An Exercise Physiologist is a university trained allied health professional who has undergone extensive medical training and education to understand the reasons, causes and treatment of chronic conditions. The chronic conditions we are trained in vary extensively.
Musculo-skeletal issues we our trained in include osteo-arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, back pain, joint replacements, bursitis, postural re-training and joint surgery.
Cardiovascular diseases we can help to improve include myocardial infarction, heart failure, hypertension, elevated cholesterol and pre/post surgery conditioning (CABG).
Metabolic conditions we are educated in treating include diabetes (Type 1 and 2), obesity, weight management, central adiposity and muscle wasting.
Neuromuscular diseases we are trained to help treat include stroke, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, spina bifida and muscular dystrophy (ALS).
Respiratory diseases we can help to improve include asthma, COPD and non-specific shortness of breath, especially with exertion.
We can also help to improve cancer related fatigue and conditioning while you undertake chemo/radiation treatment.
It has also be proven that a regular exercise regime throughout the week has positively affected mental health diseases such as depression, anxiety and stress.
We also help those with chronic conditions which may not be mentioned, but are affecting your daily activities, or causing you undue stress.
There are a number of factors that can contribute to chronic disease, with many being factors we can’t control such as genetics and age. However, the highest risk of obtaining a chronic condition is the presence of one or more other chronic conditions. Along with deteriorating your health and increasing the risk of stroke and heart disease, the increased cost of further medications and specialist appointments can be debilitating for some.
Exercise can aid the treatment of your chronic condition. Most of the effects of medications taken to aid chronic conditions can be achieved by completing a structured, appropriately prescribed exercise program which is completed a few times per week.
Exercise Physiologists are not personal trainers. We do not push people past their limitations and only prescribe exercises that will be suitable and appropriate to complete, based on your physical health right now. All of our prescription is backed up by proven facts and scientific evidence. Exercise Physiologists are also trained to help those persons with multiple conditions or diseases.
So please don’t be put off if you’re thinking, ‘my health has deteriorated too much to change’, or ‘I’m too old to exercise’. Our guarantee is that we will be able to get you moving in the right direction, towards your goals and improving your well-being and quality of life.