What is an Exercise Physiologist?

Leg PressWhat is an Exercise Physiologist?

Accredited exercise physiologists specialise in exercise and movement for people with acute or chronic medical conditions, injuries or disabilities. Exercise physiologists will develop exercise-based interventions with the aim of managing or restoring a person’s health and function. They may also provide health and physical activity education and lifestyle modification to achieve long-term behavioural change.

 

 

 

When should I see an Exercise Physiologist?

  1. If you are at risk of developing a specific condition or injury that requires prevention
  2. If you have been diagnosed by your GP or other allied health professional with a medical condition, disability or injury.

Such conditions may include but are not limited to:

  • Cardiovascular conditions (high blood pressure/cholesterol, heart attack, heart surgery, heart failure)
  • Pulmonary conditions (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
  • Metabolic conditions (overweight/obesity, Type 1 & 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome)
  • Neurological/ Neuromuscular conditions (stroke, spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, & dementia)
  • Musculoskeletal conditions (osteoarthritis, osteoporosis/osteopenia, pain & injuries)
  • Mental health conditions (depression & anxiety disorders)
  • Cancers (breast and prostate cancer)
  • Other (chronic pain and fatigue, post-surgical rehabilitation)

What services do Exercise Physiologists provide?

  • Assessment of strength, fitness and functional capacity
  • Prescription of individualised exercise programs
  • Pre and post-operative rehabilitation
  • Behavioural change strategies to increase incidental activity & reduce sedentary behaviour
  • Education and lifestyle modification strategies

How do other health services differ from an Exercise Physiologist?

  • Exercise Physiologists are specialists at using exercise to help manage a range of health conditions, disabilities and injuries or to prevent their onset.
  • Physiotherapists are specialists at diagnosing, treating and managing acute injuries and pain using manual therapy and rehabilitative exercises.
  • Exercise Scientists use exercise to improve health, well-being and fitness for healthy populations and recreational/amateur athletes.
  • Sports Scientists use exercise to improve sporting performance for elite, high fitness & athletic performance and professional sport.
  • Personal Trainers use exercise to improve health, well-being and fitness for healthy populations as an exercise scientist (ES) would. However, an ES has further clinical training and an in-depth understanding of human physiology and the body’s response to exercise for healthy populations.

If you suffer from any of the above conditions and would like some assistance with getting healthy and active again, call the clinic on 96745596 to book in for your Initial Exercise Physiology consult.