What Is Exercise Physiology?

Exercise Physiology is an allied health service that uses individually prescribed exercise to support health, physical capacity and daily function. Accredited Exercise Physiologists have university-level training in exercise assessment, clinical exercise prescription and progression.

At PhysioWorks, your program may involve strengthening, balance training, walking or aerobic exercise, pacing and a home plan. Your exercise physiologist considers health conditions, symptoms, preferences and the activities that matter to you.

Who May Benefit From Exercise Physiology?

Exercise Physiology may suit people who want structured exercise support for:

• Strength and balance: improving walking, stairs, mobility and confidence with daily tasks.
• Persistent pain and arthritis: building tolerance and function through graded exercise, including for lower back pain and osteoarthritis.
• Chronic health conditions: working towards suitable exercise for cardiovascular, metabolic or other ongoing health needs.
• Recovery and return to activity: rebuilding fitness and physical capacity after illness, injury or an operation, once suitable for exercise.
• Bone health and falls prevention: developing appropriate strengthening and balance routines.
• Neurological conditions or cancer recovery: progressing activity with appropriate clinical and medical guidance.

You do not need to be fit before starting. Your exercise physiologist will consider your current abilities and any precautions. For more information about general activity levels, see the Australian Government’s physical activity guidance.

Physiotherapy or Exercise Physiology: Which Should I Choose?

These roles overlap. The right starting point depends on your presentation and goals. Compare your appointment options if you are uncertain.

What Happens at Your First Exercise Physiology Appointment?

1. Discuss your health and goals

   Your exercise physiologist reviews your activity history, relevant medical conditions, symptoms and the goals you want to achieve. Bring relevant referrals, reports and medication information if available.

2. Check your starting point

   Depending on your needs, the assessment may include strength, balance, walking, mobility or fitness tests.

3. Start a practical plan

   You learn exercises suited to your current capacity, along with ways to manage effort, recovery and progress.

4. Review and progress

   Follow-up appointments can adjust load, technique and your home or gym program. Frequency depends on your goals and clinical needs.

Explore Exercise Physiology Services

Different goals call for different exercise plans. These guides explain some of the ways structured exercise may support health and function:

• Neurological rehabilitation
• Exercise oncology
• Performance Exercise Physiology
• Exercise and diabetes
• Exercise for mental health
• Individual exercise programs and exercise load management

Supervised Exercise and Group Classes

PhysioWorks also offers supervised exercise programmes. Group sessions are not interchangeable with individual Exercise Physiology appointments. An initial assessment or screening may be required before joining a class. Contact reception to confirm eligibility, class places and the correct pathway.

For suitable people with hip or knee osteoarthritis, PhysioWorks also offers the GLA:D® Australia programme at Ashgrove. Ask reception about programme entry and the appropriate assessment.

Meet Your Exercise Physiologist

Madison Stanley is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist at PhysioWorks. She develops individual exercise plans to support strength, balance, physical capacity, ongoing health management and return to activity. Her approach considers your goals, health history and current ability.

Exercise Physiology at Ashgrove, Clayfield and Sandgate

Choose the clinic that suits your location and appointment needs. Individual Exercise Physiology appointments use the registered booking pathway for each clinic.

Funding, Referrals and Rebates

Some Exercise Physiology appointments may attract a rebate or be funded, depending on your circumstances and the service provided. Confirm eligibility, referral requirements and any approval with your funder or preferred clinic.

• Private health insurance: extras rebates depend on your policy.
• Medicare: eligible patients may access allied health services under a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP) with an appropriate referral. Earlier eligible GP Management Plans or Team Care Arrangements may remain valid during the transition period.
• DVA: eligibility and referral requirements apply.
• Workers compensation and CTP: cover depends on claim approval and the relevant insurer’s requirements.
• NDIS: access depends on the participant’s plan, the support being provided and applicable funding rules; a GP referral is not universally required.

For official Medicare requirements, see Services Australia: services under a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan.

Exercise Physiology FAQs

Book Exercise Physiology in Brisbane

For an individual Exercise Physiology appointment, choose Ashgrove, Clayfield or Sandgate below. For class entry, hydrotherapy or help selecting an appointment type, call your preferred clinic.

Further Reading and References

• Healthdirect Australia: Exercise physiologists
• Australian Government: Physical activity and exercise
• Services Australia: GP chronic condition management allied health services

1. Fairag M, Alzahrani SA, Alshehri N, et al. Exercise as a therapeutic intervention for chronic disease management: a comprehensive review. Cureus. 2024;16(11):e74165.
2. Zouhal H, Granacher U, Hackney AC, Li S, Laher I. Exercise physiology and its role in chronic disease prevention and treatment—mechanisms and insights. Front Physiol. 2022;13:1038119.