This is a question that we get asked often, as Exercise Physiology is quite a young profession. However it is one that is flourishing and it’s validity as a must have in one’s healthcare plan is being more widely recognized and acknowledged. It is common for people to consider us as Physiotherapists or Personal Trainers, when in truth, each profession has their own purpose and by understanding the different roles each profession plays, can better serve you to understand what is the best path for you to take in your health journey.
So with that, let us take the opportunity to explain, what is an Exercise Physiologist?
An Exercise Physiologist undertakes an equivalent of 4 years of University study. We take a holistic and functional approach to exercise prescription in order to treat/maintain/prevent injuries, people living with disabilities and chronic conditions as well as advocating for the importance of general health. We do this by prescribing evidence-based exercises. In our prescription, we consider the body as a whole. An Exercise Physiologist has the knowledge and skills to work in several pathology domains such as musckuloskeletal, cardiovascular, neurological, cancers, kidney, respiratory/pulmonary and mental health- any condition which evidence indicates exercise can improve the client’s health.
When attending your first appointment, you can generally expect to discuss with your Exercise Physiologist any relevant medical and physical activity or lifestyle history, your goals as well as participate in some base-level activities for your Exercise Physiologist to gauge a good starting point for your follow-up sessions. By doing this, it allows for you all to understand the best way to move forward in your prescription plan so that everyone feels comfortable and looked after on their health journey.
We often work with other healthcare professionals in a multidisciplinary network so that our clients are receiving the best possible care. It is important for all professions to respect the knowledge of each discipline so that both client and professionals alike can achieve the greatest service and learning.
Written: Daisy Welsh
Interested in learning more about our Professional Development for Exercise Physiologists and other Allied Health Professionals who work with the paediatric population?
Click on the link to view our course options to further your education in Child Development and Pilates for Paeds: