Frequently Asked Questions

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An Exercise Physiologist is a university-qualified health professional who specialises in designing and delivering safe, effective exercise programs for people with chronic conditions, injuries, or disabilities. They use evidence-based exercise interventions to improve health outcomes, manage medical conditions, and enhance quality of life. 

While both professions work to improve physical health and function, they have distinct roles and approaches:

Exercise Physiologists focus on using exercise as medicine for people with chronic conditions, diseases, and injuries. They design long-term exercise programs to manage conditions like diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and mental health issues. Their approach emphasizes ongoing exercise prescription, lifestyle modification, and helping clients develop sustainable fitness habits. Exercise Physiologists typically work with clients over extended periods to achieve lasting health improvements through structured physical activity.

Physiotherapists primarily focus on diagnosing and treating acute injuries, restoring movement, and rehabilitating specific body parts or functions. They use hands-on techniques like manual therapy, massage, joint mobilization, and targeted exercises to address immediate problems such as sports injuries, post-surgical recovery, or movement dysfunction. Physiotherapists often work with clients for shorter, intensive treatment periods to restore normal function.

Key Differences:

• Exercise Physiologists: Long-term exercise programs, chronic disease management, fitness-based approach
• Physiotherapists: Acute injury treatment, hands-on therapy, movement restoration

Both professions complement each other well, and many clients benefit from seeing both - a physiotherapist for immediate injury treatment and an exercise physiologist for ongoing condition management and fitness maintenance.

Exercise Physiologists have university qualifications in exercise science and clinical practice, specialising in working with people who have medical conditions or injuries. Personal trainers focus on general fitness for healthy individuals. Exercise Physiologists can provide clinical assessments, work with complex medical conditions, and offer Medicare-rebatable services. 

Exercise Physiologists can assist with a wide range of conditions including:

• Cardiovascular disease and heart conditions
• Diabetes and metabolic disorders
• Arthritis and joint conditions
• Chronic pain and musculoskeletal injuries
• Mental health conditions (depression, anxiety)
• Neurological conditions (stroke, Parkinson's disease)
• Cancer rehabilitation
• Obesity and weight management
• Osteoporosis and bone health
• WorkCover and motor vehicle accident injuries

 While you can see an Exercise Physiologist without a referral, having one from your GP, specialist, or allied health professional may provide access to Medicare rebates or private health insurance benefits. Referrals are typically required for WorkCover, DVA, or insurance-funded treatments. 

Your initial consultation includes:

• Comprehensive health and medical history review
• Discussion of your goals and concerns
• Physical assessment and functional testing
• Development of a personalised exercise program
• Education about your condition and exercise benefits
• Establishment of short and long-term goals

Please bring:

• Any referrals or medical reports
• List of current medications
• Comfortable exercise clothing and supportive shoes
• Water bottle
• Medicare card and private health insurance details
• Any relevant medical imaging or test results

 Initial consultations typically last 45-60 minutes, with follow-up sessions usually 30 minutes. Frequency depends on your condition and goals, and these options will be discussed in the initial assessment.

Coverage varies depending on your situation:

• Medicare: Rebates available with GP referral under Chronic Disease Management plans
• NDIS: Covered for eligible participants under Improved Health and Wellbeing or Improved Daily Living funding categories
• My Aged Care: May be covered through Home Care Packages for eligible seniors
• Private Health Insurance: Many funds provide rebates under extras cover
• WorkCover: Fully covered with approved claims
• DVA: Covered for eligible veterans (Gold and White Card holders)
• Motor Vehicle Insurance: Covered for accident-related injuries

Absolutely not. Exercise Physiologists specialize in working with people of all fitness levels, including those who haven't exercised in years or have significant physical limitations. Programs are tailored to your current capacity and progress gradually at a safe, comfortable pace. 

You can book an appointment by:

• Calling our clinic directly
• Visiting during business hours
• Using our online booking system by clicking "Book Now" at the top of the page
• Having your healthcare provider make a referral

We understand that health conditions can be unpredictable. Please provide at least 24 hours notice for cancellations to avoid fees. We're flexible with rescheduling to accommodate your health needs and recovery process.