Info

Information is Power

Please peruse this page for handy list of facts and figures regarding a range of health topics including chronic disease, cancer, injury management, psychology and much more.

Pre activity Form

Download and complete the NAH – Pre Activity Form before your first consultation with our Exercise Physiologist. You can also click here to complete the form online.

FAQs about Exercise Physiologists

 

What is an Exercise Physiologist?

An Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) holds a four-year equivalent university degree and specialises in the exercise and movement for the prevention and management of chronic diseases and injuries. AEPs provide support for people with:

  • obesity
  • cardiovascular disease
  • diabetes
  • osteoporosis and arthritis
  • mental health conditions
  • cancer and cancer treatment recovery
  • chronic pain and fatigue
  • post-surgical rehabilitation (ACL reconstruction, hip/knee replacement)
  • neuromuscular exercise therapy (multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease)
  • pulmonary disease and more

How are Accredited Exercise Physiologists different from other exercise professionals?

The differences are:

  • They are university qualified
  • They undertake strict accreditation requirements
  • They are eligible to register with Medicare Australia, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and WorkCover and are recognised by most private health insurers
  • They can treat and work with all types of people, those who want to improve their health and wellbeing to those unfortunately suffering from a chronic illness.

Accredited Exercise Physiologists are different by the possession of extensive knowledge, skills and experience in clinical exercise delivery and their ability to provide health modification counselling for people with chronic disease and injury.

How are AEP different from Personal Trainers?

Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) are university trained and have undertaken extensive training to treat clients with chronic conditions. AEPs do however treat those without any known conditions and help map out long term plans that help you achieve better health and prevent conditions such as diabetes and cancer.

Many AEPs are dual qualified as personal trainers, dietitians, physiotherapists, pilates instructors etc, they have the ultimate knowledge to help you use exercise effectively.

How are AEP different from Physiotherapists?

Accredited Exercise Physiologists and Physiotherapists are both allied health professionals, however AEPs primary focus is to use exercise to prevent, manage and treat complex medical conditions.  AEPs typically work with conditions such as (but not limited to): heart disease, diabetes, mental illness, delaying cognitive decline, some cancers, lower back pain, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.

AEPs will utilise their skills in exercise prescription, combined with their training in behaviour change, to empower clients and assist them to manage their health independently.  Their skills are particularly well received by clients who are looking to age well and age independently.

Cancer_QuoteUseful resource fact sheet downloads regarding exercise and cancer.

Northside Allied Health will soon be launching CanBeat an exercise program specifically designed for Cancer Rehabilitation. Find out more here.

Learn more about Chronic Disease here.

For more information on Diabetes, Download this fact sheet (Type-1 Diabetes), or visit the Diabetes page to learn about our specialised exercise programs.

Hydrotherapy

Specializing in musculoskeletal rehabilitation and aged care, NAH hydrotherapy is run by our Accredited Exercise Physiologists. Hydrotherapy is water based exercise in a heated pool to aid in rehabilitation and recovery for the management of muscular injuries and joint pain. Extremely effective for arthritis and adherence to exercise programs as it eliminates gravity generally making full range of motion possible enabling the person to perform activities they would normally have difficulty with and gives joints a welcomed break while the heated water acts as therapy for the injury. The water can also be used as a form of resistance to aid in strength ranging from very light intensity to vigorous with the use of pool aids like noodles and other floatation devices.

Download the Alzheimers-disease fact sheet for more information on the disease and the benefits of exercise.

For more information on Chronic Pain management, download this fact sheet chronic-pain