Exercising with an exercise physiologist

Exercise can help most people whether they’re fit and healthy or living with an illness or chronic condition. But what type of exercise is best for each person?

Exercise physiologists are experts in prescribing the right exercise to help you improve or maintain a healthy lifestyle, prevent or manage chronic conditions, or recover faster from surgery or injury.

From 1 April 2023, Doctors’ Health Fund increased the benefit limits for exercise physiology. We’ve also grouped exercise physiology with other therapies so you can claim through HICAPS and no longer need a health management form to make a claim.

The increased benefits for exercise physiology are available for individual and group sessions. Like all extras benefits, you can choose your preferred provider.

Check out the new benefits and limits for all levels of cover below.

* mental health services, occupational & speech therapy, physiotherapy, podiatry, dietetics, orthoptics, pregnancy care services, remedial massage & myotherapy.

** mental health services, physiotherapy, occupational & speech therapy, podiatry, dietetics, orthoptics, remedial massage & myotherapy

Why should I visit an accredited exercise physiologist?

Research shows that exercise, at the right intensity and duration, can improve quality of life and reduce the incidence of conditions such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease and dementia.

Accredited exercise physiologists are university-qualified allied health professionals who provide health modification counselling with a focus on achieving behavioural change. Not only can they teach you the correct way to exercise but they can motivate you to stick with it.

If you’re concerned that you might do the wrong type of exercise or do it in the wrong way, an exercise physiologist can prescribe an exercise program that is safe, effective and based on your current health status. They offer individual sessions and group sessions.

Find an accredited exercise physiologist in your area – they work in hospitals, multidisciplinary clinics, health services, community health centres, fitness centres, aged care and private practice.

What are the benefits of exercise with an exercise physiologist?

Working with an exercise physiologist may:

• significantly reduce the number of fatal heart attacks
• quicken recovery from cancer treatment
• improve the breathing of those with lung disease
• reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes
• help with depression and the effects of medication
• improve recovery rates after surgery
• reduce pain and increase movement for those with osteoarthritis
• help manage chronic pain
• help with postpartum recovery

Your GP may prescribe exercise with an exercise physiologist if you live with obesity, diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, depression or anxiety, stroke, arthritis, COPD, cancer, lower back pain or any other chronic condition or risk factor.

Visit Exercise Right to find out how exercise can benefit you regardless of your age or health status. The website also includes a range of home workouts for different age groups and chronic conditions.

Kathy’s story

Kathy had a history of falls and a double knee replacement and had been in and out of hospital with unsuccessful rehabilitation results. In her first session with her exercise physiologist, Kathy’s husband had to drop her off and help her get out of the car. Five months later Kathy does squats, lunges, push-ups, deadlifts, kettle bell swings and runs laps of a football oval. She’s even tried ocean swimming!

Dave’s story

At 65, Dave lived with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), PTSD, obesity, and had a pacemaker and a partial knee replacement. A physiotherapist referred Dave to an exercise physiologist to strengthen his core and reduce his lower back pain. Having become pain free, Dave asked his exercise physiologist to help with his ‘dickie knee’. Through improved gait patterns, strength and stability, Dave has now lost 27kg, no longer takes T2DM medication or uses orthotics, and can jog.

Lia’s story

By 14, Lia, who lives with cerebral palsy, had numerous surgeries to release spasticity in her muscles and spinal surgery to correct postural issues. She used a wheelchair and had limited independence. Lia began working with an exercise physiologist, doing rehabilitative and functional exercise twice a week. Now she can independently transfer herself from her bed, toilet and chair – previously impossible – and surprised everyone at her school formal by walking in with the support of a walker.

The information provided in this article is general information and is current at the time of publication. It is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, or for therapeutic purposes. Information derived from Exercise & Sports Science Australia (n.d), ‘What is an accredited exercise physiologist?’ with consent from the author.

Private health insurance products are issued by The Doctors’ Health Fund Pty Limited, ABN 68 001 417 527 (Doctors’ Health Fund), a member of the Avant Mutual Group. Cover is subject to the terms and conditions (including waiting periods, limitations and exclusions) of the individual policy, available at doctorshealthfund.com.au/our-cover.