Exercise Physiology for Chronic Conditions in Brisbane
Exercise is medicine, prescribed for your condition
Living with a chronic health condition takes daily effort, and the right exercise is one of the most effective ways to manage it. The right exercise means individually prescribed, evidence-based exercise, matched to your condition, your body and your goals.
We start by getting to know you, your health, your goals and your daily life, then build a program around all of it. We work alongside your GP, your specialists and your other health professionals as part of your care. Whatever your age, ability or starting point, there’s a place for you here.
What’s an Accredited Exercise Physiologist?
An Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) is a university-qualified allied health professional, accredited through Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA), who prescribes exercise to prevent and manage chronic conditions, injury and disability. We’re clinicians, not personal trainers, and exercise is our treatment. For many chronic conditions, prescribed exercise is one of the most evidence-based ways to feel stronger and stay well.
Conditions we work with
We’ve supported Brisbane locals across a wide range of chronic conditions since 2004. Choose the area that fits you to learn more.
- Cancer care: prescribed exercise before, during and after treatment, as part of standard cancer care. Many clients tell us it’s the medical appointment they look forward to.
- Type 2 diabetes: individual programs and Medicare-subsidised group classes to improve blood glucose control, strength and energy.
- Women’s health: support through pregnancy and postnatal recovery, incontinence and pelvic health, PCOS, endometriosis, menopause and bone health.
- BodyMoves cardiac rehabilitation: our low intensity, strength, flexibility and falls prevention program.
- Parkinson’s (PD Empowerment): exercise for people living with Parkinson’s disease.
- Musculo-skeletal rehabilitation: recovery from injury, surgery and ongoing pain, including pre- and post-operative care.
- Bone health (osteopenia and osteoporosis): weight-bearing and resistance programs to protect bone density.
- Osteoarthritis and joint pain: exercise to manage stiffness, pain and function at every stage.
- Other chronic health conditions: evidence-based programs for prevention and management across many other conditions. If you don’t see yours listed, ask us.
How you can access exercise physiology
Prescribed exercise for chronic conditions can be funded several ways, and we’ll help you work out what applies to you:
- Medicare: on a GP referral under the GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (up to 5 subsidised allied health sessions a year, in total across your providers).
- NDIS: for eligible participants, funded through your plan.
- Department of Veterans’ Affairs: for Veteran Gold Card holders, and White Card holders with accepted conditions, on referral.
- WorkCover: as part of a rehabilitation plan after a workplace injury or illness.
- Private and private health funds: you can book directly, and private health fund eligibility may apply.
We see people at our Toowong and Sherwood clinics, and by telehealth across Brisbane if getting in is difficult.
Not sure where to start?
If you’re not sure which service fits, or whether you’re eligible, get in touch and we’ll help you work out the right next step. There’s no pressure, just a clear answer.
Frequently asked questions
What conditions can an exercise physiologist help with?
Accredited Exercise Physiologists prescribe exercise to help manage chronic conditions including cancer, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, and women’s health concerns such as pregnancy, menopause and pelvic health. If your condition isn’t listed, ask us. Exercise physiology supports a very wide range of health conditions.
Do I need a referral to see an exercise physiologist?
No, you can book directly. A GP referral is needed for Medicare-subsidised sessions and for DVA. NDIS and workers’ compensation access depends on your plan, insurer and approvals rather than a GP referral. We’ll help you work out what applies to you.
What’s the difference between an exercise physiologist and a personal trainer?
An Accredited Exercise Physiologist is a university-qualified allied health professional, accredited through ESSA, who prescribes exercise as clinical treatment for health conditions, injury and disability. Personal trainers generally work with healthy people on fitness goals and may have different qualifications and scope. The right professional depends on your health needs and your level of clinical risk.
Does Medicare cover exercise physiology?
It can. With a GP referral under the GP Chronic Condition Management Plan, eligible patients can access up to 5 subsidised allied health sessions per calendar year, shared across all allied health providers on the plan, and a gap fee may apply. People with type 2 diabetes may also be eligible for a Medicare-subsidised group program.