What is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP)?
An AEP is a university degree qualified allied health professional who specialise in the delivery of exercise, lifestyle and behavioural modification programs for the prevention and management of chronic diseases an injuries.
Exercise physiologists gain accreditation through Exercise and sport science Australia (ESSA) and are required to abide by a strict code of practice and to participate in continuing education to retain their accreditation.
What can an AEP help with?
back pain
type 2 diabetes
PCOS
weight loss and management
arthritis
chronic fatigues syndrome
fibromyalgia
balance
stroke and heart attack recovery
pre and post orthopaedic surgery (hip and knee replacements)
cardiovascular disease
sports injuries
neurological conditions
and much much more
AEP's also specialise in clinical exercise interventions to help with prevent or manage acute an sub-acute injury and chronic disease to help restore an individual's optimal physical function, health, wellness an quality of life
How many appointments will I need and for how long?
The first appointment is an initial consultation and assessment can take 60 minutes, however if you have multiple health conditions to discuss it may take multiple appointments to cover both the Initial Consultation and the Assessment
Your first appointment may then followed by a second appointment a week or two later where you and Kimberley will run through your program recommendations to make sure you are performing the exercises correctly and safely. This added session will be discussed at your first session as some may not require this.
After 6 -10 weeks - a full re-assessment is recommended in order to progress your program further.
In between these appointments you can schedule a review session to discuss your program, run through your exercises , or to reboot your motivation.
Kimberley also offers one-to-one training sessions, which many clients find beneficial when returning back to exercise or when new to exercise - this helps with building good movement habits as well as developing a regular routine .
Only during the assessments, program run throughs or 1-1 trainings will you be exercising, so please come wearing something comfortable and in your runners.
What happens at the first appointment?
At your first session, Kimberley discuss with you the information you have provided on the online intake form and this may be followed by physical assessments based on your goals, needs, medical and exercising history.
Tests may include: range of motion, muscular strength and endurance, balance, aerobic capacity and functional tests which are essential to your everyday activities and fitness needs.
Recommended sessions with Kimberley: 1. Initial consultation and assessment - video is used 2. Program run through - going over your program - video is used 3. 10 weeks later - re-assessment and new program run through 4. These timelines are just guidelines as everyone's goals and programs will be different and this will be discussed with you at your initial consultation
There are 30 and 45 minute appointments are for reviews, check ins, 1-1 sessions and for quick health updates, small program adjustments or brief exercise coaching.
Telehealth appointments are also available - contact Kimberley for details and to see if this is appropriate for you.
What is included in my Fees?
With your Initial Assessment or Reassessment -
8 weeks of daily monitoring and correspondence with Kimberley regarding your program.
You also have direct contact with Kimberley via the program app and email; in order to monitor pain, exercise intensity and exercise performance.
Do you offer Rebates?
Exercise Physiology sessions are often covered under private health insurance and you may be eligible for a rebate on your session fees. Please check with your insurer to see if you are covered
Should you have a chronic health condition for which exercise physiology would be of benefit, you may qualify for a rebate under a Medicare health plan, so please consult your GP if this applies to you.
CANCELLATIONS - if you cancel within 24 hours of your appointment you will not be charged for the session, however there may be a fee charged when it is less than 24 hours.
We understand that life and emergencies happen, but we have held your time slot we may have turned others away.
So please let us know as soon as you can and cancellations fees will be determined on a case by case basis
WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN MY INITIAL ASSESSMENT? An initial assessment will involve taking a thorough medical history, including previous or current injuries, health conditions and medications. This information is vital in prescribing exercise that is tailored to you.
The assessment is specific to your current condition – which could range from cardiovascular measures through to specific strength and flexibility testing.
You will be guided through an effective way of setting goals and breaking them down into smaller parts to build sustainable and achievable outcomes. These goals will be continually checked and adjusted to ensure that your program reflects your progress and needs at that time.
If required, a structured home exercise program will be developed to ensure that you are getting the most out of your face-to-face exercise physiology sessions.
Most importantly, you will walk away with a clear management plan for your particular condition and feel supported by the fact that your exercise is being taken care of by a professional. Your exercise physiologist will also collaborate with your other treating practitioners to ensure each member of your healthcare team is on the same page.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM A ONE-ON-ONE EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY SESSION? Your one-on-one session with an exercise physiologist will involve a tailored clinical exercise session based on your initial assessment and goals. This session allows for maximum supervision and helps to develop good exercise technique and understanding.
Individual exercise physiology sessions are available as 30 and 45 minute appointments – meaning that clinical exercise will always fit in your schedule!
ARE THERE GROUP SESSIONS AVAILABLE? To ensure that your exercise can be completely individualised, supervised and safe, Kimberley - the AEP offers 1:3 and group Clinical Exercise Sessions . These go for 45 and 60 minutes and involve a thorough warm up and mobility component to increase function and manage your condition.
CAN I COMPLETE CLINICAL EXERCISE WITH A FRIEND? Of course! As long as you have both completed an Exercise Physiology Initial Assessment, so that both of your exercise requirements can be taken into consideration. Please call Kimberley on 0432 711 733 to make a time that suits you both and to select the most convenient location.
BOOKING YOUR VISIT Bookings for all exercise physiology services can be made by contacting Kimberley