Exercise Physiology - Functional Rehabilitation and Coaching

Exercise Physiology relates to the function of the human body during various exercise conditions.

Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) are widely recognised as the highest qualified health professionals in the design and delivery of exercise services.

An AEP describes a university trained and Australian Association for Exercise and Sports Science (AAESS) accredited exercise specialist who possesses the knowledge, skills and competency to design and deliver general physical activity advice and clinical exercise prescription for apparently healthy persons and for those persons with chronic and complex diseases.

The aims of the exercise physiologist at OPSMC include:

• To provide isolated and end stage rehabilitation to clients.
• To deliver first class programs to clients with chronic musculoskeletal symptoms in conjunction with some of Australia’s best sports medicine doctors, physiotherapists and other allied health professionals.
• To offer a unique service of technical analysis and functional biomechanical screening in conjunction with other health professionals.
• To provide a preventative musculoskeletal screening system that will identify potential causes of injuries.

How does it work?

Clients may be assessed by a doctor or initiate an appointment to see the Exercise Physiologist. Following an initial consultation, an individualised program will be designed by the Exercise Physiologist with input from other appropriate professionals at OPSMC such as a specialist sports medicine doctor.

Each individual session will commence with the Exercise Physiologist and then progress with a Fitness Coach. Duration of each session is anticipated to be 45 minutes and will hold the overall aim of returning the client to full functional fitness - movement; balance; strength, speed; agility; endurance and power. Where appropriate, the service may also identify muscle imbalances and injury risks in a dynamic setting such as running.

Who should use an Exercise Physiologist?

Once an individual has completed the initial stages of rehabilitation they should commence on a specific and individual program for full functional fitness. This program should be designed to not only get them back into their chosen activity, but also to ensure that they return in even better shape to minimise the risk of any re-occurrence.

If you have ever found yourself asking questions such as:

• Should I be running now?
• When should I start jumping on this?
• How fast should I be going with this?
• Should I be able to balance better than that?
• Some people are saying that I am running with a limp since I got injured - can you fix that?
• I can't turn as well on that ankle but it should be ok shouldn't it?

Where do the sessions take place?

Sessions may be held on site at OPSMC utilising the facilities of the centre. Sessions may also be conducted off site (as pre arranged) as appropriate.

Questions

This is a unique service. If you should have any questions feel free to contact Rebecca Bryce (AEP) at Olympic Park Sports Medicine Centre.

A referral is not required to see a Exercise Physiologist, although should you have one, you may be entitled to a partial medicare rebate.

Please be sure to ask any questions prior to commencing your session(s) with the Exercise Physiologist.