Exercise physiology may be suitable for children, adults and older adults who are experiencing:

• reduced strength or endurance

• deconditioning after illness, surgery or inactivity

• chronic pain or persistent musculoskeletal limitations

• reduced confidence with movement

• disability-related physical limitations

• fatigue affecting daily participation

• reduced balance confidence

• long-term health conditions affecting function

• a need for structured, guided exercise support

Programs are always tailored to the individual. The right approach depends on the person’s goals, function, health background and current capacity.

Although this page focuses on exercise physiology in Perth, Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health also offers a broader allied health service. Depending on your needs, you may also benefit from:

Physiotherapy

Support with mobility, rehabilitation, musculoskeletal concerns, balance, physical function and pain-related movement limitations.

Occupational Therapy

Support with self-care, routines, fatigue management, sensory needs, home setup, assistive technology and day-to-day function.

Speech Pathology

Support with communication, speech, language, cognitive-communication, feeding and swallowing where clinically relevant.

This can be especially helpful for people who need a coordinated approach across more than one therapy area.

In-Clinic Exercise Physiology

Clinic-based exercise physiology may be a good option for people who would benefit from:

• a dedicated therapy environment

• access to exercise equipment and rehabilitation spaces

• a structured and supervised setting

• gradual progression of exercise with clinician support
  
  

Mobile Exercise Physiology

Mobile exercise physiology may suit people who:

• have difficulty travelling

• prefer support at home

• want exercise integrated into daily routines

• benefit from assessment in their usual environment

This can be particularly helpful where confidence, home setup, transport, mobility, or fatigue are affecting participation.

Medicare

Some people may be eligible to access exercise physiology under a GP referral pathway, depending on referral requirements and Medicare rules.

NDIS

Exercise physiology may be available for some NDIS participants where the support relates to disability and aligns with plan goals and funding criteria. Final funding decisions rest with the NDIA.

Private Health Insurance

Some exercise physiology services may be claimable through private health insurance depending on your level of cover and insurer rules.

DVA

Eligible DVA clients may be able to access allied health services depending on referral and program requirements.

Private Fee-Paying

We also welcome private clients seeking support with exercise, rehabilitation, function, chronic condition support, or healthy ageing.

At Palms, our exercise physiology services are designed to be practical and relevant to real life. We focus on the things that matter most to the person, whether that is:

• walking further

• improving tolerance for daily tasks

• rebuilding strength after illness

• participating more comfortably in home, work, school or community life

• improving confidence with exercise

• maintaining independence as you age

• building a sustainable exercise routine

We aim to keep exercise achievable, meaningful and aligned with the person’s circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Exercise Physiology

Q: What is the role of an exercise physiologist?

An exercise physiologist designs and implements clinical exercise programs to help individuals prevent or manage chronic diseases, recover from injury, and improve their overall health. Unlike personal trainers, they work with patients who have specific health conditions or physical limitations.

Q: What conditions can exercise physiology help manage?

Exercise physiology can assist with the management of several chronic conditions, including:

• Type 2 Diabetes

• Cardiovascular disease

• Osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders

• Chronic pain

• Respiratory conditions like COPD

• Neurological disorders, including Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson's Disease (PD)

Q: Is exercise physiology covered by Medicare?

Yes, exercise physiology is covered by Medicare for eligible patients. You’ll need a referral from your GP under a Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDM), which allows you to access up to 5 subsidized sessions. There is  another plan that enables you to 8 x Medicare sessions of exercise if you are a Type 2 Diabetic.

Q: How is exercise physiology different from physiotherapy?
While both exercise physiologists and physiotherapists work to improve physical health, exercise physiology focuses on designing exercise programs for chronic disease management and fitness improvement. Physiotherapy tends to focus on hands-on treatment and rehabilitation after injuries or surgeries.

Q: Can I access exercise physiology under NDIS?
Yes, Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health is a NDIS provider, and our exercise physiology services are available for individuals with NDIS funding. We work with people with disabilities to create exercise programs that improve strength, mobility, and independence. We can see participants who are self or plan managed.

Q: Can exercise physiologists help with weight loss?

Yes, our exercise physiologists create tailored exercise programs to support weight loss and improve overall fitness. We take into account your health status, medical history, and personal goals to ensure the program is safe and effective.