EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY

Exercise physiology is the use of structured, evidence-based exercise to improve health, physical function and quality of life.
An Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) works with people across a wide range of health conditions, injuries and abilities. We use exercise to help you build strength, improve mobility and fitness, manage chronic conditions, reduce the impact of pain and regain confidence in movement.

While there is some overlap between exercise physiology and physiotherapy, our approaches are different.

Exercise physiologists focus primarily on exercise-based management. We don’t provide hands-on manual therapy, massage or joint manipulation, and we don’t diagnose musculoskeletal injuries or medical conditions. Instead, we assess your physical capacity and exercise needs and develop a progressive program to help you achieve your goals.

Physiotherapists commonly focus on the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and movement disorders. Their treatment may include hands-on therapy, manual techniques, mobility work and targeted rehabilitation.

The two professions often complement each other. For example, you may see a physiotherapist for the assessment and treatment of an injury, while your exercise physiologist helps you rebuild strength, fitness and function through progressive exercise.

In simple terms: physiotherapy may help address the injury or movement problem, while exercise physiology helps you build the physical capacity to move, function and live well.

Absolutely. Exercise physiology is specifically designed to help people safely exercise with chronic health conditions.
An Accredited Exercise Physiologist understands how different health conditions can affect your ability to exercise and can tailor your program around your individual needs. This may include conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, chronic pain, neurological conditions and many others.

We don’t treat your medical condition itself or replace your medical care. Instead, we use exercise as a therapeutic tool to help manage its impact on your physical health and daily life.

Depending on your condition and goals, exercise may help improve strength, cardiovascular fitness, blood glucose management, mobility, balance, energy levels and overall physical function.

Your program is designed around what is safe and appropriate for you, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

No. You don’t need a referral or funding plan to see an exercise physiologist privately.
Exercise physiology can be accessed through a number of different pathways, depending on your individual circumstances. This may include private appointments, Medicare, NDIS, DVA, WorkCover or private health insurance.

Each funding pathway has different eligibility and claiming requirements, so it’s important to understand what applies to you.

If you already have funding or a referral, we can help you understand how exercise physiology may fit within your plan. If you’re accessing our services privately, you can simply book an appointment directly with us.

An exercise physiology session is much more than simply being given a list of exercises.
Your first appointment is an opportunity for us to understand you, your health, your current physical capacity and, most importantly, what you want to achieve.

We’ll discuss your health history, current activity levels, symptoms, lifestyle and goals. Depending on your needs, we may assess your strength, mobility, balance, cardiovascular fitness, functional capacity and exercise tolerance.

From there, we’ll develop an individualised exercise program and guide you through the exercises so you understand what you’re doing, why you’re doing it and how to perform it safely.

Sessions may include strength training, cardiovascular exercise, Pilates, mobility and balance exercises, functional rehabilitation or other forms of therapeutic exercise.

As your capacity improves, your program will progress with you.

es. Exercise physiology can be an important part of the transition from rehabilitation back to the activities you enjoy.
Following an injury, it’s common to regain basic movement before you’ve fully regained the strength, fitness, control and confidence needed to return to your usual activities.

An exercise physiologist can help bridge this gap through progressive, structured exercise. We’ll gradually increase your strength, cardiovascular fitness, movement capacity and tolerance to exercise, based on where you’re currently at.

We don’t diagnose or treat the injury itself, but we can work alongside your physiotherapist, GP or other healthcare professionals as part of your broader rehabilitation.

Whether your goal is returning to sport, getting back to the gym, returning to work or simply feeling strong and capable again, your program can be tailored around what matters to you.

Absolutely. Exercise physiology is for people of all ages, abilities and fitness levels.
You don’t need to be fit, strong or physically active to see an exercise physiologist. Our role is to understand where you’re starting from and develop an exercise program that is appropriate for your current abilities.

Exercise can be adapted to accommodate limited mobility, pain, balance difficulties, disability or reduced exercise tolerance. This may include seated, supported, standing or floor-based exercises, depending on what is safe and appropriate for you.

For older adults, exercise can help maintain strength, balance, mobility and independence, while supporting healthy ageing and confidence with everyday activities.

The goal isn’t to make you exercise like everyone else. It’s to help you move better, feel stronger and maintain your ability to do the things that are important to you.