FAQ

This is a very common question we get, and the best way to summarize it is to think about it like this. If you hurt your shoulder, you’ll see a Physio for a diagnosis and some exercises to start you off, but an Exercise Physiologist will be the one to help you get back to lifting your kids up or pick up the weights at the gym again. If you have chronic knee problems, a Physio will provide education and initial treatment/exercises, but an Exercise Physiologist will help make sure you can climb the stairs without pain! Both work closely together to keep the community pain-free and functional. They’re also both university-educated. However, an Exercise Physiologist has had specific training and education in exercise prescription for different health conditions.

While prescribing a safe and effective movement strategy is often a big part of your treatment, Exercise Physiologists also provide education, stretches, breathing techniques and support as a part of your treatment.

We understand that the gym isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Exercise Physiologists are experts in individualised exercise, that means exercise that YOU can do. This will often look like prescribing a movement strategy that includes exercises you can do from the comfort of your own home. It also might look like having an in-clinic one-on-one exercise session to compliment and enhance what you do at home.

Yes they can! Exercise Physiologists have broad training in prescribing movement strategies to help prevent the progression of a disease/condition and can help improve your quality of life. We’re here to help you keep doing everyday things for longer!
Exercise Physiologists are a part of Allied Health, therefore if you have a chronic condition, you may be eligible for up to 5 Medicare co funded appointments as directed by your GP.

While both EP’s and PT’s have an important role in keeping you healthy, Exercise Physiologists have a four-year university degree under their belt. They are more qualified to work with people with complex medical histories and will most likely have a broader range of experience when it comes to different healthcare and exercise settings.

Anytime! You don’t have to have any musculoskeletal issue or a chronic disease to get advice from a health professional. Exercise Physiologists can help you at any time – whether it’s to get your started or to keep you going. Nevertheless, people are often referred to Exercise Physiologists for the following: 

• Type 2 Diabetes 
• Osteoporosis/ Osteopenia 
• Arthritis 
• Exercise for Older Adults 
• Balance and Falls Prevention 
• Workcover / Return to Work rehabilitation 
• Weight Loss
• COPD 
• Mental Health
• Exercise for Children 
• Cancer (during and post treatment)

Each person who sees an Exercise Physiologist will have different needs and goals, therefore there is no concrete answer. However it is likely that in the initial stage, your appointments will be more frequent ensuring your movement patterns are good, your body is adapting well to load changes and you’re managing your program. As you progress, appointments will be less frequent, allowing you to continue to build your body’s capacity at home and still check in for corrections and progressions with your Exercise Physiologist in interim periods. Your Exercise Physiologist will discuss what works best for you and will recommend a treatment plan to get you going and keep you going.

Definitely! Exercise Physiologists do a lot of work with people who don’t have any ailments and might just be wanting to get fitter, train for an event or want to be able to move more efficiently.

Physical activity plays a huge part in a child’s overall development. Exercise Physiologists can work with children to help them improve their gross motor skills, overall movement patterns, posture and meet the Physical Activity Guidelines. Exercise Physiologists are recommended for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, behavioural disorders and intellectual disabilities to assist with the above and prepare for social / sport integration.

Yes! Exercise Physiology can be included in an NDIS plan.

We understand that not working due to a work-related injury can be very frustrating. Exercise Physiologists work closely with Workcover to ensure that you’re back working at full capacity as soon as possible. They will assist you with rehabilitating your injury in a way that is specific to your job and will prevent it from occurring again.

Yes, Exercise Physiology appointments are claimable under DVA. Talk to your doctor about seeing an Exercise Physiologist for your DVA-approved condition. You will need a D904 referral from your GP which will give you a cycle of 12 appointments. If you are on a Gold card or Gold TPI card, you do still require a D904 referral from your doctor to see your Exercise Physiologist. Don’t forget to bring your DVA card to your first appointment with your referral.