Exercise Physiology

Regular physical activity is one of the most simple and powerful medicines we have. Our exercise physiologists can assist you to exercise safely and effectively to improve your overall health, functional capacity and performance.

Exercise Physiologists identify a safe and appropriate starting point to exercise and make modifications in consideration of medical and injury history, functional capacity and goals. They also help you establish active lifestyle habits to sustain regular physical activity and to maintain good health. They are the most qualified in the field of exercise prescription.

At Waves, our exercise physiologists are specialists in clinical exercise prescription, providing tailored advice and exercise support for prevention, treatment and management of acute or chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, elevated blood pressure and musculoskeletal injuries.

Exercise Physiologists can assist you in the following areas:

Optimising health following diagnosis of a medical condition or change in your health status
Avoiding or delaying the need for medication or surgery
Prehabilitation and rehabilitation for surgery
Rehabilitation post-surgery and to address musculoskeletal injuries
Safely getting back to previous activities after an illness, injury, or surgery
Managing conditions such as back pain or arthritis when exercising
Assisting with weight loss and altering body composition
Learning how to exercise effectively and build confidence and motivation to manage your own program
Hydrotherapy in water depth of 0.90m - 1.40m and 30-31 degrees
Returning to sport, everyday activity or work following an injury

Our services

Exercise physiology services at Waves include:

Individual assessment and exercise prescription for home, gym, or community-based exercise programs
Ongoing consultation and support.

Our Exercise Physiologists

Fees

Consultation Type	Initial	Subsequent
Individual	$100.00	$80.00
NDIS (Self-Managed)	$170.00	$170.00
DVA	$65.00	$65.00
Workcover	$120.00	$85.00
Work Cover - Complex	$196.00	$196.00
Workcover - pathology	$196.00	$45.00

How to Book

Submit an enquiry here

FAQs

How to see an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP)

Exercise & Sports Science Australia Home (essa.org.au)

If you’re not currently seeing an Exercise Physiologist but are interested in doing so, there are multiple processes you can undergo:

Private referral

This is the easiest way to see an AEP as you can book directly without needing a referral from a GP or other health professional. This is great for those who want to start immediately or if you are seeking exercise guidance which is not covered by other compensable schemes such as Medicare, Workcover, DVA, NDIS, or Aged Care. This option is out-of-pocket; however, many private health insurance policies offer rebates for exercise physiology services – just check with your health insurance provider to understand your level of cover, any extras cover and any potential out-of-pocket expenses. This can reduce overall cost, making it more affordable to maintain regular sessions.

Medicare Doctor referral

Medicare provides a scheme called ‘Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan’ OR ‘Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) Plan’ which permits five allied health services per calendar year. If your doctor allocates 1 or more sessions under exercise physiology, costs can be partially covered under Medicare. Your GP will assess whether you are entitled to receive these sessions if you have a chronic medical or health condition.

Department of Veterans’ Affairs

Gold or White DVA card holders can access AEP services with a doctors’ referral. DVA covers the cost of these services to provide rehabilitation needs and managing overall health and function.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

Individuals with a disability who have a NDIS plan may have access to AEP services as part of their support package. The services must be deemed ‘reasonable and necessary’ and included in your plan. Speak with your NDIS planner or coordinator to include exercise physiology is part of your treatment goals to help improve your quality of life. Waves currently accepts self-managed clients.

Workplace Health Programs

Many workplaces have employee health and wellness programs which includes access to exercise physiology services. These programs are designed to promote physical activity prevalence, prevent injuries and enhance overall employee health with benefits such as increased productivity and mental health. Check with your HR department to see if this is available to you!

Aged Care Services

Residents in aged care facilities or older adults who require extra support for mobility and independence goals can access AEP services if it is included in their aged care package. Exercise has been proven to help with function, mobility, quality of life, strength and overall health in older adults. Speak to an existing Aged Care Provider to get assessed for exercise physiology services.

Referral from Other Allied Health Professionals

Exercise physiology could be a good way to complement your treatment, if you’re already seeing another allied health professional for an ongoing health condition. This is a great way to build towards long-term progressions and establish healthy lifestyle habits.

What are some of the conditions Exercise Physiologist treat?

Anxiety or depression
Cancer
Chronic musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain and arthritis
Heart disease
Hypercholesterolemia
Hypertension
Neurological and neuromuscular conditions
Osteoporosis
Pre-diabetes or diabetes
Weight gain or obesity

What should I bring to my appointment?

We suggest you bring the following items to all appointments:

Referral – a referral is only necessary if you are claiming for a chronic disease management (CDM) plan.
Medication list – of all your current medications, vitamins, and supplements.
Test results – including CT, X-ray, test results and pathology from the past 6–12 months.
Discharge summaries or procedure reports if necessary.
Comfortable clothing and enclosed footwear

What will happen at my first appointment?

On your initial visit to a Waves Fitness & Aquatic Centre Exercise Physiologist you will be taken through an initial assessment to determine their individual needs. This assessment includes a review of your medical and treatment history, medications, current levels of physical activity and, importantly, your personal health goals

You will be required to complete the Client Registration Form

Client Registration Form

Will I get money back from Medicare?

Medicare rebates may be available for allied health services for patients managing a chronic health condition. Please speak with your GP about your eligibility for a chronic disease management (CDM).

Please note there will be a gap between the Medicare rebate and our fees.

Will I get money back from my private health insurance?

Private health rebates are available from most private health funds, depending on your level of cover. For more information, speak to your health fund directly about what’s covered in your policy. You might want to ask if Exercise Physiology is covered under your Extras Cover.

When do I pay for my appointment?

Waves Exercise Physiology is not a bulk billing practice, so you will need to pay at the time of your consultation and claim from Medicare or your Insurer yourself.

Workers Compensation / Third Party Patients

New patients must bring details of your Claim Number, Insurer Details and contact details of your case manager.