Question 1

What is an Exercise Physiologist?

Accepted Answer

An Accredieted Exercise Physiologist (AEPs) are university qualified allied health professionals equipped with the knowledge, skills and competencies to design, deliver and evaluate safe and effective exercise interventions for people with acute, sub-acute or chronic medical conditions, injuries or disabilities. Pathology domains covered by the services of AEPs include cardiovascular, metabolic, neurological, musculoskeletal, cancers, kidney, respiratory / pulmonary and mental health, and any other conditions for which there is evidence that exercise can improve the client’s clinical status.

Question 2

What to expect from an Exercise Physiology session?

Accepted Answer

An Exercise Physiology session begins with an initial consultation where we go through your medical history and injuries. Establishing goals and an objective assessment will then be completed to assist us designing you an appropriate exercise program. An exercise program may consist of home based exercise, gym based exercises, or hydrotherapy exercises, this is dependant on your goals and needs from the inital assessment.

Question 3

Do I need a referral?

Accepted Answer

You do not need a referral, however, a referral would be beneficial in many ways. Your GP may refer you to Exercise Physiology services under the Medicare Chronic Disease Management Plan where you get up to 5 Allied Health Services per calandar year and is 100% bulk bill. Your GP may also be able to provide us with your current and previous medical history, scan reports (if applicable), and medication list to assist us understand your condition and needs before you arrive for your initial assessment.

Other allied health professionals or support team members such as Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Specialist, or Support Coordinator may also refer you to an Exercise Physiologist and provide us with some details such as current treatments and NDIS goals.

Question 4

What conditions do you treat?

Accepted Answer

We are able to see many type of conditions such as:

Cardiovascular (heart attacks (AMI), heart murmur, aortic stenosis, pacemakers, arrhythmia, etc.)
Metabolic (Obesity, Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), Diabetes (type 1 and 2), Hyper or Hypocholesterol, Hashimoto's Disease, PCOS, ect.)
Neurological (Post stroke rehab, Acquired or Traumatic Brain Injury, Intellectual Disability, Autism, Down Syndrome, MS, etc.)
Musculoskeletal (Arthritic Joints, Sporting Injuries, Tendinopathy, Bursitis, Impingement, Low Back Pain, Osteoporosis/Osteopenia, etc.)
Any form of Cancer
Kidney Disease
Respiratory / Pulmonary (COPD, Emphysema, Asthma, etc.)
Mental Health (PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Schizophrenia, etc.)
Any other conditions for which there is evidence that exercise can improve the client’s clinical status.

Question 5

What is the difference between an Exercise Physiologist and a Personal Trainer?

Accepted Answer

Exercise physiologists can be thought of as focusing more on corrective exercise for injury recovery, whereas personal trainers focus more on performance exercise where there are not significant restrictions imposed by injury or disease. Exercise Physiologist has an extentive medical education compared to Personal Trainers where EPs must complete a minimum 4-year bachelor degree provided by a National University Course Accredited Program.

Question 6

What is the difference between an Exercise Physiologist and a Physiotherapist?

Accepted Answer

Exercise Physiologists treat patients using clinical exercise interventions and programs as their primary modality. In contrast, Physiotherapists assess, diagnose, treat and manage injuries, disabilities and pain with hands-on treatment and exercise prescription.

Exercise Physiologist services not only includes individulaised exercise programs to meet the individual's condition, needs, and goals, they are also trained in behavioural coaching, exercise and health education, pain management education, and identify ways to improve incidental activty and reduce sedntary behaviours.

Question 7

Will the gym be busy during my session?

Accepted Answer

No, the gym will generally be the Exercise Physiologist and the client only. There may be occasions when a gym member may use the gym at the same time but be assured that our clinical session times are outside the group class times run by EFM Gym.

Frequently asked questions