Accredited Exercise Physiologists are different from other Allied Health Professionals by the possession of extensive knowledge, skills and experience in clinical exercise delivery and their ability to provide health modification counselling for people with chronic disease and injury. AEPs primary focus is to use exercise to prevent, manage and treat complex medical conditions. AEPs typically work with conditions such as (but not limited to): heart disease, diabetes, mental illness, delaying cognitive decline, some cancers, lower back pain, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.
AEPs will utilise their skills in exercise prescription, combined with their training in behaviour change, to empower clients and assist them to manage their health independently. Their skills are particularly well received by clients who are looking to age well and age independently. They are also registered with Medicare Australia, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and WorkCover and are recognised by most private health insurers.
That is great but what can they do for me you ask?
Education
We educate you about your body and how to maximise and get the most out of it. Aiming towards eventual self-management, EPs teach you the skills to move efficiently and effectively. An Exercise Physiologist is not necessarily a Personal Trainer. We are your guide and support team providing expert health advice. But ultimately, you make the final decision by implementing our recommendations.
Experience
Like any other allied health professional, we have a four-year Bachelor of Applied Science degree with practicum experience for the real world. They also undergo professional development every year which provides a wealth of continuous experience.
Management strategies
Unlike other allied health professionals, we teach you to manage your condition through exercise and other proactive management strategies. This gives you a greater sense of control over your body and a sense of accomplishment when you succeed.
Evidence-based
Our strategies are derived from the latest evidence based scientific research. We do not follow fads or the new ‘in’ thing. We use proven scientific reasoning to justify our actions.
Know your limits
When it comes to exercise we are often our own worst enemies. When starting out on an exercise program, especially when we haven’t exercised regularly in a while, we often do too much too soon and end up injured. We as Exercise specialists can avoid these injuries while still eliciting benefits.
Sensible exercise prescription
We prescribe exercise much like your GP prescribes medication, except the side effects of exercise are well known, documented and hugely beneficial for our health with very few negatives.
Speaking of medication
Exercise is important for many of the body’s systems. Why not try exercise as a treatment modality before your medical condition requires medication or surgery? This is what EPs are trained for.
Technique
It can make or break an exerciser. Good technique can optimise performance, minimise pain or injury, and help you become stronger, faster. Many exercise techniques are inefficient, unsafe or contraindicated for certain people.
Medical conditions
People living with medical conditions should consult an appropriately trained professional who is knowledgeable about their condition. Medical conditions are not just chronic disease such as Type II Diabetes, but include other conditions such as pelvic floor issues, lower back pain and injury recovery to name a few. There are risks in returning to normal activities following illness or injury without first engaging in an appropriate rehabilitation regime.
These are just a few reasons why working with an EP will change your life, but there are many more. Today is the day to make the decision to change your life for good.
