What is an Exercise Physiologist?
An Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) is a university qualified health professional, holding a dual accreditation as an Exercise Scientist and AEP. They are equipped with the knowledge and skills to design, deliver and evaluate safe, yet effective exercise interventions for the prevention and management of chronic diseases and injuries. Exercises are tailored specifically to the individual and are designed to equip patients with the skills for the long-term maintenance of their condition.
AEP’s examine how a person moves, where their strengths/weaknesses lie and develop achievable goals to treat the system as a whole (because no one presents with just one single issue). Our treatment is a multi-modality approach which includes advice on lifestyle modification, exercise and education.
What conditions benefit from working with our Exercise Physiologist?
Exercise Physiologists can help with many conditions ranging from muscle and joint injuries to chronic illness.
These include the following:
-
General Exercise Physiology
-
Diabetes and weight loss
-
Chronic Disease Management
-
Hydrotherapy
Additionally, it is in our scope to assist in lifestyle modification and work closely in the rehabilitation of injured workers, DVA and NDIS clients.
Astute Exercise Physiology Sessions Available
EP services vary from 1-on-1 to group-based sessions tailored specially to the individual, and are supervised utilising our fully equipped gym – all of which are claimable under HICAPS, Work cover and Medicare systems.
General Exercise Physiology
Exercise Physiology is all about creating better bodies. Whether you are injured, have a disability, are ageing, or need to simply enhance your current physical condition, our Exercise Physiologists create tailored exercise programs to improve your performance.
At Astute, our Exercise Physiologists work closely along-side with our Physiotherapists in carrying out and developing exercise programs for rehabilitation, management and prevention of sports injuries and chronic diseases.
They are experts at defining just what it is that your body needs to move more effectively on a day to day basis. Whether it is
-
Transfer and mobility training
-
Walking and balance training
-
Strength and conditioning for sport
-
Aged care strength and stretching programs
-
Disability performance enhancement, or something different,
We look forward to making your body move more freely, in a more enhanced way!
Diabetes Managment
Have you recently been diagnosed with Diabetes or with high blood glucoselevels?
Our specialised exercise and lifestyle modification programs have been scientifically designed for people with type 2 diabetes, so you can manage your blood glucose levels and get them back under control BEFORE it’s too late. Our programs are also beneficial for those at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, so that you can avoid the onset of this disease and take charge of your health.
Type 2 Diabetes is controllable, and can be managed with the right exercise and nutritional intake. It can also be prevented through appropriate exercise and lifestyle interventions. Prevention is always the BEST cure, BUT if you already have the disease you must act quickly to reverse the onset of complications and reduce the severity of complications caused by this terrible disease. Time is critical as the effects of type 2 diabetes can be crippling to your health and long-lasting.
That is why at Astute, we know the importance of developing programs for those WITH type 2 diabetes, and for those who are AT RISK of developing type 2 diabetes. We recognise that the requirements for individuals in these two groups are different, so our Exercise Physiologists will tailor separate programs to suit individual needs.
Let us help you reclaim your health and lead a healthy lifestyle.
Chronic Disease Management Program
The Chronic Disease Management (CDM) program is an initiative of Medicare Australia, designed to support individuals with the management of a chronic disease and / or a musculoskeletal injury. The CDM enables a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of chronic diseases and injuries, to enable long-term resolution of the individual’s condition.
Individuals who are eligible for the CDM program (as clinically judged by their GP) are entitled to subsided services under the care of an allied health professional, including the services of our Astute Accredited Exercise Physiologist.
A "chronic medical condition" is a medical condition or injury which has been experienced, or is likely to be experienced, for 6 months or longer (as defined by Medicare Australia for the purposes of the CDM program). The following medical conditions represent those typically covered under the CDM program (but are not limited to):
-
Neurological disease (Parkinson’s Disease and Stroke)
-
Cardiovascular disease and heart failure
-
Respiratory disease
-
Musculoskeletal pathology (including arthritis, osteoporosis and chronic pain)
-
Cancer
-
Autoimmune conditions (rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia)
-
Mental health
Chronic Disease Management Referral and Exercise Physiology
Upon a referral from your GP, you will have access to the services of an Astute Exercise Physiologist for up to five (5) 1-hour visits. In these sessions, our Exercise Physiologists will assess your individual needs, and then tailor an exercise and lifestyle modification program to assist you. Within your exercise sessions, you will experience one-to-one supervision under the care of our Exercise Physiologists, where you will undertake an exercise routine that has been specifically designed to improve your medical condition or injury.
Under the supervision of one of our Exercise Physiologists, you will learn practical strategies and tools to enhance your health and well-being through a targeted exercise program. Exercise is great medicine because it has been shown to improve outcomes for all medical and lifestyle diseases. The CDM gives you access to the expert guidance of an Accredited Exercise Physiologist – so you can reclaim your health!
Am I eligible for the chronic disease management program?
Your eligibility for the CDM program is determined by your GP on the basis of your medical history. You can discuss the CDM program with your GP and discuss its potential benefits to your health. A referral from your GP is made to an Astute Accredited Exercise Physiologist via the CDM Medicare referral form.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy can be beneficial for such a wide and varied range of acute and chronic health and musculoskeletal conditions; including but not limited to arthritis, post-surgery rehabilitation and back pain. It is a very safe, challenging and therapeutic environment for neurological conditions including Cerebral Palsy, Parkinson’s Disease and Muscular Dystrophy; as well as being popular in older populations (particularly those at a falls risk, you can’t fall over in the water!) and also for those who may be overweight or obese.
At Astute we offer Hydrotherapy Classes weekly under the supervision of our qualified Exercise Physiologists.
