What Is Exercise Physiology?

Exercise Physiology is a clinical allied health service that uses targeted exercise to improve health, manage chronic conditions and support recovery from injury or surgery. Accredited exercise physiologists complete university training in anatomy, physiology and clinical exercise prescription, and use this knowledge to design safe and effective programs for all ages.

At PhysioWorks, our exercise physiologists combine evidence-based exercise therapy, education and behaviour change strategies to support sustainable improvements. Exercise Physiology is suitable for people who are new to exercise, returning from injury, or already active but needing guidance around pain, fatigue or medical conditions.

How Exercise Physiology Can Help You

Exercise Physiology focuses on long-term, sustainable improvement rather than short-term symptom relief. Your program is customised based on your condition, current ability and lifestyle. Many people use Exercise Physiology alongside physiotherapy treatment to achieve faster and more consistent progress.

Common reasons to see an Exercise Physiologist at PhysioWorks include:

• Spinal pain, disc injuries and lower back pain
• Chronic pain and central sensitisation, including long-standing pain conditions
• Arthritis, joint stiffness and osteoarthritis management
• Cardiovascular and metabolic conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes
• Neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, stroke and multiple sclerosis
• Post-operative orthopaedic rehabilitation
• Muscle and soft tissue injuries, tendon issues and overload problems
• Falls prevention, balance training and confidence with walking in older adults
• Return-to-sport conditioning and structured activity plans after injury or time off

Programs are reviewed regularly to ensure steady progress. We combine functional testing, strength development, balance training and self-management education to help you stay active and confident long term.

For national guidance on physical activity and clinical exercise recommendations, you can refer to the Australian Government resource at health.gov.au.

Exercise Physiology at PhysioWorks – Ashgrove & Clayfield

PhysioWorks offers Exercise Physiology services at our Ashgrove and Clayfield clinics. Our exercise physiologists work closely with our spinal rehabilitation physiotherapists, sports physiotherapists and massage therapists to ensure your program fits neatly into your overall health plan.

Lily Rowe, Accredited Exercise Physiologist, consults at both locations. Lily has a strong interest in spinal rehabilitation, chronic pain and long-term health conditions. To learn more about Lily’s background and training, visit her profile: Lily Rowe – Accredited Exercise Physiologist.

Book Exercise Physiology – Ashgrove & Clayfield

You can book Exercise Physiology at either clinic. No referral is needed for private consultations. A referral from your GP is required if you wish to claim Medicare Chronic Disease Management items, some DVA services or WorkCover and CTP-related sessions.

What Happens in an Exercise Physiology Appointment?

Your initial consultation includes a structured review of your health history, current symptoms, medications and relevant imaging or reports. This allows your exercise physiologist to tailor a program that supports your goals while respecting any physical limitations. Clients attending for spinal pain often benefit from coordinated care with our spinal physiotherapy team.

Functional assessments may include strength testing, balance tasks, walking or step tests and simple movement screens. These provide a baseline that helps track your progress over time. Once your plan is established, your exercise physiologist will guide you through correct technique, load management and home program strategies. Programs may include gym-based strengthening, resistance bands, Pilates-style exercises, cardio conditioning or task-specific functional training.

Follow-up sessions refine your exercises, monitor improvements and address barriers such as fear of movement, pacing difficulties or confidence issues. For many people with chronic or recurring symptoms, Exercise Physiology provides a long-term pathway for maintaining mobility, preventing flare-ups and supporting an active lifestyle.

Should I See a Physiotherapist or an Exercise Physiologist?

Physiotherapists and exercise physiologists have different but complementary roles. Physiotherapists usually see you early after an injury or flare-up. They provide diagnosis, hands-on treatment, early-stage exercise and advice on pain relief, load management and return to activity.

Exercise physiologists focus on longer-term exercise programs for chronic conditions, complex health problems and performance or lifestyle goals. They are particularly helpful when you need a structured plan to build strength, endurance and confidence over weeks to months, rather than short bursts of treatment.

In many cases, you will see both a physiotherapist and an exercise physiologist at different stages of your recovery, or in parallel, depending on your needs and funding options.

Funding and Rebates

Exercise Physiology at PhysioWorks may be funded or rebated through several programs, depending on your eligibility and referral:

• Medicare Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plans – selected individual sessions when referred by your GP under Medicare item 10953 for Exercise Physiology.
• Private health insurance – many extras policies include Exercise Physiology rebates; check your individual cover.
• WorkCover and CTP – when Exercise Physiology is part of your approved rehabilitation plan after workplace or motor vehicle injury.
• DVA – for eligible veterans with appropriate referral and approval.
• NDIS – for participants whose plans include therapeutic exercise or capacity-building supports.

Our admin team can help you check your funding options when you book at Ashgrove or Clayfield.

Join the PhysioWorks Exercise Physiology Team

We welcome enquiries from accredited exercise physiologists who enjoy teamwork, high-value care and long-term outcomes. If you are an Exercise Physiologist interested in joining PhysioWorks in Brisbane, please visit our careers page: PhysioWorks Careers – Allied Health Roles.

Exercise Physiology FAQs

Do I need a referral for Exercise Physiology?

No, you can book privately without a referral. However, a referral from your GP is required if you are using Medicare Chronic Disease Management items, some DVA schemes or WorkCover and CTP funding.

What conditions benefit most from Exercise Physiology?

Exercise Physiology is particularly helpful for spinal pain, arthritis, chronic pain, cardiovascular and metabolic conditions, neurological conditions, pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation, and falls prevention programs.

How many Exercise Physiology sessions will I need?

Many people start with three to six sessions over several weeks to learn their program, adjust exercises and build confidence. Ongoing or periodic review is common for chronic or complex conditions.

Is Exercise Physiology safe for older adults?

Yes. Programs are tailored to your health status and can be gentle, supervised and focused on balance, strength and independence. Your exercise physiologist will monitor your response and progress gradually.

Can Exercise Physiology be combined with physiotherapy?

Yes. Physiotherapists and exercise physiologists often share your care. Physiotherapists usually manage early injury and diagnosis, while exercise physiologists design longer-term exercise programs to maintain and build your gains.

Useful Exercise Physiology Resources

• Healthdirect Australia – Exercise physiologists
• Australian Government – Physical activity and exercise

References

1. Fairag M, et al. Exercise as a therapeutic intervention for chronic disease management: a comprehensive review. Cureus. 2024;16(11):e74165.
2. Zouhal H, et al. Exercise physiology and its role in chronic disease prevention and treatment: mechanisms and insights. Front Physiol. 2022;13:1038119.
3. Healthdirect Australia. Exercise physiologists. Updated 2024.
4. Australian Government Department of Health. Medicare Benefits Schedule – Exercise Physiology, item 10953.
5. Zouganelli V, et al. Effects of exercise training on functional aerobic capacity and quality of life in systemic lupus erythematosus. J Clin Med. 2025;14(19):7031.