Chronic Disease
Exercise Physiology for Chronic Diseases
You can find your Professional Allied Health Services in the heart of Melbourne CBD at Healthcare on Collins.
The goal of exercise physiology is to equip patients with tailored chronic disease management plans that include a set of exercise tools designed to prevent the progression of chronic conditions and optimise overall well-being.
Your AEP will assist you with your chronic disease and adapt positive changes to help you manage your condition with exercise. Your AEP will guide you through self-management tools and realistic goals to progress to your better health. Your AEP will develop with you some self-management strategies that fit with your lifestyle and your condition.
Chronic Diseases Treated at Healthcare on Collins
- ✔Type 2 diabetes
- ✔Arthritis
- ✔Cardiovascular disease
- ✔Mental health conditions
- ✔Osteoporosis
- ✔Obesity
- ✔Respiratory conditions
- ✔Chronic pain
- ✔Rheumatoid arthritis
- ✔Osteoarthritis (commonly hips, knees, and back)
You are welcome to contact us before making an appointment to discuss your situation, noting you can find offers other Allied Health services at Healthcare On Collins, that you may wish to consider for chronic disease management.
How Exercise Physiology for Chronic Disease Works
Adherence to Guidelines
Accredited Exercise Physiologists are guided by standards from associations (i.e. Exercise and Sports Science Australia) and thereby follow specific protocols for specific chronic diseases. These protocols outline how individuals can meet exercise guidelines tailored to their condition.
Typically, this involves incorporating aerobic and resistance training to effectively manage chronic diseases and work towards meeting recommended exercise guidelines. The intensity of exercise may vary depending on the specific condition being addressed.
Condition Specific Treatment
Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) assist individuals in understanding the exercise prescription tailored to their specific situation and current physical status.
Example: Arthritis Australia recommends at least 30 minutes of activity on most days of the week. You can do 30 minutes continuously or combine several shorter sessions. Talk to a Physiotherapist or Exercise Physiologist about getting started to help you avoid an injury or over-doing it.
Commencing Exercise
Accredited Exercise Physiologists play a crucial role in assessing your current health level and adapting an exercise routine to progress to adhering to these guidelines, thus promoting long-term health benefits.
At Healthcare on Collins, our modern facility allows your Accredited Exercise Physiologist to support patients in learning how to safely perform specific movements.
What Can I Expect from My AEP?
Your AEP starts with assessing a group of factors to design a program tailored to you in this point of time.
You will learn about your body and how to move it safely.
You will walk away with an understanding of your current condition, your exercise tolerance and a pathway to your goals.
Education & Resources for Chronic Illnesses
This involves explaining the mechanisms of your specific health condition, ensuring you understand the benefits of exercise to manage it.
This fosters greater compliance and motivation towards your exercise routine.
Getting Started with Exercise Physiology
To get started with EP, you may contact Healthcare on Collins or Exercise Sports Science Australia.
- You do not need a referral from a GP to commence EP, though it is preferable
- You may be entitled to an Enhanced Primary Care Plan by speaking with your GP which can provide Medicare rebates
- Healthcare on Collins is located in Melbourne CBD
- You will be supported by our prompt reception team
Contact us to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a healthier, happier life.
Chronic Disease FAQ
What to bring on the day of your first appointment?
Exercise clothes and shoes, drink bottle, referrals, reports from current scans or tests, medication list.
Duration of the first session?
All sessions are 60 minutes in duration.
Do I get my own program when participating in group sessions?
Yes, your AEP will personally design your program and supervise group sessions.
Is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist appointment covered by my private health insurance?
Your session may be partially covered, but please check your private health insurance.
Will my AEP communicate with my GP?
Yes, your AEP will write to your GP to inform them of your physical outcome and exercise prescription and raise any health concerns that may need to be discussed further.