Exercise Physiology FAQs
1. What should I wear?
Your practitioner will need to have access to the area of pain. Therefore, it is best if you can wear shorts (and a sports bra in the case of women). We have gowns and shorts on site should you not have appropriate attire. You will not need to disrobe to your underwear. During your consult you may also be required to complete exercise so wearing clothing suitable for this is recommended
2. Does Movehappy Healthcare treat insurance patients?
Movehappy Healthcare therapists treat insurance patients. If you have an insurance claim, it is best to have a GP or specialist referral. It is also important that you have contacted your insurer to ensure that your claim HAS been accepted (verbal confirmation is insufficient).
We require payment at the time of service as Movehappy Healthcare does not directly invoice insurance companies for your treatment. Third-party patients will need to forward their paid invoice to their insurer for a rebate. We also charge our listed fees for all insurance patients, so it is important that you understand what costs your insurer will cover, as you might be left with a gap.
3. Does Movehappy Healthcare have HICAPS?
Movehappy Healthcare has HICAPs on site which means that if you have health insurance you can process your claim on the spot, meaning that you only have to pay the gap.
4. What is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP)?
AEP’s are university qualified allied health professionals who specialize in the delivery of exercise and lifestyle programs for people at high-risk of developing, or with existing chronic and complex medical conditions and injuries.
5. When should I see an Exercise Physiologist?
If you’re looking for or need assistance to prevent, treat and manage your injuries and/or chronic Conditions. Then having a session with a Movehappy exercise physiologist is the right call.
Our Exercise physiologist can help with:
- Chronic disease management – osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, depression, PTSD, Cancer, Obesity, Asthma, Diabetes and more
- Chronic and acute musculoskeletal conditions and injuries
- Cardiopulmonary conditions
- Pre and Post-surgery rehabilitation, including joint replacement rehabilitation
- Chronic Pain, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Falls Prevention
- Work related injuries and rehabilitation programs
- Hydrotherapy
- Sport specific strength and conditioning programs including biomechanics, fitness testing, strength and power development, speed and agility, flexibility, skill and technique.
If you are at all in doubt about whether a Movehappy Healthcare Exercise Physiologist can help you, simply call our receptionists on 6231 1155 or 6162 0855 and ask. Alternatively send your query by email to reception@movehappy.com.au.
6. How much does it cost?
- Initial: $115
- Standard: $105
Accredited Exercise Physiologists are allied health professionals, therefore they have a Medicare Provider Number. Movehappy Healthcare has the facility HiCaps which means if you have Private Health the claim can be done directly from our premises.
7. What is the difference between an Accredited Exercise Physiologist and a personal trainer?
Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) are allied-health professionals that have completed a 4 year university degree and are accredited with Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA). They also have a Medicare Provider numbers and are trained members of the health care and medical sector. Exercise Physiologists specialise in developing exercise therapy and lifestyle interventions for people at risk of developing, or with who live with existing acute, chronic and complex medical conditions and injuries.
Personal Trainers are members of the fitness industry. They are required to complete a certificate III & IV in Fitness, which enables them to work with general healthy populations. Personal Trainers are qualified and insured to design and deliver fitness programs for low risk general population client’s, and provide ongoing motivation and support to assist with reaching fitness goals.
8. What is the difference between an Accredited Exercise Physiologist and a Physiotherapist?
Exercise physiology and physiotherapy are both recognised allied health professions. Exercise physiologists primarily treat patients using clinical exercise therapy and lifestyle interventions as their main treatment modality. There is also a strong focus on behavioural change and self-management concepts.
Physiotherapists are health care professionals who assess, diagnose, treat and manage acute and chronic injuries, disability and pain through physical techniques such as manipulation, massage and exercise.
9. What can I expect from a consultation with an Exercise Physiologist?
At your first appointment with the exercise physiologist an initial consultation will be conducted. During your initial consult the exercise physiologist will conduct assessments to understand your current health, capabilities and physical status. They will also complete a thorough medical and exercise history to help understand your requirements. Following this an individualised treatment plan will then be formulated in conjunction with you to work out the best way forward for your treatment. If the therapist feels additional services or referral onto a specialist is required then that will be discussed with you. At the end of your session a detailed written report will be sent back to your referring GP, specialist or other health professional.
10. Do I need a referral?
Anyone is welcome to make an appointment with one of our Exercise Physiologists. All patients under Medicare, DVA, Workers Compensation and CTP claims will need a referral prior to attending an initial consultation to receive a rebate. No referral is required for Private Patients or patients using private health insurance.
11. Can you help me if I have several health conditions?
Yes,
Exercise Physiologists are extensively trained to help people with a wide range of complex and chronic conditions and co-morbidities. We can work in conjunction with your other health practitioners to ensure the optimal treatment is provided.
12. Exercise for Kids
Children are not mini-adults. While physical activity is beneficial for adults it is critical for your children’s development. Exercise and physical activity help children to develop their gross motor skills, become better at emotional regulation, improve their social skills and improve their quality of life. Currently, though, only 24% of Australian kids are meeting the physical activity guidelines of 60 minutes of movement per day! This has not been helped by the fact that most primary schools no longer have dedicated PE teachers or PE lessons.
Our Exercise Physiologist can assist your children to live their best lives and become more physically active. Through the creation of tailored exercise programs we can help to foster social skills and self-confidence through increased engagement in group sporting activities like team sports.
FAQ
Can I access my child’s NDIS funding for exercise physiology services?
Yes! Exercise Physiology services can draw from the following funding areas:
• Capacity Building Early Childhood Interventions Supports (under 7yrs)
• Capacity Building Improved Health and Wellbeing
• Capacity Building Improved Daily Living
What services do we provide:
• Comprehensive fitness and motor skill assessments
• Intervention for children returning to sport after an injury
• Intervention for improving motor and sports skills
• Biomechanical sporting and postural screenings
• Gross motor skills training
• Water-based therapy sessions (hydrotherapy)
• Sports and ball skills training
• Asthma and cardiovascular condition management
• Childhood cancer exercise management
Common disabilities/conditions our Exercise Physiologist work with:
• Children with movement and strength difficulties
• Neurological conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, Stroke, Dystonia, Acquired Brain Injury
• Hypermobility and connective tissue disorders
• Sensory Processing Disorders (where children seek or avoid movement)
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (levels 1 & 2)
• Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
• Respiratory and Cardiovascular conditions (e.g. Asthma)
• Childhood Cancers
• Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
• Global Developmental Delay (GDD)
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
We offer before and after school appointments.