What is an Exercise Physiologist?
An Accredited Exercise Physiologist is an allied health provider qualified to provide prescriptive exercise for both metabolic problems e.g. T2D, and musculoskeletal dysfunction e.g. osteoarthritis. The Exercise Physiologist understands the medical condition, the medication prescribed for the condition, the evidence-based exercise needed for that condition and as well they have the ability to identify the patients “starting point”.
Green Apple Accredited exercise physiologists specialise in clinical exercise interventions for people with a broad range of health issues. Those people may be at risk of developing, or have, existing medical conditions and injuries.
The aims of exercise physiology interventions are to prevent or manage acute, sub- acute or chronic disease or injury, and assist in restoring one’s optimal physical function, health, or wellness. These interventions are evidence and exercise-based and include health and physical activity education, advice and support and lifestyle modification with a strong focus on achieving behavioural change.
When should I see an Exercise Physiologist?
There are a wide range of reasons why a person may benefit from consulting an accredited Exercise Physiologist. A Doctor may refer you on a Care Plan to help manage your chronic condition or you can self-refer and use your Private Health Fund rebate to help fund the appointment. Even without a Care Plan or Private Health cover, you can still self-refer and fund the session yourself.
Chronic disease management plans can be developed for:
- Cardiovascular rehabilitation (Ischemic heart disease, Coronary Artery disease, Cardiomyopathy, CABG etc)
- Pulmonary rehabilitation (COPD, Emphysema, Bronchitis, Pulmonary fibrosis, etc)
- Metabolic condition management (Type 2 diabetes, Weight loss)
- Neurological rehabilitation (Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Motor Neuron, Cerebral palsy, Autism etc)
- Musculoskeletal disease (including arthritis, osteoporosis/osteopenia, acute and/or chronic muscle and joint pain)
- Depression and other mental health conditions (Improving mood, positive behaviour pattern, feel good feeling, improving motivation and self-confidence)
- Cancer (assist in improving quality of life and managing pain)
Accredited exercise physiologists may also assist with:
- Assessments of functional capacity
- Advice on lifestyle modification to improve health status
- Exercise prescriptions for strength and function improvement pre- and post-surgery
- Workplace assessments.
- Return to work assistance with a tailored exercise program to regain lost function and assist with time bound recovery
Why choose a Green Apple Exercise Physiologist?
The Green Apple Wellness Centre has been established since 1978 and provides the community with a wide range of physical activity choices and programs that exercise Physiologists can access. They work with an experienced and enthusiastic team, all focussing on health and wellbeing outcomes in a community setting.
Green Exercise Physiologists provide both individual, one-on-one sessions, as well as deliver group class sessions.
What is a Care Plan referral?
If you have a Team Care Arrangement with your GP, you may be able to get a referral to one of the following Allied Health professionals below. This provides personal one-on-one time with a university-trained professional who can help you in your health journey.
- Exercise physiologist (Bulk billed sessions with a doctor’s referral)
- Dietitian (link)
- Physiotherapist
Team Care Arrangements (TCA) and Enhanced Primary Care Plans (EPC)
These referrals are available for eligible people through their General Practitioner (GP). Eligibility is based on whether you have a chronic condition. Chronic conditions (Medicare defines a chronic condition as one that has been, or will likely to be, present for at least 6 months or is terminal) need to be assessed by a GP as there are specific requirements that need to be met for Medicare funding to apply. If you think you may be eligible, please speak to your doctor.
Download a referral to take to your GP here
If you already have your Care Plan, call to make your appointment
Bulk Billing
At Green Apple Wellness Centre, we support the doctors who provide the Care Plan opportunities to patients by bulk billing your referrals to our exercise physiologists. This means you do not have to pay the usual GAP payment.
How do I enrol in T2D Group Education?
At the Green Apple, as well as providing one-on-one sessions with the Exercise Physiologist on a Care Plan, we run approved Type 2 Diabetes Group Education courses. This course is Bulk Billed with a doctor’s referral.
T2D Group Education courses are conducted 4 times a year for 8 weeks duration. They cover lifestyle modification and exercise sessions to help you better manage your type 2 diabetes.
The T2D Group Education course is great if you have been newly diagnosed and would like some more information about the condition and what you can do to help yourself. Even if you have had type 2 diabetes for a long time, we recommend your enrolment because this course is reviewed yearly to make sure that the information is up to date, meaning that you can participate every year to learn something new every time!
Speak to your GP about whether you are eligible for a Type 2 Diabetes Group Education referral (one per person, per year) to this bulk billed course.
Find out more about the T2D Group Education course
