Exercise physiotherapists are degree-qualified experts in exercise prescription for health, fitness, sports performance and injury management. They are physiotherapists who have additional undergraduate or post-graduate training in exercise prescription, and they work with a wide variety of clients ranging from elite athletes to recreational sportspeople, the general population to those with medical conditions such as diabetes or osteoporosis, and people who want close professional supervision to make sure they are exercising safely and effectively. Our exercise physio team are a vital link between traditional healthcare and active lifestyle choices, providing evidence-based assessments and action plans grounded in science. If you are looking for a tailored, effective and evidence-based exercise program in Sydney, this post gives you all the information you need.
Understanding Exercise Physio – Exercise Is Medicine
Our exercise physios are physiotherapists who have completed a physiotherapy degree (undergraduate or Masters) , plus have also completed a Bachelor in Exercise and Sports Science or are cetrtified with ASCA – the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association. They are fully registered with the Australian Health Practitioner registration Agency (AHPRA), and your sessions are claimable on private health insurance (subject to your level of cover – please check with your fund). They have extensive training and expereince in areas including;
- analysing human movement
- fitness testing (strength, flexibility, motor control / co-ordination, agility, cardiovascular…)
- injury mechanisms and management
- arthritis and ageing
- mental health management
- metabolic disease processes such as diabetes and osteoporosis
This knowledge is integrated with training focusing on the use of exercise as a therapeutic tool, firmly supporting the principle of exercise is medicine. Research shows that exercise plays a primary role in many areas of health including rehabilitating injuries, managing diseases, optimising physical performance and maximising sports ability. Every exercise physio session is designed with the latest research and methodology, ensuring that our programs are as effective, safe and innovative as they can be.
At Central Performance our exercise physio team bring a holistic approach to health and fitness, easily blending injury management and rehab with ongoing exercise for maximising strength, flexibility, fitness and sports performance.
What Is The Difference Between An Exercise Physio And A Personal Trainer?
The primary difference between an exercise physio and a personal trainer is the level of education and the scope of practice. Exercise physios have a university degree and are accredited to work with individuals with chronic health conditions as well as the general population and athletes. On the other hand, personal trainers are fitness professionals who guide the general population towards fitness and health goals but don’t have training in prescribing exercise for specific medical conditions.
Should I See An Exercise Physio Or A Personal Trainer?
Deciding whether to see an exercise physio or a Personal Trainer depends on your goals and reasons for exercise. For managing specific health conditions or injuries with exercise, an exercise physio is the best option. However, if you don’t have a specific medical condition or injury to manage, and are just looking to improve your general health and fitness, then either an exercise physio or a personal trainer should be fine. If you have higher-level sports performance goals you need to train for, then either an exercise physio or personal trainer with experience in your chosen sport would be suitable.
What Types Of Clients Do Exercise Physios Work With?
Exercise physios design and supervise exercise programmes tailored to the needs of an extensive range of clients. Whether it’s managing chronic conditions or improving sporting performance, exercise physio programs are personalised and carefully designed to meet each individual’s goals and requirements.
Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation
Exercise physios are expertly trained to develop targeted exercise programs for clients wanting to prevent or recover from injuries. Exercise is proven to be among the most important and effective ways to minimise and prevent injuries (read our blog on this subject), so getting a personalised program designed for your particular needs is a highly beneficial option. And if an injury does occur, getting on the right program to fully regain your strength, flexibility, co-ordination and game-fitness is vital for a safe return to sport without further problems.
Exercise for Back And Neck Pain
Exercise physios are specifically trained to work with clients suffering from back and neck pain. Research shows that they play an especially important role in treating chronic or recurrent pain, i.e. pain that has lasts for months or years, or keeps coming and going over a period of time. Central Performance has a specific Back Pain Program which has been designed using the latest research to treat and prevent ongoing back pain.
Exercise For Rehabilitation Following Surgery
Exercise is a major part of the rehab process following many types of orthopaedic and spinal/neuro surgery. Common post-op clients who we work with include;
- ACL reconstructions
- knee arthroscopies and meniscal (cartilage) repairs
- total hip and knee replacements
- internal fixation of fractures (broken bones) with pins, plates and screws
- back and neck surgery including discectomies, fusions, laminectomies and disc replacements
- shoulder reconstructions and stabilisations
- rotator cuff repairs, biceps tenodesis and acromioplasty
Exercise for Improved Sports Performance
At Central Performance our exercise physio team work closely with athletes of all levels to enhance their sports performance. We have particular experience and expertise working with runners, including athletes competing at the national, international and Olympic level. By focusing on biomechanics, strength, and conditioning, we help athletes maximise their performance while they build resilience to stay free from injury.
Exercise for General Health And Fitness
We love working with people of all ages, fitness levels and exercise experience to help them improve their overall health and fitness. For maximum results we tailor a balanced program combining cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility exercises to safely and effectively build fitness and resilience to lead healthy, active and injury-free lifestyle.
Exercise for Osteoporosis And Osteopaenia
Research clearly shows that tailored exercise programs are a central part of effectively managing osteoporosis and osteopenia. The right program combines weight-bearing and resistance exercises to strengthen bones by maintaining or increasing bone density to minimise the risk of fractures. Importantly, the research shows that this type of exercise is safe as well as effective for managing osteoporosis and osteopenia.
Exercise Physio Sydney – Personalised, Effective And Safe
At Central Performance our exercise physios offer a range of services tailored to meet your individual health and fitness goals. With options for one-on-one sessions, partnered sessions and small-group class memberships, your options are flexible and easy to work into your lifestyle. Our team’s extensive knowledge of movement analysis, biomechanics, sport science and injury management allows us to develop personalised programs that are safe, effective, motivating and enjoyable. Plus our focus on education means that you’ll always know what the current goals of your program are, why you’re doing each exercise, how to optimise your technique, and what’s next as you improve.
Personalised Exercise Training Programs
Each program for every client is personalised to align with their unique goals, fitness level, exercise preference, and medical and injury history. We always focus on using evidence-based practice and the latest research to deliver programs that build strength, endurance, co-ordination, technique, and resilience against injury.
Strength and Conditioning For Athletes And Sportspeople
Our exercise physio team are experienced in designing sport-specific strength and conditioning programs that enhance athletic performance by improving strength, power, mobility and movement control. We incorporate the latest sport science research into our training regimes, paying close attention to proper form and technique to maximise results while minimising the risk of injury. We specialise in strength and conditioning programs for runners of all abilities, from recreational to elite, to help them boost running performance and stay free from injury.
Best Clinical Outcomes and Evidence-Based Practice
Our team of exercise physios are continually updating their knowledge with the latest research in the relevant areas of exercise prescription. All of our programs are focused on enhancing clinical outcomes through evidence-based treatment, meaning that we regularly monitor and review each client’s progress to make sure their program is effective and helping them reach their health and fitness gaols as quickly and safely as possible.
We Track Results To Demonstrate Improvement
Our rigorous approach ensures that our programs are effectively helping our clients achieve their goals. For example, when designing and delivering exercise interventions targeted at cardiovascular and metabolic conditions, we track the results to demonstrate significant improvements in our clients’ health. This may include utilising exercise prescriptions that are clinically proven to reduce the risk of heart disease and improve blood glucose control in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Finding the Right Exercise Physiolo in Sydney
Finding the right exercise physio to suit your needs is crucial. It’s important to consider their qualifications and experience, the convenience of the clinic and the facilities provided. And you also need to find someone who you feel comfortable with, who you trust and can build a great rapport with. Plus you need to compare the costs and potential health fund rebates. At Central Performance our exercise physio team pride themselves on being the first-choice clinic for our Surry Hills community as well as workers in Sydney CBD, Darlinghurst, Redfern and PAddington. Access is easy, with Central Station, buses and the light rail just a few minutes walk away. Click here to see two videos on why our clients love training with us at Central Performance.
Can You Claim Health Fund Rebates For Exercise Physio?
Yes. Exercise Physio is covered under normal physio rebates. Our team are recognised by all of the major private health funds, so you can claim a rebate for sessions. You need to check with your health fund to confirm that you are covered for physiotherapy. We have the HICAPS system for on-the-spot health fund rebates.
Booking your First Exercise Physio Session
Booking your appointment is easy. You can book online or call us on 9280 2322 to find a time that suits. We are open from 7.00am until 7pm (5pm Fridays), so coming before or after work, or at lunchtime, is easy. Give yourself 45 minutes for your first session.
What Happens In Your First Exercise Physio Consultation?
During your first consultation your exercise physio will take a comprehensive history including;
- what you want to get out of your exercise program; what motivated you to contact us
- specific injuries or conditions you want to work on
- performance goals, for example sporting goals, weight loss, strength or gym training goals…
- any medical history or previous injuries
- your current fitness level
- your previous exercise history and experience, plus preferences for the type of exercise you enjoy
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re looking to begin working with an exercise physio in Sydney, here are some frequently asked questions you may find helpful.
Which health conditions can an Exercise Physio help manage?
Exercise physios can assist in managing many health conditions including injuries (sports injury, back and neck pain, sprains…), post-operative rehab, arthritis, and chronic pain. Exercise prescription is beneficial for both prevention and rehabilitation.
How can an Exercise Physiot assist in injury rehabilitation?
Tailored exercise and rehabilitation programs promote recovery and prevent future injuries by fully restoring your strength, flexibility, stability and movement control. A targeted exercise program to build your game-ready fitness can significantly reduce your risk of any further injury when you return to your sport. Movement analysis, biomechanical screens and specific injury risk movement screens can highlight areas of weakness or tightness that can increase your risk of injury, then a tailored corrective exercise program can be prescribed to improve movement mechanics and strengthen weaker areas to minimise your risk of future problems.
Can Exercise Physios help with back pain treatment?
Yes. Exercise is one of the most effective treatments for almost all cases of lower back pain. Our exercise physio team are experts at assessing clients with back pain and guiding them through a safe and effective exercise program to relieve their pain and minimise the chance of future pain episodes. For more information see our blog on exercise for lower back pain.
What is the average session duration with an Exercise Physio?
A typical session with an exercise physio usually lasts between 30-45 minutes, although some sessions are up to 60 minutes. This session length allows plenty of time for assessment, exercise performance and progression, and education on exercise technique and expected program advancement.
Can Exercise Physio services be claimed on private health insurance?
Yes, exercise physio services can be claimed on all major private health insurance funds, depending on your level of cover. We recommended that you check with your health fund for details regarding your eligibility. We provide the HICAPS on-the-spot health fund claims system for your convenience.
How Is An Exercise Physio Different To A Personal Trainer?
Exercise physios are allied health professionals with university-level training in the use of exercise to manage injuries and other medical conditions. So, if you have a specific injury or medical condition that you want to work on, choosing an exercise physiologist would be best for you. Both exercise physiologists and personal trainers can work with the general population to improve their overall health and fitness. For competitive athletes, finding the right exercise physiologist or trainer who has experience in strength and conditioning for your particular sport is important.
Easy Access From Surry Hills, Sydney CBD, Darlinghurst, Redfern, Haymarket And Paddington
Central Performance: Exercise Physio Sydney – Just Three Minutes from Central Station
Central Performance is located in the heart of Surry Hills, just 3 minutes walk from Central Station. The light rail goes right outside (use either Surry Hills or Central Chalmers Street stops), and buses on Elizabeth Street are just around the corner. We are open from 6.30am – 7pm and you can book online, so scheduling appointments is easy. For more information or to book your exercise physiology session click below or call us on 9280 2322.
