MANAGE A CHRONIC CONDITION OR INJURY

Unlike other exercise professionals, such as a personal trainer, the exercise physiologist has a focus on clinical exercise prescription for people living with illness or injury. An exercise physiologist specialises in understanding the challenges and complexities associated with a variety of different conditions for rehabilitation pre and post any necessary procedures. They will work alongside a healthcare team to deliver safe and effective exercise interventions.

GENERAL POPULATION

Exercise physiologists specialise in behaviour change. An exercise physiologist can help you to make long-term lifestyle changes and improve exercise habits.

MENTAL HEALTH

There is an abundance of research that demonstrates the value of exercise and improving mental health. An exercise physiologist understands that people living with a mental illness, like depression, face many challenges and barriers to exercise and are trained to help people overcome them. They have a vast number of skills and knowledge of delivering safe and individualised exercise programs to people living with conditions such as depression, anxiety and PTSD.

 OVERCOME PERSISTING PAIN CAUSED BY INJURY OR OVERUSE

Chronic pain affects over 3 million Australians. Most of these people avoid exercise in fear that it will make their pain worse. Research shows that exercise is in fact one of the most effective techniques for pain management. Seeing an exercise physiologist means that the exercise prescribed will be done by an expert and will help people get the most out of life.

REHABILITATE/IMPROVE HEART HEALTH

Cardiovascular disease is one of Australia’s biggest health issues. Living an active lifestyle has been proven to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Unfortunately, many people that have experienced a cardiac event are afraid of exercising. An exercise physiologist is an expert in monitoring and ensuring exercise is being done safely.

CONTROL DIABETES OR PREDIABETES

Exercise helps to regulate insulin levels, which helps with management of diabetes. It can also help control weight and reduce your risk of developing comorbidities, like heart disease, that are often associated with diabetes. An exercise physiologist understands the complex relationship between exercise and insulin and will work with a healthcare team to manage the condition.

 IMPROVE RECOVERY DURING AND AFTER CANCER TREATMENT

A growing body of scientific research has established that exercise is a particularly potent medicine for the management of cancer.  One recent study found that women who began exercising after a breast cancer diagnosis halved their risk of dying compared to those who remained inactive.