An Exercise Physio-what? Do you mean a physiotherapist? Nope. How about a personal trainer? Nope. Hmm, so then what exactly is an Exercise Physiologist?
The team at Hunter MoveAbility have made it super easy to understand. Read below to find out:
- What an Exercise Physiologist actually does
- Why you might benefit from it
- How you can fund Exercise Physiology in your NDIS plan
What Is an Exercise Physiologist?
An Exercise Physiologist is a tertiary qualified Allied Health professional with a Medicare provider number, trained within the health and medical sector. They specialise in exercise therapy and lifestyle interventions for people at risk of developing, or with existing, disabilities, chronic medical conditions and musculoskeletal injuries.
What Does an Exercise Physiologist Do?
Imagine a car: you’re driving down the road when suddenly the brakes don’t work effectively and you hit another car. BOOO! Don’t worry, everyone walks away safely. Now what do you do? What is wrong with the car? What is happening? Why did my brakes stop? AAARRGGGHHH!!! Not an ideal situation, however you need to get the car back on the road and back to doing its purpose of transporting you to where you want to go, right?
- Step 1 – the car is taken to a mechanic, who identifies that parts need to be replaced to ensure the car is working
- Step 2 – the car needs to be put back into place by a panel beater and then testing needs to be done to ensure it works
- Step 3 – now, who is looking at the reason for the brakes losing their effectiveness? Who is ensuring this problem doesn’t occur again, or is at a reduced risk of occurring again?
Yep, you guessed it. The engineers are the ones that ensure the car is functioning at its best and most efficient capabilities. This is where Exercise Physiologists come into this system.
Trained Exercise Physiologists are the engineers for the human body, using individualised evidence-based and client-based programming. They are trained to look after the person as a whole and not just the injury or medical issue.
How Can You Benefit From Exercise Physiology?
The research is clear in building capacity for increased independence at home, work, school or in the community.
Here are only three reasons (there are heaps more) Hunter MoveAbility believes funding for Exercise Physiology should be included in a participant’s plan:
- Exercise has been shown to improve function and make ADLs easier.
- Exercise has been shown to improve quality of life for participants.
- Exercise has been shown to improve function and help participants find and sustain employment.
How Can I Have It Funded in My NDIS Plan?
Do you believe Exercise Physiology is the right therapy for you and will help you work towards your goals? Here are two budget areas where Exercise Physiology may be funded under your plan:
- Improved Daily Living Skills – 15_200_0126_1_3 OR 15_200_0128_1_3 OR 15_799_0126_1_3
- Improved Health & Wellbeing – 12_027_0126_3_3 OR 12_027_0128_3_3
How Much Can My Exercise Physiologist Charge Me?
To see the latest NDIS price for an Exercise Physiologist, go to our NDIS Price Search tool and type in “Exercise Physiology”.
If you are receiving supports in your home and the therapist needs to travel to you, they may also charge for travel time and distance. Make sure you discuss this with your therapist before you start your sessions.
Want to Know More?
Hunter MoveAbility offer mobile NDIS Exercise Physiology and clinic-based NDIS Exercise Physiology services in Nowra, Jervis Bay, Tamworth and the Hunter region of NSW.
Get in touch with their team to see how they can help you.
