Rehab and medical · Exercise Physiologists
Exercise physiologists in Australia: who they help, accreditation and Medicare
Exercise as treatment for injuries and long-term conditions. Here is how to choose an AEP and claim support.
By the HirePersonalTrainer editorial team3 min read
Sources last checked . General information only, not medical advice.
In this article
An exercise physiologist uses exercise to help people manage injuries, long-term conditions and disability. If you have diabetes, heart disease, persistent pain, cancer or a condition that makes exercise feel risky, an exercise physiologist may be a better fit than a general trainer. Here is what they do and how to choose.
What an exercise physiologist does
Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) describes Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) as allied health professionals who assess, prescribe and adapt exercise for people with injuries, chronic conditions, disabilities and complex health needs. They design programs, supervise sessions and monitor your response.
An Accredited Exercise Scientist (AES) is a related ESSA accreditation focused on fitness, performance, injury prevention and health promotion. AEPs also meet AES standards and have an expanded clinical scope.
Qualifications to look for
ESSA says AEP accreditation requires a four-year clinical exercise physiology degree, or an exercise science degree plus an ESSA-accredited postgraduate exercise physiology course. Ask for the 'AEP' credential and check ESSA's directory. The title 'exercise physiologist' on its own is not a protected title under national law, so the accreditation is what to look for.
What to expect
- A detailed health history and, with your consent, contact with your GP or specialists.
- Assessments such as blood pressure, strength, balance and walking capacity.
- A tailored program in a clinic, gym, hospital or at home, with progress tracked.
- Education on pacing, symptoms and when to stop.
Costs and Medicare
Fees are set by the provider. Medicare covers up to five individual allied health services each calendar year for patients with a GP chronic condition management plan and a referral, with a shared limit across allied health types and a minimum 20-minute service. You may still pay a gap. Private extras, the NDIS (if the service is in your plan) and the Department of Veterans' Affairs may also cover some services; confirm with each.
Common reasons people see an exercise physiologist
- Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or lung conditions.
- Persistent pain, arthritis or osteoporosis.
- Recovering from surgery, injury or a period of illness.
- Cancer treatment or survivorship.
- Mental health conditions, where regular exercise is part of care.
- Disability, neurological conditions or ageing-related loss of strength and balance.
Clinic, gym or home?
Many exercise physiologists work in private clinics or hospital programs, some run sessions in gyms and some travel to your home. Home visits can suit people with limited mobility or transport. Ask where sessions will be held, what equipment is used, and whether there is any supervision between visits. For group programs, ask how many people attend and how individual attention is provided.
Telehealth and home programs
Some exercise physiologists offer sessions by video or phone, and Medicare supports telehealth for the same allied health items in many situations, subject to the same conditions. A mix of in-person and online sessions can reduce travel while keeping some hands-on oversight. Ask how your safety will be monitored when you exercise at home.
Questions to ask
- Are you an Accredited Exercise Physiologist?
- Have you worked with my condition?
- Will you work with my GP or specialist?
- Do you bulk bill or charge a gap, and what is covered by my plan?
- How will we know the program is working?
Myths
- 'Rest is best with a long-term condition.' Appropriate exercise is often part of management, which is why supervision helps.
- 'An exercise physiologist is just a trainer.' AEPs have clinical training for health conditions.
- 'I need to be fit first.' Programs start at your level.
When to see a doctor first
Check with a professional first. Tell your GP before starting if you have a heart condition, diabetes, high blood pressure, are recovering from surgery or have new symptoms. Get urgent help for chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting or sudden weakness.
Sources and further reading
- Exercise physiology accreditation · Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA)
- Exercise science accreditation · Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA)
- Note MN.3.1: individual allied health services for treating chronic conditions · Medicare Benefits Schedule (Department of Health, Disability and Ageing)
- 24-hour movement guidelines: recommendations for adults (18 to 64 years) · Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
We link to official or professional-body pages and re-check them regularly. Rules, rebates and standards change, so confirm current details with the source or your provider.
This is a directory. We do not provide medical, dietary or psychological advice and we do not verify registrations unless a listing says so. Check credentials with the relevant regulator. Listings are provided for information only and are not medical advice. Always check a professional's qualifications and registration with the relevant authority, and speak to your doctor before starting a new exercise, nutrition or treatment program.