Old older lady and man doing a side stretch.

Exercise Physiology

‘Exercise Physiologists are Movement Health experts who use exercise for the prevention and management of chronic disease or injury.’

An Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) is a University qualified allied health professional who has met the accreditation requirements set out by Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA).

About Exercise Physiology

Next to your GP, an AEP is the most important person to have in your health care team (bias alert!). An AEP’s skillset is positioned at the intersection of health science, the science of physical activity and the psychology of behaviour change. This powerful mix is an asset for anyone looking to engage positively with their health. AEP’s have no time for the ‘body beautiful’ narrative driven by the fitness industry as they prefer to help people better understand their health, explore creative ways for building physical capacity and supporting them as they work towards meaningful goals. When working with an AEP expect to develop knowledge about your disease or injury and explore strategies that you can use to manage your health. Whether it’s mobilising and strengthening an ankle post sprain or utilising aerobic exercise to help manage the neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia an AEP is here to help. Increasing health literacy and participating in regular exercise/physical activity are some of the most profoundly positive things you can do for your health, rehabilitation and wellbeing, and an AEP is your key to unlocking this.
 
 
AEP’s work in a variety of settings in the Australian healthcare system, as Allied Health Professionals they are registered with Medicare, the Department of Veteran Affairs and Work Cover, as well as being recognised by a large number of private health insurers.
Joseph Pilates teaching a young woman the coordination exercise on the Cadillac.

Pilates

‘The Pilates Method of Physical and Mental Conditioning is an intelligent approach to Movement Health.’

An exercise system that focuses on intelligent movement; the Pilates method can be helpful in the management of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular injury. Pilates sessions can have a fitness/wellness or rehabilitation focus depending on individual needs and the teachers background.

Pilates History

Joseph Pilates was born in Germany in 1883 and as a child experienced a variety of illnesses, because of this he dedicated himself to exercise and improving his physical condition. Joe trained as a gymnast and boxer; he also studied yoga, body-building and martial arts. When World War One started Joe was working in England as a circus performer and was subsequently interned. With lots of time and a population of idle interns to work with he began to integrate his exercise experiences into what he called ‘Contrology’. Following the war Joe migrated to New York where he established the first Pilates studio and spent the rest of his life evolving his ideas. This was the beginnings of what is now referred to as Pilates. Today Pilates is practised all around the world as a way to rehabilitate after an injury or surgery, enhance sports performance, increase wellness, improve posture and bring joy to exercise.

Pilates Benefits

The goals of the Pilates method are; development of a strong/stable core, increased flexibility and improved whole-body strength. Pilates exercises focus on body alignment, emphasise movement precision and explore the infinite possibilities of combining the power of the body and mind. Pilates is gentle enough for pregnant women and challenging enough for the elite athlete and is an unparalleled exercise system that improves strength, flexibility, co-ordination and control.
Etching of two hands massaging a bent knee.

Remedial Massage

‘Remedial Massage Therapists are Movement Health body-workers who assess and treat muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissue to assist in rehabilitation, pain and injury management.’

A Remedial Massage therapist must have a good knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology and use this knowledge to provide safe, effective treatments.

Remedial Massage Benefits

A Remedial Massage is an outcome focused manual therapy treatment where the therapist uses a variety of techniques such as deep tissue work, trigger point therapy and stretching with the aim of creating favourable conditions for the body to return to normal health after injury. Remedial Massage aims to address muscular tension and length promoting a return to optimal body alignment. Blood and Lymphatic circulation also responds well to Remedial Massage and this can positively affect any scarring or adhesions that may result from an injury.