Frequently Asked Questions
Exercise physiology is a field of study that focuses on the effects of physical activity and exercise on the human body. It involves the study of how the body responds to exercise, as well as the adaptations that occur as a result of regular exercise.
Exercise physiology examines the physiological, biochemical, and biomechanical responses to exercise, including changes in cardiovascular function, energy metabolism, and neuromuscular function. It also looks at the effects of exercise on various systems and organs, such as the respiratory system, musculoskeletal system, and immune system.
Exercise physiologists use this knowledge to develop exercise programs for individuals or groups, whether for fitness or performance enhancement, rehabilitation, or disease prevention and management. They may work with athletes, clinical populations, or the general public.
Overall, exercise physiology is a multidisciplinary field that combines knowledge from physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, and other related areas to understand the effects of exercise on the human body.
There are several situations when someone may benefit from working with an exercise physiologist:
- NDIS Participants: For people living with a disability, an exercise physiologist can help develop programs tailored the individual’s condition and fitness level to create a safe and effective exercise plan. This can help to improve physical and mental health, increase independence and functional capacity, and enhance quality of life.
- Injury Rehabilitation: Exercise physiologists can work with individuals who have experienced injuries or medical conditions that have affected their ability to exercise. They can develop rehabilitation programs that incorporate exercise to help individuals regain strength, mobility, and function.
- Performance Enhancement: Athletes may work with an exercise physiologist to improve their athletic performance. Exercise physiologists can design training programs that focus on specific areas of fitness, such as strength, speed, power, or endurance, to help athletes reach their goals.
- Chronic Disease Management: Exercise physiologists can work with individuals who have chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, or obesity. They can develop exercise programs that can help manage symptoms, improve health outcomes, and prevent disease progression.
- Weight Management: Exercise physiologists can help individuals with weight loss or weight management goals by developing exercise programs that burn calories and increase metabolic rate.
Overall, anyone who wants to improve their fitness, manage a medical condition, or achieve a specific health or fitness goal can benefit from working with an exercise physiologist.
Both Exercise Physiologists and Physiotherapists are health professionals you can trust to have the knowledge, qualifications and skills to best care for you and your body.
However their scope of practice can have some overlap and it may be confusing to know which professional is best for you. A simple way to differentiate may be to take an example of an injury.
In an injury a Physiotherapist may work in the acute stage (or initial stage) to asses and diagnose the injury. They may also use manual techniques such as massage, dry needling, joint mobilisation and manipulation.
Exercise Physiologists work in the mid to late stages of the injury cycle, helping patients to full recovery allowing them to reclaim fitness and return to activities. Exercise Physiologists also have an important role in behavioural change and education regarding self-management techniques to prevent injury relapse, improve wellness and quality of life.
When to see a Physiotherapist:
- Experiencing new pain
- Sustained a recent injury
- Recently undergone surgery
- For hands-on treatment such as dry needling, mobilisation or massage
When to see an Exercise Physiologist:
- You are recovering from an injury
- You are living with an existing injury or persisting pain
- You have a chronic health condition or living with a disability
- If you’re wanting an exercise program to meet your health and wellness goals and needs
You may get Medicare rebate for exercise physiology under the Medicare Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, formerly known as Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) Plan.
You will need a doctor’s referral for Exercise Physiology as part of the CDM Plan.
You can get approximately $53 rebate per visit for up to five visits per calendar year.
See more on Medicare CDM plan.
Yes. Funding for Exercise Physiology can come from one of two budget areas in an NDIS plan:
- Capacity building – Improved Daily Living
- Capacity building – Improved Health and Wellbeing
Exercise Physiology helps NDIS Participants improve their overall fitness and health, with benefits including: improved mobility, improved mental health and wellbeing, pain reduction, and gaining independence to achieve life goals.
Exercise physiology supports are normally requested in the cases of: progressive neurological conditions (multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease), spinal cord injury, acquired brain injury, stroke, fibromyalgia, etc.
See more on our NDIS Exercise Physiology service.
There are several ways you can see an Exercise Physiologist with funding assistance:
- Under the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plan, formerly known as Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) Plan. This will allow you access to Medicare rebates.
- As NDIS Participant under either NDIS Budget Areas;
- Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living
- Capacity Building – Improved Health and Wellbeing.
- Under Workers’ Compensation if you have been injured while at work.
- As DVA Cardholder, for Veterans who require treatment because of an accepted war or service caused injury or disease.
- Privately, you may be able access to the Extras of your Private Health Fund.
See more on Billing & Rebates.
