Many people see Exercise Physiologists to improve their health and wellbeing, manage a chronic condition, or receive support to recover from an injury. They can help you to improve your fitness, achieve your wellness goals, or exercise more safely. 

But what exactly does an Exercise Physiologist do? How are they different from a physiotherapist? Is an Exercise Physiologist the right choice for me?

We have the answers. Let’s get started.

 

What is Exercise Physiology?

Physiology is the scientific study of how the body works. An Exercise Physiologist combines knowledge of exercise with knowledge of physiology and anatomy. The goal of an Exercise Physiologist is to use exercise programs to improve the health, fitness and wellbeing of their clients.

 

What qualifications does an Exercise Physiologist have?

An accredited Exercise Physiologist must have a university degree in exercise science and physiology. Practising Exercise Physiologists should be registered with ESSA, Exercise and Sport Science Australia. 

Doctors and other healthcare professionals often refer patients to Exercise Physiologists once they have a diagnosis and need support to design and implement a successful exercise program. Exercise Physiologists often form an integral part of a multidisciplinary team. 

 

Do I have to have a referral to see an Exercise Physiologist?

No – Exercise Physiologists can provide care to a wide range of clients, including people who are looking to maximise their fitness or prevent disease and injury. You can see an Exercise Physiologist without a referral from your GP.

 

What conditions can an Exercise Physiologist support people to manage?

Because exercise has a wide range of positive effects across every system in the human body, Exercise Physiologists can help people with an extensive range of conditions to access the benefits of exercise. 

Common conditions that Exercise Physiologists support people with include chronic conditions and injury rehabilitation, such as:

– Cardiovascular disease

– Weight loss and management

– Persistent pain such as back pain

– Mental health conditions such as depression

– Osteoporosis and arthritis

– Pulmonary disease

– Injury rehabilitation

– Multiple sclerosis

– High blood pressure

An Exercise Physiology can help improve your fitness journey, provide support with managing a debilitating condition or assist with your surgery recovery.

Because Exercise Physiologists work with such an extensive range of people and abilities, they will consider your mobility, strength, skills, confidence and symptoms to tailor an exercise program to your unique body and goals.

Often, they will be able to advise you on exercises that you can do at home or exercises that you can incorporate into your busy schedule. They can also help to keep you motivated and on track.

 

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

Exercise Physiologists are often confused with Physiotherapists. While the two roles do have some overlap and similar treatment goals, they have different scopes of practice. A Physiotherapist will assess and diagnose conditions, as well as provide a range of different forms of treatment, one of which might be exercise. 

In contrast, Exercise Physiologists focus exclusively on exercise programs. They work with patients who may already have a diagnosis and are looking to focus on increasing their well-being. An Exercise Physiologist can help to prevent and manage a range of conditions by improving the overall fitness of individuals, leading to improved health. 

An Exercise Physiologist is a great choice if you are looking to:

– Manage a chronic condition

– Prevent conditions from occurring with exercise

– Improve your fitness and quality of life

– Get back to your old level of fitness after an injury

– Returning to previous activities safely

– You’d like to exercise without aggravating a condition or pre-existing injury

– You’d like to achieve a weight loss goal

 

What to expect if you see an Exercise Physiologist

Here at Restart, our friendly Exercise Physiologists will begin by learning about your medical history, diagnoses, concerns and most importantly, your goals. We will work together with you to develop a realistic and helpful exercise plan that assists you to begin taking steps in the right direction. 

This exercise program will then be monitored and supported by ongoing appointments at a frequency that suits you. We can support you to strengthen particular muscles, stretch and improve your mobility, and exercise with confidence to avoid causing unnecessary harm. 

 

Why choose Restart?

Enjoy movement for life. 

At Restart, we will be your biggest support. We will walk with you on your journey towards improved mobility, improved health and improved wellbeing. 

We focus on helping you to achieve positive change, enabling you to overcome doubts and confusion, and cheering you on to achieve the health results you want. We aim to empower you with education and support you to enjoy the process of using exercise and movement to manage your conditions and improve your physical and mental health.

Here are some of the benefits of Restart that we are proud of:

– We accept all major health funds

– We work to help you to achieve tangible results 

– Safe and private environment

– Fully accredited Exercise Physiologists with a growing number of patient success stories 

– Convenient locations at Carseldine, Chermside and Norman Park

 

If you’d like to get started with Exercise Physiology today, give one of our friendly team members a call on 1300 899 757 or book your appointment online.