Accredited Exercise Physiologists (EP) are qualified health professionals who help prevent and manage chronic diseases and injuries as well as improve your overall performance and health. An EP prescribes exercises to help you meet your health and fitness goals, for the effective treatment of a chronic health condition such as diabetes, asthma, or cardiovascular disease, chronic pain, or musculoskeletal rehabilitation.

Here’s a list of reasons why you should see an AEP or your doctor may refer you to.

1. You are recovering from an injury

Once physiotherapists diagnose and manage the acute treatment of your injury, they may refer you to an Exercise Physiologist. EPs possess the skills to breakdown biomechanical deficiencies in movement. They will prescribe appropriate movement and loading techniques to promote rehabilitation and reduce the chance of re-injury.

2. You are living with chronic pain

Chronic pain affects over 3 million Australians (Fibromyalgia, migraine, back pain, nerve pain, arthritis, etc.). 40% of early retirement in Australia is due to chronic pain (Painaustralia,2021). Many of those in pain avoid exercise as they think it will make their pain worse. In fact, research suggests that exercise may be one of the most effective pain management techniques. However, it needs to be prescribed by an expert! Here’s where EPs come in to play, to help you improve your quality of life!

3. You are living with a chronic condition

EPs are accredited health professionals specialising in the prevention and management of many chronic conditions such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, diabetes, hypertension, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular diseases… They will provide you with a tailored exercise program specific to your individual needs and goals as well as the promotion of self-management, increasing your overall health.

4. You are pregnant or recently given birth

While having a baby is one of the most exciting experiences in a woman’s life, it’s also one of the most physically strenuous. It is important to speak to health professionals during and after your pregnancy. Our EP will support you in your pregnancy journey, not only before but also after your baby is born. Exercise both during and after pregnancy is safe and beneficial. However, doing the wrong types of exercises can actually be dangerous. An Exercise Physiologist can help to prescribe exercises that are safe for you, your body and your stage of pregnancy or post-natal care. An assessment will take place to gauge your current fitness levels and a tailored program will be created to help you achieve your goals.

5. You want to improve your mental health

The most common mental health conditions in Australia are anxiety disorders, depressive disorders and substance use disorders. Exercise is a powerful tool for both preventing and managing mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Exercise Physiologists will help you throughout your rehabilitative journey to live healthier and happier. AEP is uniquely qualified to set and create goals and prescribe appropriate exercise programs which differ from person to person. Exercise has a whole heap of health benefits and can be super fun to do, so why not give it a try?

6. You want to increase your physical activity levels

An exercise physiologist can help you to make long-term lifestyle changes. An Exercise Physiologist will work alongside you to develop goals and outcomes from treatment and prescribe an exercise intervention tailored to you and your current abilities. A goal may be as simple as wanting to begin running, wanting to increase your strength, being able to walk to the shops without suffering debilitating back pain and being out of breath, or as complicated as wanting to perform a 60kg deadlift within the next three months as someone who’s never entered a gym before.

If any of this resonates with you, book in for a free initial assessment, we’d be happy to discuss your goals and offer advice as to how exercise physiology might help you reach your goals.