Key points

• Purpose: Use exercise as a therapeutic tool to prevent or manage injury, chronic disease and disability, and to support rehabilitation and recovery.

• Who provides it: Accredited exercise physiologists (AEPs) — allied health professionals trained to assess, prescribe and monitor individualised exercise interventions.

• Assessment: Comprehensive evaluation of medical history, current symptoms, movement, strength, balance, cardiovascular fitness and functional goals.

• Intervention: Tailored exercise programs that may include cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, flexibility, balance and motor control work, plus education and self-management strategies.

• Settings: Clinic-based sessions, home visits, group classes, hydrotherapy/pool sessions and community programs.

• Conditions commonly treated: Musculoskeletal injuries, osteoarthritis, chronic back pain, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, COPD, neurological conditions (stroke, Parkinson’s), mental health conditions (anxiety, depression) and long COVID.

• Benefits: Reduced pain, improved mobility and strength, better cardiovascular health, enhanced function for daily activities, decreased medication reliance, and improved mental well-being.

How an exercise physiology program typically works

1. Initial assessment: Review of medical records and goals, physical testing, and risk screening.

2. Individualised plan: Evidence-based exercise prescription with progression, symptom monitoring and education.

3. Supervised sessions: Guided exercise to ensure safe technique and appropriate intensity; may include clinic, home or hydrotherapy sessions.

4. Reassessment: Regular outcome measurement and adjustment of the program to match progress and goals.

5. Transition to independence: Self-management strategies and home exercise plans to maintain gains long-term.

Who benefits

People across the lifespan who want to recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve function after surgery, increase fitness safely, or reduce the impact of long-term health problems. Programs are adapted for individual needs, limitations and goals.

Do I need a referral?

No — you don’t need a referral to see us at Body and Bones Exercise Physiology. You can book a private appointment directly for assessment and treatment for injury recovery, chronic conditions, rehabilitation or general therapeutic exercise.

When a referral may be helpful:

• Medicare Chronic Disease Management (CDM): If you have a GP-prepared CDM plan, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate for allied health services, including exercise physiology. Bring the referral plan to your appointment to claim the rebate.

• Workers’ compensation: A workplace injury claim usually requires paperwork or a treating doctor’s referral to process claims and fund services. Bring the claim details to your appointment.

What to bring to your first appointment

• Any referral, CDM plan or insurance authorisation (if you have one)

• Relevant medical information: recent imaging, discharge summaries, specialist or GP letters

• Medication list and details of symptoms or functional goals

We’ll work with your GP, specialists and other health providers where needed to coordinate care. If you’re unsure whether you need a referral for your situation, contact our clinic with your details and we’ll advise what documentation (if any) will help you access rebates or funding.

What to expect at your first appointment

Intake and paperwork

• We’ll ask you to complete or confirm some basic paperwork before we begin: contact details, Medicare or private health information (if relevant), and consent forms. If you’ve already completed these online, we’ll confirm the information on arrival.

Medical and injury history

• A thorough discussion about your reason for referral, current symptoms, past injuries or surgeries, medical conditions, medications, and any investigations (imaging, blood tests, specialist reports). Bring or upload any relevant reports if you have them.

Assessment

• Movement and functional assessment tailored to your problem. This may include posture, joint range of motion, muscle strength, flexibility, balance, gait, and movement patterns relating to your symptoms.

• Special tests relevant to your diagnosis (orthopaedic, neurological or cardiopulmonary screens) to help identify contributing factors and rule out red flags.

• Pain assessment: location, quality, severity, aggravating/easing factors, and your goals for recovery.

Hydrotherapy or home visit specifics

• If your first session is hydrotherapy we’ll confirm your comfort in water, advise what to bring (towel, swimsuit), and allow time for changing. Pool temperature and entry assistance are discussed as needed.

• For a home visit we’ll review the space available for assessment and exercise and consider any mobility or safety issues.

Discussion and treatment plan

• Clear explanation of findings in plain language, and how these relate to your symptoms and goals.

• A personalised treatment plan: short-term priorities, recommended treatment frequency, likely timelines, and expected outcomes.

• Immediate treatment may be provided during the first visit where appropriate (manual therapy, hands-on mobilisation, soft tissue work, initial exercise prescription, taping or modalities). You will never be given a treatment you haven’t agreed to.

Home program and education

• Practical advice and an individualised home exercise program with clear instructions and progressions. Education about pain, self-management strategies, activity modification and pacing will be included.

• Equipment recommendations (bands, pillows, aids) if required.

Time and cost

• Standard initial appointment length and fee will be confirmed when you book. We’ll also note any rebates available through Medicare, private health or third-party insurers.

What to bring

• Referral letter or specialist notes (if you have them)

• Recent imaging reports or test results

• A list of current medications

• Comfortable clothing for movement assessment

• Towel and swimsuit for hydrotherapy sessions

Privacy and consent

• Your information is kept confidential and stored securely. We will discuss and document informed consent for assessment and treatment.

After the appointment

• A summary of your plan and exercises will be provided (printed or emailed). We’ll discuss follow-up appointments and any referrals to other health professionals if needed.

If you have any concerns before your appointment (mobility, pain flare-ups, or accessibility needs) let us know when booking so we can accommodate you.

Yes. Exercise physiology can be suitable — and often very helpful — if you’re experiencing pain. The key is a personalised, graded approach by a qualified Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) who understands pain, injury, and how to safely restore movement, function and confidence.

When exercise physiology is appropriate

• Pain is common with musculoskeletal injuries (back, neck, shoulder, knee, hip), chronic conditions (arthritis, fibromyalgia), post-surgery recovery, persistent pain syndromes and many neurological conditions. An AEP can assess whether exercise is appropriate and design a program that addresses the cause of pain, related deconditioning, and functional goals.

• If pain is acute but mild-to-moderate and not worsening, carefully prescribed movement can reduce pain, speed recovery and prevent loss of strength or mobility.

• For persistent or chronic pain, graded exercise helps reduce fear-avoidance, improve tolerance to activity, and restore normal daily and work tasks.

• Exercise physiology is often integrated with other care (GP, physiotherapy, pain specialists, allied health) when needed.

What an AEP does for people in pain

• Comprehensive assessment: medical and injury history, current pain patterns, physical tests, activity limitations and personal goals.

• Individualised, graded programs: starting at a safe intensity and progressing as tolerated. Sessions may include stretching, strength training, aerobic exercise, neuromuscular control, balance and functional task practice.

• Pain education and self-management strategies: explaining why movement is important, pacing, load management and strategies to reduce flare-ups.

• Modification and load management: tailoring exercises to avoid activities that provoke harmful tissue stress while gradually increasing what the body can tolerate.

• Collaboration: communicating with your GP, physio, or surgeon where appropriate to coordinate care.

• Hydrotherapy and home sessions where clinic-based exercise isn’t suitable or for reduced joint loading.

Safety considerations and red flags

• An AEP will screen for red flags that need urgent medical attention (severe unexplained weight loss, fevers with pain, progressive neurological deficit, suspected fracture, severe joint instability). If these are present, immediate medical review is needed before exercise therapy.

• If you have complex medical conditions, a cardiac condition, recent surgery, or are on certain medications, your AEP will liaise with your medical team and tailor the program accordingly.

• Expect monitoring and adjustments: pain may fluctuate. A good AEP uses pain responses to guide progression (allowing some manageable soreness but avoiding prolonged severe flare-ups).

What to expect in your first sessions

• A clear explanation of assessment findings and realistic goals.

• Gentle, purposeful movement and education about pacing and load.

• Short-term plan for home exercises and practical strategies to stay active without causing harmful strain.

• Regular reviews to progress safely or to refer to other specialists if required.

Who should consider exercise physiology

• Anyone with ongoing musculoskeletal pain, arthritis, post-operative needs, chronic pain conditions, or who has become deconditioned from avoiding activity.

• People seeking structured, evidence-based exercise programs that respect pain limits while promoting recovery and function.

If you’re unsure whether exercise physiology is right for your specific pain, book an initial consultation or speak to your GP. An AEP can assess your situation and recommend a safe, effective path forward.

Phone: Call Brittany to book an appointment

Email: Send your preferred days/times, session type, and brief reason for referral or goals.

Book online: Click ‘book now’ to make an online booking.