Exercise Physiology - What is it and how can we help?

What is an Exercise Physiologist

Exercise Physiologists are Allied Health Professionals who have Masters level qualification in understanding the science of exercise and how it can be used as “medicine” to manage a variety of conditions.  

Exercise Physiologists complete clinical assessments to inform their decision making to prescribe, deliver and adapt movement to improve function, recovery and optimise an individual’s health status. From chronic disease management to injury rehabilitation, Exercise Physiologists apply the science of movement to enhance health and quality of life. If you have a chronic condition, are recovering from an injury or want expert guidance on safe and effective exercise, an Exercise Physiologist can help.

Phase 1: the initial consultation and assessment

When you book into an initial consultation and assessment, an Exercise Physiologist completes a comprehensive assessment to understand your medical history, movement capacity and goals. 

Phase 2: the personalised program

After the initial assessment, the Exercise Physiologist creates and provides a personalised program in line with the client’s goals, for example: decrease pain, improve strength, cardiovascular fitness and overall health while considering each individual's unique needs and limitations. This program can be carried out in the client’s home or gym.

Phase 3: the continuity of care

The final phase focuses on maintaining progress and ensuring long-term success. Once the personalised program is in place, the Exercise Physiologist will continue to monitor progress, adjust the program as needed and keep the client on track. This may involve regular follow-up assessments, ongoing support and encouragement, ensuring the client stays motivated and makes consistent improvements. Additionally, the Exercise Physiologist will provide education on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, helping the client integrate exercise into your daily routine for lasting benefits. The goal is not just to achieve short-term results, but to set up the client for continued success and well-being long after the program ends.

Conditions that an Exercise Physiologist can assist with, but not limited to: 

Musculoskeletal 

  • Acute injury 

  • Chronic pain 

  • Chronic musculoskeletal pain/injury

  • Sarcopenia

  • Osteoporosis

  • Sports injuries

  • Falls and Balance

  • Pre and post joint replacement. 

Metabolic  

  • Diabetes

  • Diabetic Nephropathy

  • Dyslipidemia

  • Metabolic syndrome 

  • Obesity 

Neurological 

  • Stroke 

  • Multiple sclerosis 

  • Parkinson’s disease

  • Traumatic brain injury

Cardiovascular

  • Acute myocardial infarction

  • Chronic heart failure 

  • Hypertension 

  • Hypertensive nephropathy 

  • Ischemic heart disease

  • Peripheral artery disease 

Oncology 

  • Breast cancer 

  • Prostate cancer 

  • Other Cancers

Mental Health

  • Anxiety disorder

  • Body image dysmorphia 

  • Depression

  • Disordered eating 

  • Stress related disorders 

Rheumatological 

  • Ankylosing spondylitis 

  • Osteoarthritis 

  • Rheumatoid arthritis 

  • Psoriatic arthritis 

Women’s Health 

  • Pre and post-natal

  • Endometriosis 

  • Polycystic ovarian syndrome 

  • Pre and Post natal 

Pulmonary 

  • Asthma 

  • COPD Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Invisible Illness 

  • POTS 

  • Chronic fatigue syndrome

What is the difference between an Exercise Physiologist, Physiotherapist and Exercise Science?

You might be wondering what the difference is between an Exercise Physiologist, Physiotherapist and Exercise scientists are? Who would be the best fit for you and your reason for seeing a health professional. Below there is a breakdown of the key role of each and it is up to you and the reason you are needed to see a professional that will differentiate who you choose to see. Depending on the complexity of your condition you might see both an Exercise Physiologists and Physiotherapists to comprehensively manage your conditions.

Exercise Physiologists work with both acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries along with all the pathologies listed above. We solely focus on the strategies of behaviour change, education, and exercise as management.

Physiotherapists work with acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries and post-surgical cardiovascular, neurological and respiratory conditions also pre and post-natal. The main strategies to manage the conditions are massage, dry needling, cupping (focus on hands-on treatment) and exercise.

Exercise scientists work with a healthy population to improve health and fitness. They can work with athletes and individuals that don’t have co-morbidities or chronic health conditions. They are able to deliver exercise to individuals that do have chronic diseases IF an Exercise Physiologist or another health professional has prescribed the exercises. All Exercise Physiologists must have an Exercise Science qualification prior to completing their masters in Exercise Physiology.

If after reading this, you are thinking that Exercise Physiology is a good match for you. We have excellent Exercise Physiologists at Body Place that will be able to assist you. You can book on our website, or you can either call or email us to arrange an appointment.

https://www.bodyplace.au/book-now


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The Benefits of Exercise for Children & Young Adults