exercise-physiology

Exercise Physiology

Helping you improve strength, flexibility, range of motion and motor skills

Exercise physiologists are qualified health professionals who specialise in exercise, stretching and movements. Unlike a personal trainer, Exercise physiologists have a medical and science background that helps them guide patients towards optimising the body’s movements and performance for improved health and quality of life. Their services can assist you in overcoming or preventing a range of chronic conditions. They are also able to help you reach your peak and maximise your sporting performance. An Exercise Physiologist can help you:

  • lose weight & increase general fitness,
  • improve strength & conditioning,
  • boost athletic performance,
  • rehabilitate injuries,
  • manage chronic pain
  • improve heart health
  • manage chronic diseases,
  • assist the management of a disability,
  • improve fine motor skills,
  • plan antenatal & postpartum exercises,
  • return to exercise post injury,
  • return to work post injury,

Book an initial consult with our exercise physiologist to discuss your needs. Health fund rebates and bulk billing may be available. Terms and conditions apply*.

NDIS
We are an approved NDIA provider. So we can help you or your client under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Our services are available to agency, plan and self-managed NDIS participants under the following support categories:
  • Therapeutic Supports: Improved Health and Well Being
  • Therapeutic Supports: Improved Daily Living Skills
Email [email protected] for more information or to arrange an NDIS contract.
DVA
DVA Registered Provider
Our DVA registered Exercise Physiologist provides DVA Gold card holders with bulk billed consultations. Home visits can be arranged when needed. You will require a DVA referral form from your GP to be bulk billed.
Appointments
No Referral Needed
An Exercise Phys appointment is an hour long session. It is recommended that you wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing. A session will explore your existing exercise routine and any factors impacting your health. You will then be given a individualised exercise program to help you work towards achieving your health and fitness goals. You can book an exercise phys appointment with or without a referral. However some rebates may differ without a referral. Generally, most clients are entitled to either a Medicare, NDIS, Department of Veterans Affiars (DVA) or Private Health Fund rebate. Conditions apply, including:
  • GP care plan required for Medicare bulk billing
  • NDIS contract with Exercise Physiologist required for NDIS funding
  • GP DVA referral required for DVA Gold card bulk billing
  • Private Health Fund rebates will vary depending on your health insurance plan
Cancellations: 24 hours notice is required for cancellations or a full consult fee will apply. Please call the practice you book with to cancel.

Chris Robinson

Chris has a passion for assisting his patients in developing self-management strategies for their long-term progress and benefit. After graduating university and achieving accreditation as an Exercise Physiologist and Exercise Scientist he has worked in a number of settings and for a range of clients. With a focus on behavioural change, exercise physiology aims to reduce the risk or impact of chronic disease, improve movements and fitness and optimise athletic performance. His special interest include:
  • Chronic disease prevention,
  • Chronic disease management,
  • Musculoskeletal rehabilitation,
  • Injury & fall prevention,
  • Athletic development,
  • Strength & conditioning,
  • Weight management,
  • Healthy aging,
  • Nutrient deficiencies,
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition affecting the bone, cartilage, ligaments and muscles surrounding joints such as the finger knuckles and knees.
It is considered the result of the body’s repeated efforts to repair the joints from wear and injury. While it can occur at any age, it is more common in people over the age of 40 or those with a history of joint-related injuries. Exercise as a form of treatment is highly recommended for Osteoarthritis. A clinical exercise program can help ensure that you retain the strength and flexibility in the joints and supporting muscles. This not only maintains your tolerance towards movement, but also helps manage pain and prevent stiffness. You can see an Exercise Physiologist for an individualised exercise program with or without a referral. However, bulk billing is only available with a GP referral.
Reversing Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a reversible chronic disease.
This condition causes a loss of bone density (or mass), making the bones brittle and fragile. As a result, it takes less force to cause a fracture or break. However, once diagnosed you can take steps to rebuild your bone density and reverse the Osteoporosis. Treating Osteoporosis usually involves a combination of methods. Step one generally consists of replacing the minerals (calcium and vitamin D) the bone has lost via supplements or diet changes. Step two introduces clinically relevant exercise programs to rebuild bone strength while avoiding injury. This step is where Exercise Physiology is involved. An Exercise Physiologist will give Osteoporosis patients an individualised exercise program that will safely and gradually build strength where the bone is weak, such as the hip bone. So patients can focus on achieving the greatest improvement possible exactly where it is needed. If you have Osteoporosis or pre-osteoporosis (Osteopenia), ask your GP for a referral to an exercise physiologist to start building your bone density.
Managing Chronic Pain
Manage chronic pain naturally
Chronic pain can have a devastating impact on a person’s life. Making work, everyday life and physical activity difficult. Usually the pain is the result of an underlying condition such as an injury, health issue or overuse/misuse. However, sometimes the cause isn’t obvious, which can be even more frustrating. Typically, treatment will involve pain medications. However, these alone are not enough to overcome chronic pain. Some medications can also have very serious side effects with long-term use. So it’s common for other means of pain management to be introduced as part of a pain management program. Each case is different, but you may be recommended:
  • relaxation techniques (meditation and heat therapy),
  • activity pacing (changing duration or intervals of activity),
  • physiotherapy (manual massage therapy),
  • exercise physiology (active exercise therapy to build mobility & function),
  • psychological services (to manage negative psychological impacts).
To avoid relaying on pain medications, our exercise physiologist will assist you in building your tolerance towards movement. You can book a consult with or without a referral.
Diabetes and Exercise
The right exercise can lower blood sugar (glucose) levels.
Type 2 Diabetes is a progressive chronic disease which causes the body to lose its capacity to produce enough insulin to break down sugar in the body. This particular condition is associated with lifestyle risk factors such as being overweight, a lack of exercise and/or a poor diet. So modifying your lifestyle can help you manage your blood glucose levels naturally. If left untreated, elevated blood glucose levels can lead to complications such as:
  • retinopathy (loss of eye sight),
  • nephropathy (loss of kidney function),
  • peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) or
  • gangrene (tissue death) and amputation.
To help you manage your Diabetes our Exercise Physiologist can provide you with an individualised exercise program to assist you with lowering your blood glucose levels and reducing any insulin resistance. If you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes, ask your GP for a referral to see an Exercise Physiologist so you can halt it’s progression.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is exercise physiology
Exercise physiology is the science of how the body responds to exercise or physical activity, especially when injured or affected by a chronic condition like diabetes, heart disease or cancer. The aim is to optimise movement and physical performance and reduce physical limitations. Exercise Physiologists are required to complete a 4 year university degree, and must complete ongoing education and professional development each year. With this expertise, many Exercise Physiologists go on to work for professional athletes, hospitals, age care facilities, and rehabilitation clinics.
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Do I need to be an exercise person?
Despite what many people believe, an Exercise Physiologists will only provide physical activity recommendations that aim to improve your health and well-being, and help you reach your goals. So, each individualised exercise program is tailored towards your current abilities, tolerance, experience and interest level. You don’t need a gym membership or any equipment. You don’t have to drastically change your lifestyle. We’ll work on a plan that is appropriate for you, so you can stick with it and reap the long-term benefits of better movement and pain management.
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What if I don’t remember my exercises?
Our Exercise Physiologist will create a program or routine for you in the new Physi-App, a fantastic new app listing and demonstrating exercises. If you forget your exercises, you can log into the app at any time to refresh your memory and watch video demonstrations. If you are not a fan of apps that’s not an issue. We can print or email a copy of your exercises so you always have them handy.
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Do I need a referral for an exercise physiology appointment?
No, a referral is not needed to make an appointment. You can book a private appointment at any time, just like a Physiotherapist. However, to be eligible for Medicare, WorkSafe or DVA funding, then you will need a GP or specialist referral.
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How much does an exercise physiologist appointment cost?
The cost of a session will depend on whether you are eligible for any funding or benefits. NDIS If you are a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participant, you may be able to access Exercise Physiology services under the “capacity building supports” section of your NDIS Plan. We can accept self-managed, agent managed and plan participants. DVA If you have a Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA) White or Gold card, then you may be eligible for full or partial funding with an appropriate referral. Chronic Disease Care Plan Patients who have been diagnosed with a chronic health condition(s) may access Medicare funding as part of a GP management plan and Team Care Arrangement (GPMP &TCA). This will entitle you to 5 allied health sessions per calendar year to help manage your condition. A GPMP TCA referral is required and Exercise Physiology must listed as a required service. WorkSafe If you have been injured as a result of a traffic or workplace accident, you may be eligible for WorkSafe funding. However, a referral from your doctor, and written approval of services from your insurer are required prior to booking. Private Health Insurance Some private health insurers may reimburse you for some of the costs of Exercise Physiology services if this is included in your extras cover. Please contact your health insurer directly to determine if you are covered. You may need to quote services item numbers 102 and 202 so your insurer can check.
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Locations

dietitian-brisbane

Brisbane Clinic

A: 1000 Waterworks Road The Gap QLD 4061

Service Information
  • Available Mondays
  • Telehealth consults available
Phone 3300 0888 to arrange either a phone or physical consult.
Book Consult
dietitan-kallangur

Kallangur Clinic

A: 1380 Anzac Ave Kallangur QLD 4503

Service Information
  • Available Every Tuesday and Thursday
  • Telehealth consults available
Phone 3204 4222 for a consult. Meal plans are only provided after a consult and are completed out of consult as an additional service.
Book Consult
dietetics-bundaberg

Bundaberg Clinic

A: 16 Maryborough St Bundaberg QLD 4670

Service Information
  • Available Every Wednesday
  • Telehealth consults only
  • No referral needed for private patients
Phone 4153 2927 to arrange your phone consult.
Book Consult