Exercise Physiology – What is it and how can it help you?
Here is everything you need to know about exercise physiology
What is an Exercise Physiologist and what do they do?
An Exercise Physiologist is an Allied Health Professional who has become accredited, typically through completing a National University Course Accredited Program, whether that be a 4-year Bachelor degree or a Masters in Clinical Exercise Physiology.
Exercise Physiologists specialise in using evidence-based, clinical exercise interventions to help a wide range of people from all different walks of life to achieve their goals, live healthy and happy lives and perform day-to-day at the highest possible level.
Exercising in a safe environment with individualised focus can be one of the best ways to help people improve a range of factors in their life. This may include:
- Increasing cardiovascular health and fitness
- Improve range of motion and mobility
- Maintain or improve functional capacity to work, play and perform everyday tasks
- Improve strength
- Help to improve or maintain balance
- Reduce risk of falls
- Slow the rate of progression in progressive degenerative diseases
- Improve mental health
- Prevent co-morbidities such as one of the biggest issues in the world, cardiovascular disease
- Many, many more
An exercise physiologist will use the latest research and evidence to individually tailor an exercise program, guide and educate individuals on how to exercise appropriately and work alongside a client to help them through acute, sub-acute and/or chronic disease/injury for their long-term benefit.
Who can benefit from exercise physiology?
Considering the wide and numerous benefits of exercise, almost everyone could benefit from seeing an exercise physiologist. Whether it is a healthy adult looking to use strength and conditioning to get in shape, build physical capacity or prevent the negative side of getting older, a child or teen looking at long-term athletic development, or someone suffering chronic pain, injury or illness, exercise can help you to overcome obstacles and be your best self. Below are just some of the populations you will see working closely with an exercise physiologist:
- Musculoskeletal injuries (ACL rehabilitation, Low back pain, shoulder pathology)
- Neurological conditions (ie Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis etc)
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Pre-employment medical assessments
- Occupational rehabilitation
- Many, many more
Exercise Physiologists can also see people under different schemes such as NDIS, Worker’s Compensation, DVA, Private Health, Chronic Disease Management Plans and Medicare.
How can I get in contact with an exercise physiologist?
Fortunately, Exercise Physiology is a growing profession and becoming more and more common and accessible. Exercise physiologists can be found in hospitals, workplace health and rehabilitation, aged care facilities, sporting organisations, gyms and in private clinics such as Purpose Healthcare located in Thirroul. This is a service that Purpose Healthcare provides and if you are interested in any further information regarding Exercise Physiology, give us a call or send an enquiry today so we can help get you moving with Purpose.
Move With Purpose. Live with Purpose.
Josh Chapple
