Exercise Physiology
Exercise Physiology is a health profession which uses exercise to prevent, manage, and treat a wide range of health conditions.
Accredited Exercise Physiologists are university-qualified allied health professionals who specialise in prescribing safe and effective exercise tailored to your individual needs. They have advanced training in how the body responds to exercise in the presence of injury, chronic illness, or disability. Their work is grounded in medical science and evidence-based practice.
What to expect?
At True Balance, Women’s health is a key area of our focus. Exercise physiologists can support women through pregnancy, postnatal recovery, menopause, and pelvic health conditions. We will prescribe exercise as medicine in an evidence-based way to assist you in treating and/or managing any conditions.
For example, if you have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), an Exercise Physiologist can help you with a specific type of exercise program to help you manage your blood sugar, your fatigue, your weight and hormone profile – all of which will help manage and even improve symptoms. If you have a prolapse, an Exercise Physiologist can work in conjunction with your women’s health physio to help you develop good breathing and pressure management, movement strategies and strengthen supporting muscles to help you manage prolapse symptoms.
We base our treatment on your individual situation, challenges, barriers and goals and have a whole person-centred approach to our treatment. We promote education and independence during treatment. We are also able to assist you in managing multiple medical conditions at the same time.
We accept the following payments: Private payment, Private health reimbursements, Medicare plans, Worker’s Compensation, NDIS (plan and self-managed).
Conditions we treat
- Menopause and mid-life
- Pelvic floor health
- Weight loss
- Joint pain
- Chronic pain
- Osteopenia/Osteoporosis
- Cancer treatment and recovery
- Fatigue and hypermobility-based conditions
- Cardiovascular health
- Diabetes
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- Endometriosis/Adenomyosis
- Pre and Post Natal
- Female youth
- Athlete health and performance
- Musculoskeletal injuries
FAQs
A personal trainer typically works with individuals to improve fitness or strength, while an Accredited Exercise Physiologist has a university degree and is trained to work with people managing injuries, chronic conditions, or complex health needs. AEPs are also recognised by Medicare, private health insurers, and other healthcare systems.
Distinguishing between a physiotherapist and an exercise physiologist can be quite difficult, as there is often overlap in the treatment approach. Both are allied health professionals who have done a minimum of 4 years’ study at university, and both use evidence-based movement and exercise interventions as part of their treatment.
Physiotherapists can assess and diagnose a range of conditions and may work with musculoskeletal problems in the acute phase. Exercise physiologists can work together with the physiotherapist to receive diagnosis and build on the acute exercise plan and progression, not only considering the isolated injury or condition but the holistic and functional needs of the client. Exercise physiologists may also work with chronic disease prevention and management, pain management, and weight management.
In summary, your physio and exercise physiologist are both equally trained to be able to help you with exercise-based treatment for your medical condition. Your physio will assist in providing diagnosis and management of any acute injuries and needs. Your exercise physiologist can then assist in building on your exercise program and treatment to help you regain full function and be able to manage your daily activities over the long term, although some of these responsibilities will cross over. Your physio and exercise physiologist will work closely together in regard to your treatment.
A referral is not required for private sessions. However, if you’re accessing services through Medicare, DVA or Workers Compensation you will require a GP referral.
During your initial consultation, the exercise physiologist will take a thorough health and medical history, assess your current fitness levels, and discuss your goals. Based on this, they will develop a tailored exercise plan that aligns with your needs, abilities, and medical conditions.