Exercise Physiology

There’s a lot of reasons to see an AEP, but here are some of the most common:

1. You’re living with a chronic condition

There’s additional factors that you need to considered if you’re living with (or at risk of developing) a chronic condition. These include the impact of medication, risk of comorbidities and limitations to range of movement. An AEP understands these complexities. They have the skills and knowledge to prescribe safe exercise interventions that are tailored individually for your needs. If you have a chronic disease, it’s also a good idea to chat to your GP before exercising. They may refer you directly to an exercise physiologist to help you get active safely.

2. You’re living with chronic pain

Chronic pain is classified as pain that if it persists for longer than three months or beyond normal healing time. AEPs are trained in a range of pain management techniques and will prescribe exercises to help improve your quality of life.

3. You’re recovering from an injury

A physiotherapist generally diagnoses and manages the acute treatment of an injury. After the first phase of treatment, your physio may refer you to an exercise physiologist. They will further assist with your recovery and reduce your risk of re-injury.

4. You’re living with mental illness

Exercise is a powerful tool for both preventing and managing mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Exercise physiologists are uniquely qualified to prescribe exercise to those living with mental illness.

5. You’re pregnant or have recently given birth

Your body goes through so many changes throughout pregnancy and after childbirth, and your exercise needs change accordingly. Whilst exercise is safe and beneficial both during and after pregnancy, doing the wrong types of exercises can actually be dangerous. An AEP can help to prescribe exercises that are safe for YOUR body and your stage of pregnancy/post-natal care.