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Written by: Steve Whelan, 24/02/19
What is an Exercise Physiologist?
The Health, Fitness and Rehabilitation industry is an interesting one.
You have, Personal Trainers, S&C Coaches, Physio’s, Osteo’s, Chiro’s, Myo’s, and Podiatrists + more – all with their own separate knowledge, experience and beliefs.
But what about an Exercise Physiologist? Are they a PT? A Physio? An S&C Coach? Or none of/all of the above?
According to Allied Health Professions Australia, an Exercise Physiologist:
‘Specialises in clinical exercise interventions for people with a broad range of health issues. Those people may be at risk of developing, or have existing, medical conditions and injuries. The aims of exercise physiology interventions are to prevent or manage acute, sub- acute or chronic disease or injury, and assist in restoring one’s optimal physical function, health or wellness. These interventions are exercise-based and include health and physical activity education, advice and support and lifestyle modification with a strong focus on achieving behavioural change’
In simple terms, an Exercise Physiologist is a university qualified health professional who works with all people including those investing in their health & fitness, those who have suffered injury, and those who are suffering from chronic disease or illness - and everything in between.
When to see an Exercise Physiologist?
You can see an Exercise Physiologist (AEP) for a whole list of reasons.
Musculoskeletal Injury Rehabilitation
An AEP can assist you with return to function following such
injuries as:
- Acute Injury (Eg. Low Back Pain, Sprained Ankle),
- Sub-Acute Injury (Eg. ACL Reconstruction Rehab, Stress Fractures) &
- Chronic (Tendinopathy, Long-Term Low Back Pain)
Always best to seek out the right AEP for you – not all AEP’s retain
clinical experience in every situation
Athletic Performance
Exercise and Movement Science is an extensive as part of an AEP
undergraduate degree, and as a result, AEPs are able to provide
Strength & Conditioning services to athletes looking to improve their
performance, and reduce their injury risk.
Always best to seek out the right AEP for you – not all AEP’s retain
clinical experience in every situation
General Health & Fitness
Many individuals seek out Exercise Physiologists for health & fitness
services as apposed to PT’s. Most generally do this as a result of requiring
assistance with previous injuries/limitations or want more of an S&C
approach to their health.
Always best to seek out the right AEP for you – not all AEP’s retain
clinical experience in every situation
Chronic Disease, Disability or Elderly Fitness/Rehabilitation
AEP’s provide exercise services to a wide range of chronic health conditions
such as Cardiovascular (Eg. Heart Failure), Pulmonary (Asthma/COPD),
Metabolic (Diabetes) and Cancer. This is a huge part of the service that
AEP’s provide across Australia and really do make a huge, rewarding change
in these individuals lives. Exercise intervention is vital for the elderly population
to improve quality of life and health.
Always best to seek out the right AEP for you – not all AEP’s retain
clinical experience in every situation
Accessing Services
There are a number of ways that you can access Exercise Physiology services.
1. Payment directly for service
Much like you would when seeing a Personal Trainer, you can hire an Ex Phys to assist you directly with these services.
2. Health Fund (Insurance)
For those with Private Healthcare you can access Exercise Physiology services as part of your health fund with a rebate system. Each health fund provider is different so it is always recommended to discuss these services with your provider prior to your first consultation.
http://myep.com.au/images/health-fund-factsheet.pdf
3. Medicare / Care Plan
You may be eligible for assistance if you suffer from a chronic condition, have complex care needs or are referred for a GP Management Plan or a Team Care Plan.
Along with -
4. Workers Compensation (Work Cover)
5. Home and Community Care Programs (HACC)
6. Home Care Packages (Aged Care)
7. Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA)
Engage Rehab & Performance Exercise Physiology Services
At Engage Rehab & Performance we offer training services primarily to those suffering from Musculoskeletal Injury (Acute to Chronic), those seeking Athletic Performance (Strength & Conditioning), and General Strength & Conditioning.
At present we do not offer assistance with chronic health concerns (eg. Cardiovascular/Pulmonary/Metabolic), or DVA.
This is a result of relevant clinical experience primarily being in MSK/S&C, and the location of training services.
We only ever want to provide you with the best service possible.
See for more details.
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