Q : What conditions can AEPs help with?
A :
Cardiovascular disease
Metabolic conditions (obesity, Diabetes)
Neurological conditions (MS, Parkinsons, Stroke, Paraplegia/Quadriplegia)
Musculoskeletal injuries (low back pain, neck pain)
Pre and Post operative recovery
Osteoporosis and arthritis
Chronic pain and fatigue
Women’s health (pre/post natal, PCOS, endometriosis, pelvic floor dysfunction, and menopause)
Cancers
Pulmonary disease
Mental health
Q : What is the difference between AEP’s and Personal Trainers?
A : AEPs are university qualified allied health professionals equipped with the knowledge, Personal Trainers can become accredited in less than 6 weeks of training. They are qualified to design and deliver fitness programs to persons who are considered low risk i.e. healthy populations with n history of disease or issues.
AEP’s are trained at university for over 4 years giving them a comprehensive and extensive range of knowledge, skills, and competencies to design, deliver and evaluate safe and effective exercise interventions for people with acute, sub-acute or chronic medical conditions, injuries or disabilities.
Q : What is the difference between AEP’s and Physiotherapists?
A : Exercise Physiologists and Physiotherapists are both university qualified allied health professionals, AEP’s use evidence-based exercise intervention for prevention and management of chronic disease, musculoskeletal injuries, or disabilities. The main difference from Physiotherapy is that AEP’s do not provide hands on treatment. AEP’s use exercise prescription as the main treatment modality. If you sustain an injury, a Physiotherapist can provide a diagnosis to the injury, and acute management of a musculoskeletal injury. An AEP can then step in to assist with providing sustainable, long-term exercise rehabilitation.
AEP’s are trained in understanding the physiological response to exercise in chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and osteoarthritis. A session with an Exercise Physiologist allows for safe, effective and individualised exercise prescription according to their history and goals.
AEP’s have extensive understanding of chronic health conditions with skills to provide education and lifestyle modification to improve health, wellness and quality of life.
Q : Will my health insurance cover AEP services?
A : Most health funds offer coverage for exercise physiology under 'extras cover'. If you're unsure about whether you're covered for Exercise Physiology, you can call your health insurance provider to find out.
Q : How long does a typical AEP session last?
A : An initial Exercise Physiology consultation duration is usually 45 minutes. The duration for subsequent consultations can either be 30, 45 or 60 minutes according to what the clients would prefer, or what the funding body allows (eg. DVA and Workcover is 30 minutes, NDIS can be any of the above duration).
Q : Can AEPs provide virtual or telehealth consultations?
A : Yes, Exercise Physiology consults can be conducted via Telehealth.
Q : Do I need a referral to see an exercise physiologist?
A : No, you don’t. However, if you have been referred by your GP, they may provide you with one for the following reasons:
You are on an EPC/TCA care plan which entitles you to some significant rebates from Medicare.
You are a veteran and the DVA will pay for clinically necessary treatment.
You are part of a Workers Compensation or CTP claim.
Q : What should I expect during my first AEP appointment?
A : During the initial consultation, an AEP will complete a full assessment which includes assessing current symptoms, medical history, previous and current injuries, health conditions and medications, current physical activity status, anthropometric assessments, functional and postural assessments, fitness testing and exercise prescription. This information is important to prescribe an exercise program that is tailored to you. Together with your AEP you will discuss your goals and develop a progressive treatment plan to best achieve those goals. Based on this assessment; you will then begin a structured/tailored exercise program in either a 1:1, group setting, or independent home/gym program, depending on what is best for your needs. Most importantly, you will leave your consultation with a clear management plan for your condition and goals and feel supported by a health professional.
Q : How often should I see an AEP?
A : Depending on a client’s current medical state, needs and goals, frequency of AEP sessions vary person to person. All clients are provided with a home exercise program to undertake even if they are attending a weekly supervised AEP session (1:1 or group is available). Regular weekly sessions are advised for client’s where it is unsafe for them to exercise independently, or if support with technique correction or motivation is required. However, if the AEP is happy with a person’s ability to complete their exercise program safely with good technique and prefers to complete independent gym/home exercises, they are encouraged to have 4 weekly reviews to continuously progress the exercises and ensure the program is effective to achieve their goals. Most importantly, a client needs to ensure they are reaching the physical activity guidelines and completing their program consistently, If they are not, then minimum 1 supervised AEP consultation weekly is recommended. For further clarity, please call 0433 999 687 to discuss.