiovascular conditions (such as coronary heart disease and stroke)
  • Mental health disorders (such as depression)
  • Pulmonary disease
  • Metabolic disease
  • Neurological disease
  • Arthritis, osteoporosis and other musculoskeletal conditions

3. Help to improve body functions and conditions

It is well known that physical activity is essential in maintaining a healthy weight, facilitating the movement of blood through the body, and also preventing the accumulation of cholesterol and excess energy.

Our Exercise Physiologists are on hand to provide their expertise and knowledge to help you overcome your condition through a structured and tailored exercise programme. Because each condition will differ between each person, it is important to have a custom-made plan, designed by an accredited exercise physiologist like ours.


Exercise Physiology is available at these Health First Group clinics.

QLD
Mount Isa

WA
Karratha

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get started with Exercise Physiology?

Call your local clinic today to arrange an appointment. Alternately, click here to book an appointment online.

What does an Exercise Physiology session include?

Exercise Physiology sessions are exercise-based and focus on promoting health and physical activity education, advice and support and lifestyle modification with a strong focus on achieving behavioural change. These services include the preparation of tailored exercise programs, promotion of leisure-time and incidental activity, and counselling to reduce stationary behaviors. This will include an assessment to ensure the activity is safe, effective and likely to be maintained in the long term.

Accredited exercise physiologists can also provide their expertise in the following areas:

  • Assessments of functional capacity
  • Advice on lifestyle modification to improve health status
  • Exercise prescriptions for strength and functional improvement pre- and post- surgery
  • Workplace assessments

What is the difference between an Exercise Physiologist and a Physiotherapist?

Both Exercise Physiologists and Physiotherapists offer services that are designed to promote a person’s physical wellbeing, but there are some distinct differences between the two professions.

Exercise Physiologists focus on treating patients conditions through a range of clinical exercise interventions, in which their focal point revolves around behavioural change. They can also provide treatments for diseases and conditions that are not typically focused on by physiotherapists.

Physiotherapists on the other hand are accredited health care professionals who help people treat and manage an injury, illness or disability through promoting movement, manual therapy, physical techniques, education and advice.

What is the difference between an Exercise Physiologist and a Personal Trainer?

In short, an accredited Exercise Physiologist can do everything a personal trainer can do and more!

To become a personal trainer in Australia, a Certificate IV in Fitness is the minimum qualification. Personal trainers provide fitness assessments, instruction and supervision to individuals or small groups of clients. They may be employed by fitness centres or work on a freelance basis. This qualification enables them to work with the general ‘healthy’ population. They are only insured to work with this demographic.

An Exercise Physiologist has completed a minimum 4 year undergraduate degree at University in Sport Science. After completing 300 plus clinical hours, an Exercise Physiologist can then become Accredited through Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA). Accredited Exercise Physiologists are trained in managing people with chronic medical conditions and musculoskeletal injuries. Some of these conditions include:

  • Musculoskeletal conditions such as Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis, post Orthopaedic Surgery;
  • Cardiorespiratory conditions such as post heart attack, heart disease, high blood pressure;
  • Neurological conditions such as Motor Neuron Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease.
  • Metabolic conditions such as Syndrome X, Diabetes, Dyslipidemia and Obesity.

An Accredited Exercise Physiologist tends to work in a clinical setting. They provide expert advice to the general ‘healthy’ population as well as those with medical conditions. Sometimes they will form part of a multi disciplinary team which may include Doctors, Surgeons and Physiotherapists.

Do I need a referral to see an Exercise Physiologist?

No. You can seek the assistance of an Exercise Physiologist independently and self-refer.

Is Exercise Physiology claimable under private health insurance?

Yes, Exercise Physiology is claimable as an ‘extra’ under private health insurance, generally as a separate allowance to Physiotherapy. The rebate available does differ from fund to fund so check your fund to see your entitlements.

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What we are about

Our practictioners are AHPRA registered physiotherapists

All of our physiotherapists are registered with the AHPRA and have completed post-graduate education yearly to supplement their education and knowledge for a high standard of patient care.

What we are about

Multiple clinics, same industry-leading service

Our team across all clinics locations at Health First are highly experienced and skilled in treating a wide variety of injuries. We understand that no two patients or injuries are the same. This is why we ensure every patient enjoys tailored physio treatment and is handled professionally, with the highest level of care.

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