Exercise Physiology

Exercise Physiology

With a person-centred, outcome-driven approach at the core of what we do, our mission is to inspire healthier, happier lives throughout our community. With the philosophy of exercise is medicine, our Exercise Physiology Team look forward to partnering with you on your health and happiness journey. 

Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) are university qualified, allied health professionals with the knowledge, skills and competencies to serve those with acute, sub-acute or chronic medical conditions, injuries or disabilities.

We prioritise creating an easy, personalised, and supported experience to promote physical, mental, and social wellbeing. By removing barriers, tailoring services, and providing ongoing support, we aim to improve your health outcomes because together we move more. 

We understand that the true value of exercise lies in how it makes you feel, which is why we take care of the health of the whole person, not just the muscly bits we can stretch and make stronger. This includes your mental wellbeing, so that you’re ready to take on all the important things in your life.  

Our team will take into account your specific health concerns, needs and goals and apply an evidence-based approach. Whether it is returning to work, your daily life activities or back to the sports field, our team is here to help.  

Partners in Health

Our team will help to empower you to reach your goals no matter what they are. We are committed to achieving specific, measurable outcomes that are meaningful to you. 

Conditions and areas our team can provide expert support, guidance and advice with: 

  • Intellectual, Physical and Neurological Conditions (NDIS) 
  • Kidney Health 
  • Cancer 
  • Metabolic Conditions 
  • Neurological conditions 
  • Musculoskeletal injuries and rehabilitation 
  • Respiratory/pulmonary rehabilitation
  • Mental health 
  • Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis 
  • Return to Work / Life Function (Workcover, Motor Accident) 

We appreciate that we are one cog in your care plan and commit to regular communication and collaboration with your support team.  The best part is that a membership is not required to access our Exercise Physiologists – everyone is welcome.  

Our Team

  • Nathan – Level 2 Practitioner

    Nathan loves to help empower people. He wants to try and use his expertise to help those with chronic conditions regain their independence and live a fulfilling life.

    Learn More
  • Taylah – Level 1 Practitioner

    Taylah loves to help motivate people and improve their quality of life. All knowledge and skills are shared with others to guide them in their exercise journey.

    Learn More

Do I need a referral?

You don’t need a referral unless you’re being treated by one of our Exercise Physiologists through a compensable scheme; you may pay for your session as a private client or claim through your Private Health Insurance.

You can drop of a hard copy of your referral to Reception or your GP can send your referral to mpl@activewhittlesea.com.au

Private Price Guide

Life! Program

Life! is a free healthy lifestyle program helping you improve your eating habits, increase your physical activity and manage stress.

Run by expert health professionals, the program is delivered as a group course or telephone health coaching service and shows eligible Victorians how to reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. The program is also offered to some Acceptable Non-Victorian postcodes. (Please note, the Life! program is not available for people who are living with Diabetes.)

Life! is funded by the Victorian government and managed by Diabetes Victoria. The program includes 7 sessions delivered over a 12-month period.

FAQ’s

Got questions about Exercise Physiology? Check out our FAQs for quick answers on how it works, its benefits, and how to get started!

Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) are recognised and registered by the Australian Government as allied health professionals that specialise in the prescription of exercise to treat and manage acute, sub-acute and chronic medical conditions, musculoskeletal injuries or disabilities. 
With university degree education, an Exercise Physiologist can work with patients from post-surgery in hospital settings to return to work/sport at community level in private practice. Exercise Physiologists can also assist with athletic development and work in elite sport.

Put simply, to improve your Health and Happiness and help you move more in whatever way best suits you and your lifestyle. 

Exercise Physiologists are qualified to prescribe exercise for health, rehabilitation and fitness. The skills and knowledge of an Exercise Physiologist are developed over 5 years of University education which enables them to treat proficiently in a variety of settings. This includes land-based exercise, water-based exercise (hydrotherapy) and through education via individualised health counselling and facilitated group programs. Our team are here to empower and support you to reach your goals no matter what they are.  

Absolutely anyone can access Exercise Physiology services, there is no pre-requisite for a medical or health condition. You may be training for an event or looking to optimise your health and fitness goals, leading to improved function and ability to complete activities of daily living. 

Exercise Physiologists are specially trained to help people who a have high risk of developing or diagnosed with: 

  • Cardiovascular conditions 
    • Coronary heart disease 
    • Stroke
    • Hypertension  
    • Peripheral artery disease
  • Musculoskeletal injuries 
    • Muscle strains / tears 
    • Back pain 
    • Joint pain 
    • Arthritis / Osteoarthritis / Osteoporosis 
  • Respiratory conditions 
    • COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) 
    • Asthma 
    • Emphysema 
  • Post-surgery rehabilitation 
    • Knee or hip replacement 
    • Arthroscopes  
    • Laminectomy / discectomy / spinal fusion 
  • Type 1 and 2 Diabetes 
  • Cancers – both pre, post and during treatment 
  • Mental Health 
  • Obesity 

No, no referral is required, unless you are eligible or being treated under the following compensable schemes 

  • WorkCover / Motor Accident 
  • Medicare 
  • DVA (Department of Veterans Affairs) 

You certainly can. Once the session is completed with the Exercise Physiologist, we process these via our HICAPS machine terminal at reception so that you receive your rebate as quickly as possible. 

Rebates offered via HICAPS: 

  • Medicare 
  • Selected Health Funds 

See one of our team members in the venue, send through an enquiry or Book online (insert link)

No, we are welcoming of everyone and you do not need to be a member to access the service.  

If you would like to come and exercise outside of your session, talk to us about the various membership options 

Submit an enquiry
Become a member

Enjoy access to our facilities with a membership. Take a step on your health and wellbeing journey today.

View Memberships

Exercise Physiology FAQs


Individual appointments (1:1)

Initial Appointment – up to 60 minutes:

  • Please arrive 5-10 minutes prior to your appointment.
  • Report to reception and they will direct you to our waiting area and for you to fill out our Patient Registration Form including: Privacy, Consent and Cancellation Policy.
  • This is ESSENTIAL to the smooth operations of our centre. If you have any concerns regarding filling out our paperwork, please notify us in advance.
  • Your Exercise Physiologist will go through a series of questions to get to know you and the reason for your visit. You will discuss information such as medical history and your goals (it will be handy to bring a list of your current medications)
  • Please wear comfortable clothing, runners/sneakers are HIGHLY recommended, as you will also be asked to complete a range of Exercise Testing.
  • You may also be going through some exercises on the day in association with your treatment plan (time permitting).
  • If you are intending to complete hydrotherapy, bringing your swimming attire is not essential for the first appointment, however time permitting your Exercise Physiologist may be able to take your through some exercises in the warm water.

Review/Follow Up Appointments – 30-60 minutes

  • When you have an appointment with one of our Exercise Physiologists, you MUST report your attendance to reception at the Exercise Physiology Desk. This is important for your health and safety so our Exercise Physiologists are aware of your presence and can locate you. If you are unsure where to meet your EP, you are welcome to wait in our waiting area, or tell reception where you will be. 
  • These 1:1 sessions are designed to go through your treatment plan supervised and adjust your exercises as neccessary including a current independent/group/home exercise program
  • If you are running late to your appointment, we appreciate you letting us know in advance. This however may affect the quality and duration of your session. Our Team do our very best to stay on schedule to avoid any disruptions and delays.
Group Exercise Physiology sessions (60mins):
  • Gym/EP Hour or Hydrotherapy (Warm Water)
  • Semi-supervised by our Exercise Physiologists completing your individualised exercise program semi-independently
  • You must have completed an Initial Consultation prior to joining the group sessions

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Please note that there is a fee associated with this service. If there are any concerns with your appointment/s’ billing under a scheme, please let us know.

This service is not associated with a gym and/or swim membership at Mill Park Leisure. With regards to membership options/casual visits, please see the reception team for more information about what we offer.

Please feel free to speak to one of our friendly team members for more information. You can visit us in centre or contact us by phone on  03 9463 0700. If you would like to make a Initial Appointment booking online, please click the following link 

Please send any referrals to trac@activewhittlesea.com.au

Once you have sent your referral to us, we appreciate you encouraging your patients/clients to fill the enquire form our – Click here

Please use the following information when setting up referral:

Thomastown Recreation & Aquatic Centre
52 – 54 Main Street, Thomastown 3074
03 9463 0700
trac@activewhittlesea.com.au

Medicare.PNG
As of Monday July 1st of July 2024, Enhanced Primary Care referral clients will receive a rebate of $60.35

Exercise Physiology – 10953
Assessment for Diabetes Group – 81110
Type 2 Diabetes Group – 81115
Follow-up allied health services for People of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent – 81315


To access the EPC form click the link below, your General Practitioner should have access to these forms.Enhanced Primary Care Form
Type 2 Diabetes Form
Enhanced Primary Care – Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Form


*please note that all information on the referral form is correct: patient details including Medicare Number (with IRN) and a contact number (we are unable to get in contact with your patient/client if there is no contact number on the referral). Please ensure that EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY is allocated sessions and NOT Physiotherapy or any other Allied Health Practitioner. If there are details which are incorrect we may have to send your patient/client back to you to retrieve an updated copy of the referral.

DVA.PNG

For all DVA referrals plese click on the link below to access the referral form

DVA Referral form


We appreciate you and your practice being a part of our ever expanding referral network.

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TAC & Exercise Physiology for Clients
Requirements to access services: please use above link for further information from TAC

  • Must have a TAC claim number
  • Ideally pre-approved sessions, however we will need to complete an approval after your Initial Appointment to request future sessions.
  • If you have Approval for a Gym/Swim Membership, please follow these steps on the website
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Excerpt taken from the Work Safe Vic Website

“Guidelines

The agent can pay the reasonable costs of exercise physiology services that meet all of the following criteria:

  • treatment is for a work-related injury or illness
  • the provider is currently registered as an exercise physiologist with WorkSafe
  • a medical practitioner has provided a referral for treatment
  • the service is in line with the principles of the Clinical Framework
  • the treatment is safe and effective
  • treatment does not become part of general well-being once rehabilitation has been completed

The agent will periodically review an injured worker’s entitlement to exercise physiology services to ensure the treatment and services remain reasonable for the work related injury and/or illness and are payable under the legislation.”

“Referral requirements

  • A medical practitioner must provide a referral for exercise physiology services prior to commencement of treatment.
    • Referred services include all approved health services with the exception of medical, chiropractic, physiotherapy, osteopathic, optometry, dental and podiatry services.
  • No referral to other health services:
    • WorkSafe does not allow exercise physiologists to provide referrals to other health services.”
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We are currently accepting clients under a ‘Home Care Package’.
Please reach out to your Case Manager to express your interest in Exercise Physiology.

Allow your Case Manager to send an email to us with your details, package details and funding availability.

Email: trac@activewhittlesea.com.au

Exercise Physiology Cancellation Policy

I underst and that the Accredited Exercise Physiologist attempts to run on time and that I will respect this by arriving on time to my appointment. Payment is due at the time of my consultation.

We understand that occasionally there will be unforeseen circumstances such as medical emergencies, serious illness or accidents which will require you to cancel your appointment. 

Our cancellation policy below allows us to carefully manage cancellations to ensure it enables others to access appointment times.

Please refer to our Cancellation Policy for information regarding our expectations of our patients.

1. We require  24 hours notice if you wish to cancel your appointment. This allows the practice with an opportunity to offer the appointment to other clients.

2. Any cancellation or no show made with  less than 24 hours notice may incur a cancellation fee of  $95

3. Emergencies cases / sensitive situations will be considered by the discretion of your Exercise Physiologist as your treating professional

4. All cancellation fees must be paid within 7 days of the cancelled or missed appointment.

5. This policy applies to all clients including  Workcover/SIRA, TAC/MAIB/CTP, DVA and Medicare EPC clients as they do not cover charges for non-attendance.

Please be mindful that circumstances change, and message reminders may not always be sent prior to appointment times, though we do our best to get these sent out on time.

Please do not rely on these message reminders; if you are unable to attend your appointment time, please contact the facility on  03 9463 0700 as soon as possible to reschedule.

Chronic Conditions Exercise Physiologists work with

  • Breast
  • Bowel
  • Prostate
  • Bone Metastases
  • Coronary heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Hypertension
  • Peripheral artery disease
  • High Cholesterol
  • Post myocardial infarction (Heart Attack); stents, coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)
  • Atrial Fibrillation
  • COPD (Chronic Obstructive PulmonaryDisease)
  • Asthma
  • Emphysema
  • Management of Long COVID Symptoms
  • Anxiety
  • Eating Disorders
  • Stress
  • Type 1 and 2 Diabetes
  • Obesity/Weight Management
  • Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
  • Metabolic Syndrome
  • Fatty Liver
  • Obstructive Sleep Aponea (OSA)
  • Muscle strains/tears – Sporting Injuries
  • Back pain – low back pain, bulging discs
  • Joint pain – tendinopathies and bursitis
  • Neck/Shoulder/Hip/Knee/Ankle Injuries
  • Post fracture injuries
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Stroke
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Spinal Cord Injury
  • Traumatic/Acquired Brain Injury
  • Post surgical – Knee or hip replacement, Arthroscopes, Laminectomy/discectomy/spinal fusion
  • Arthritis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Osteoporosis
  • Pregnancy
  • Postnatal
  • Falls Prevention
  • Disability & NDIS
  • Paediatrics 
  • Adolescent
  • Elderly/Older Adults
  • Menopause
  • Chronic Kidney Disease