How do you know if an Accredited Exercise Physiologist is right for you?

Do you suffer from lower back pain, stiffness in your joints or recurring injuries? Or have you been diagnosed with a condition like diabetes, endometriosis or high blood pressure and the thought of exercise seems overwhelming? 

An Accredited Exercise Physiologist can help you overcome barriers to get you safely exercising and enjoying physical activity for the long-term, no matter your ability or condition.

SO, WHAT IS AN ACCREDITED EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST?

An Accredited Exercise Physiologist or ‘AEP’ is a health professional with expertise in the design and delivery of exercise to prevent, treat and manage health conditions, including injuries, disorders, traumas and diseases.  

AEPs often go beyond just prescribing exercise; they help you engage in physical activity through tailored exercise programs and strategies to keep you physically active for the long-term.  

AEPs can help almost anyone exercise right and improve physical and mental health. For example, they can help people living with diabetes or arthritis and help manage the symptoms of a women’s health condition or illnesses like cancer.   

Often AEPs work within collaborative, multidisciplinary teams that sometimes include physios, occupational therapists and dietitians.

IS ACCREDITATION IMPORTANT? 

To be accredited, exercise physiologists must fulfill specific professional requirements each calendar year, such as professional development quotas. This ensures that their clinical knowledge and experience remains current, relevant and applicable.  

When accredited, an exercise physiologist is also eligible to provide their services under Medicare, WorkCover, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and some private health insurers. Without accreditation, an exercise physiologist cannot access these compensable schemes.  

BENEFITS OF SEEING AN AEP

A common misconception is that you must be living with a chronic condition, disease, injury, disability or serious illness to seek help from an AEP, but this isn’t the case. AEPs see a range of people and can help almost anyone improve their health, performance and independence.  

Key benefits of working with an AEP:

  • Personalised exercise programs 

AEPs create tailored exercise plans based on your specific needs, fitness levels, and goals. As they are highly educated on how the body functions and reacts to exercise, they will also base their work off your physiology and overall health, including things like blood pressure. They will adjust their programs as your body adapts over time.  

An AEP will help to address psychological and emotional barriers to exercise, ensuring you stay engaged and benefit from long-term health improvements.

  • Reliable, qualified advice and support  

AEPs are the most qualified people in Australia to prescribe exercise. They are university-qualified and have completed 500 hours of practical work experience before entering the workforce, so you can have peace of mind that their advice is science-backed and up to date with current research. 

  • Multi-disciplined approach  

AEPs often consult or work with other allied health professionals such as dietitians and physiotherapists to give all-encompassing advice. AEPs are highly educated on the relationship between physical activity and all elements of health, including mental health, nutrition, blood pressure, stress, cardiovascular health and overall performance. 

AEPs can also help you transition from acute care settings, such as hospital, back into daily life with long-term health management strategies and a focus on behaviour change.  

They play a crucial role in long-term exercise engagement which is essential for preventing injuries and health conditions and ensuring optimal health through every stage of life.

  • Injury and disease prevention and management 

AEPs are highly skilled in developing programs for the prevention, management and rehabilitation of injuries and chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis, cancer and heart disease.  

They are qualified to work with people living with obstacles that stop them from engaging in exercise, such as complex injuries or disabilities. AEPs support their clients in accessing the physiological benefits of exercise in a way that aligns with their specific health needs and challenges.  

If you’re at-risk of an injury or health condition, or you’ve been diagnosed with one, AEPs can help you use exercise to improve your health and lower your risk of further injury or illness.

  • Wide range of expertise

AEPs will often see a wide range of people and will have experience with people of all backgrounds. Due to their high level of education, they have the expertise to help almost any client.  

Whether you have performance or fitness goals, or exercise feels risky, unattainable or overwhelming for you, an AEP can help.  

Learn about how to find the right exercise professional for you. 

HOW TO SEE AN AEP

In Australia, there are several different ways to access AEP services. Many exercise physiology clinics offer telehealth too, so you may be able to access these services if you live in a rural or remote area.  

The most common ways to see an AEP in Australia include: 

  1. Booking directly

One of the most straightforward ways to see an AEP is by directly booking an appointment with them without a referral from a GP or another health professional.  

As this option is typically out-of-pocket, it’s advisable to check with your private health insurer to understand your coverage and any potential out-of-pocket expenses. 

Find an AEP near you.

  1. Doctor referral 

If you have a chronic medical or health condition like diabetes, cancer or heart disease, you can access an AEP through a referral from your doctor under Medicare.  

This scheme, known as the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, allows for up to five allied health services per calendar year, which can include exercise physiology. Your GP will assess your condition and, if appropriate, provide a referral to an AEP. This pathway ensures that the costs are partially covered by Medicare, making it a more cost-effective option.  

Your GP may ask you to source a local AEP before providing your referral.  

Find an AEP near you.  

  1. Private Health Insurance 

Many health insurers include cover for allied health services. If you have the appropriate level of extras cover, you may be eligible for rebates on exercise physiology sessions.  

The rebate amount and the number of sessions covered vary between insurers and policies, so it’s essential to check the specifics with your health fund. Accessing an AEP through private health insurance can help reduce the overall cost, making it more affordable to maintain regular sessions.  

Find your local AEP and book an appointment today. 

 

Written by the team at Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) with the help of Accredited Exercise Physiologists.