Table of Contents
If you’ve ever wondered who can help you exercise safely after injury or acquiring a disability, you’re not alone.
Many people are on the lookout for exercise programs or exercise specialists for disability without realising there’s a specific allied health professional for this: an Exercise Physiologist.
An Exercise Physiologist (sometimes shortened to EP or AEP for Accredited Exercise Physiologist) is someone who helps people, often with long-term or chronic health conditions including disability or neurological conditions, improve their strength, mobility and overall health through exercise. In other words, they are exercise specialists for disability. They specialise in prescribing exercise for persons with a disability or health condition.
EPs are university-trained allied health professionals who create tailored exercise programs and interventions to support recovery and manage complex conditions. As everyone’s needs are specific and individual, these exercise programs are always appropriate for the client’s ability, as well as remaining in line with their personal goals.
EPs work within the healthcare system, often covered by insurance schemes, to make sure their clients exercise safely after acquiring an injury, and that it’s effective and achievable.
Why might someone need an Exercise Physiologist:
There are many benefits to working with an EPs as a person with disability or neurological condition. As well as offering specialised exercise support in a safe environment, some of the benefits to health include:
- Increased strength & fitness
- Increased balance
- Decrease secondary health complications
- Pain management
- Improved mobility & physical function
Frequently Asked Questions:
Still unsure if an Exercise Physiologist is for you? Take a look at some of our FAQs below:
Do I need a Physiotherapist or Exercise Physiologist?
- A Physiotherapist (or Physio) typically diagnoses and treats acute or chronic injuries. Physios can provide hands on manual therapy to help reduce pain and improve mobility. They also specialise in gait training, helping people improve their walking ability and breathing exercises.
What conditions can an Exercise Physiologist help with?
- EPs work with a range of different conditions. At NeuroMoves, we help people with neurological conditions and physical disabilities, including spinal cord injury (SCI), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Stroke, Parkinson’s disease (PD) and many other conditions. Find out more about who we support here.
What’s the difference between an Exercise Physiologist and Personal Trainer?
- Whilst Personal Trainers (PTs) do create exercise programs for individuals based on their goals, PTs are not university qualified and do not have the same education around chronic illness, injury or disability.
Can Exercise Physiologists help with disability?
- Yes. EPs are trained to offer tailored exercise support after injury or acquiring a disability that are adapted to your needs and abilities.
Is Exercise Physiology covered by Medicare or NDIS?
- Depending on your situation, you might be able to cover some of the costs via Medicare or private health. Many providers, including NeuroMoves, are registered NDIS providers.
Where can I find an Exercise Physiologist?
Chat to your local GP or google search EPs in your local area but remember, you don’t need a referral to access Exercise Physiology services.
Some Exercise Physiology clinics specialise in certain areas, for example NeuroMoves specialises in treating people with neurological conditions. We have gyms across Australia in NSW, VIC, ACT, SA, WA and now QLD and are ready to welcome you to one of our accessible gyms.
Alternatively, you can find an AEP via ESSA’s (Exercise and Sport Science Australia) location search here.
If you’re searching for a safe way to exercise or decrease secondary health complications alongside someone who will understand your disability or neurological condition, listen to your goals and tailor support, an EP might be exactly who you need!
Get in touch online or head-down in person to enquire about Exercise Physiology at NeuroMoves and find out whether we are the best fit for you!
