At Pivotal Motion in Newmarket, an experienced exercise physiologist will first identify your individual medical history, your current condition, and what you aim to achieve through exercise therapy. An individualised exercise plan will be provided to you based on the latest scientific evidence. The exercise prescription is carried out using state-of-the-art equipment in a clinical gym.
The exercise physiology method practised in Brisbane concentrates more on viewing your body as the unique entity it is, which means that there is no one-size-fits-all approach involved. This method suits people who are recovering from surgery, dealing with any ongoing medical issues or just in need of some guidance. Should you have set your fitness goals, make an appointment today.
What does an exercise physiologist do?
An exercise physiologist plays an integral part in developing your body movement analysis and determining the causes of your pain or lack of proper functionality. In essence, they will give you the appropriate exercises for your body and make sure that they are done with the right intensity.
Their qualifications are reflected in their credentials because they are educated at university level, certified by the Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA), and listed with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). As a result, they have the ability to appropriately handle difficult medical cases that may be neglected or even exacerbated by normal exercise regimes.
The approach is systematic in nature. It starts with the evaluation of your physical condition at hand. Based on this, they formulate a program that addresses your particular problem areas. During this process, they keep a close watch on how well you have progressed and tweak the exercise regimen according to your increasing strength and capabilities. The sessions involve a combination of strength training, mobility training, and health education, so that you not only do the exercises right, but you know why you are doing them.
Conditions and goals exercise physiology can help with
Exercise physiology is defined by its use of motion as therapy, thus making it an extensive treatment area. This includes:
- The management of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and arthritis
- Rehabilitation of the musculoskeletal system after injury and surgery
- Management of chronic pain
- Exercise for assisting in cancer rehabilitation
- Assistance with the various mental health conditions, where exercise impacts symptoms positively
- Return to sport rehabilitation
- Development of strength for healthy aging
Identifying those who will benefit most from the practice of exercise physiology is more vital than considering all the possible scenarios that could arise. This specific discipline is suited for individuals whose requirements are much more demanding than ordinary fitness training programs. For example, some people would have to take into account their previous medical history or regain their bodily functions following an accident. Conversely, if you are healthy and your aim is just to improve your fitness performance, then all you may require is a good gym training program.
Exercise physiology vs physiotherapy and personal training
Physiotherapist
When you have a fresh injury that’s painful, or you don’t know what’s wrong, a physiotherapist should be your first stop. They diagnose the issue and begin hands-on treatment to ease acute pain in the early stages. So, if you’ve twisted your ankle or suddenly can’t lift your arm, a physiotherapist is the right choice.
Physiologist
Once the initial pain subsides and it’s time to rebuild, an exercise physiologist steps in. They focus on long-term rehabilitation and managing health conditions through exercise. If you’re a few weeks past a diagnosis and dealing with something like diabetes or a heart condition, or you’re returning to running after an ACL surgery, an exercise physiologist is the way to go.
Personal Trainer
If you’re in good health and looking to improve general fitness, a personal trainer is a suitable option. They aren’t qualified to handle complex conditions or injuries, but they can help you reach your fitness goals at a lower cost.
The distinction between physiotherapy and exercise physiology can sometimes blur, which is why having both professionals in one place is beneficial. At Pivotal Motion, your physiotherapist and exercise physiologist collaborate, sharing notes and transitioning you smoothly as your recovery progresses, ensuring you never have to start over with someone new.
What to expect from your first exercise physiology appointment
In your first consultation session, there will be a discussion without immediately proceeding into exercising. In the discussion, the exercise physiologist will take into account your medical background, current complaints, previous injuries, and your goals. This way, your fitness program can be tailored according to your needs instead of following a cookie-cutter formula.
After the conversation, the physiologist will assess your movement and pinpoint areas needing strength improvement. When necessary, they use the AXiT system for precise strength testing, providing clear data instead of just an estimate. Typically, you’ll begin some exercises during this first session and leave with a detailed plan outlining your next steps.
Why choose Pivotal Motion for exercise physiology in Brisbane
Many clinics simply mention “customised exercise” when referring to exercise physiology, but they often stop there. What sets Pivotal Motion apart is our focus on precise measurement. We utilise the AXiT system for objective strength testing, which means your starting point and progress are recorded with real data, not just based on how you feel that day. This approach ensures that your exercise program is developed from an accurate baseline and monitored according to actual results, making any adjustments data-driven.
The team at Pivotal Motion is not only university-qualified but also accredited by ESSA and registered with AHPRA, bringing clinical expertise to the table. We operate out of a spacious, fully-equipped gym located within the Newmarket clinic. Having this gym on-site is crucial because the person who designs your program also implements and oversees it using the appropriate equipment.
Another advantage comes in the form of our multidisciplinary approach. Having both physiotherapists and exercise physiologists in the same office will guarantee a seamless transition of care between different fields, which guarantees that there will be a comprehensive evaluation of the problem you have. Pivotal Motion has served the residents of Brisbane for more than 18 years now, and our devotion is clearly seen in our commitment to personalising every program.
Book an exercise physiology appointment in Brisbane
Begin your journey to better health without the need for a referral. Depending on your insurance coverage, you might even be eligible for private health rebates. Our clinic is conveniently located at 240 Enoggera Road in Newmarket, and we welcome clients from Brisbane’s inner north and nearby areas.Â
You can easily book an appointment online whenever it suits you, or feel free to call us at 07 3352 5116 if you’d like to discuss whether exercise physiology matches your needs.
Frequently asked questions about exercise physiology
Do I need a referral to see an exercise physiologist?
No. You do not have to have a referral through your GP or specialist before booking. If your GP has provided you with a referral letter or a chronic disease management plan, feel free to bring it, as it influences your program and what you can claim.
Does private health cover exercise physiology?
Often, yes. Since exercise physiologists are accredited practitioners, rebates from private health funds can be available to you if your health insurance policy has coverage for extras services. The exact details will vary by individual plan and provider, so contact your fund directly to confirm.
Is exercise physiology safe if I have pain or an injury?
Yes. Your program is based on your unique condition, and the exercise selections and progressions will be made so that you do not aggravate existing pain or injury. Working under the supervision of a certified exercise physiologist is among the safest methods for exercising while injured, because the workload is adjusted according to the current capacity of your body.
How many exercise physiology sessions will I need?
It all depends on your personal circumstances and goals. There are people who visit a few times and then follow the program by themselves after it is provided to them, and there are people who stay longer and need our help managing their strength and conditions.
What should I bring to my first exercise physiology appointment?
Dress in comfortable exercise clothes and carry a water bottle. If you have any, bring your scans or surgical reports and all referrals, as these will provide useful information for your exercise physiology program.
Which Brisbane suburbs does Pivotal Motion service?
The clinic is located in Newmarket, and we welcome clients from all of Brisbane’s inner north, such as Wilston, Grange, Alderley, Ashgrove and the northern suburbs. Anyone able to travel to the Newmarket gym is welcome to train there.
