Question 1

Do I need a referral to see an exercise physiologist in Hawthorn?

Accepted Answer

No. You can book directly with our Hawthorn exercise physiology team without a GP referral. A referral is only required if you want to access Medicare rebates through a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, your GP arranges this if you have a chronic condition that has been present for six months or more. For private health insurance, NDIS, WorkCover, DVA, and TAC, no referral is needed to get started.

Question 2

What is an exercise physiologist, and how is it different from a physiotherapist or personal trainer?

Accepted Answer

An Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) is a university-qualified allied health professional who uses exercise as medicine to prevent, manage, and treat chronic conditions, injuries, and disabilities. AEPs complete a four-year degree and are accredited by Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA). They are distinct from physiotherapists, who tend to focus on acute injury, manual therapy, and early rehabilitation, and from personal trainers, who work in the fitness sector without clinical training or Medicare recognition. Where a physio is often your first point of contact after an injury, an EP is often the right choice when you have an ongoing condition, are returning to exercise after illness or surgery, or need exercise-based management of a chronic health issue. When you're not sure who to see, our team can help triage your needs- we have both Physios and EPs at our clinics.

Question 3

What conditions does an exercise physiologist treat in Hawthorn?

Accepted Answer

Exercise physiologists at our Hawthorn clinic work with a broad range of presentations, including type 2 diabetes and metabolic conditions, cardiovascular disease, chronic pain and musculoskeletal conditions, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, cancer rehabilitation, neurological conditions (including Parkinson's disease, stroke recovery, and MS), mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, respiratory conditions including COPD and asthma, obesity and weight management, and falls prevention in older adults. If you're unsure whether your condition is something an EP can help with, contact our team and we can help see if EP is appropriate for you.

Question 4

Can I claim exercise physiology through Medicare?

Accepted Answer

You may be eligible for Medicare rebates for exercise physiology through a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, formerly known as the Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan. Your GP must determine that you have a chronic condition that has been present for six months or more, and that exercise physiology forms part of a suitable multidisciplinary care plan. Your GP will complete a referral under MBS item 10953. Medicare rebates are not available for standard appointments without this plan in place.

Question 5

Is exercise physiology covered by private health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Most private health insurance funds with extras cover include exercise physiology. You can claim on the day using our on-site HICAPS terminal . Your out-of-pocket cost will depend on your fund and level of cover. If you're unsure whether your policy includes exercise physiology, contact your fund before your appointment or ask our team to check.

Question 6

Does NDIS cover exercise physiology?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Exercise physiology is a funded support under the NDIS, typically categorised under Capacity Building. An Accredited Exercise Physiologist can design and deliver exercise programs to improve your function, independence, and quality of life in line with your NDIS goals. Funding can be accessed whether you are agency-managed, plan-managed, or self-managed. If you are unsure how to include exercise physiology in your NDIS plan, speak with your Support Coordinator or contact our team for guidance. Please note, we do not do agency-managed programs.

Question 7

What happens at my first exercise physiology appointment in Hawthorn?

Accepted Answer

Your initial appointment at our Hawthorn clinic runs for approximately 60 minutes. Your exercise physiologist will complete a thorough health and movement assessment, review your medical history, and discuss your goals. From this, they will develop a personalised exercise program tailored to your condition, fitness level, and lifestyle. You will leave with a clear understanding of your program and what to expect across your care journey. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and bring any relevant medical records, referral letters, or imaging.

Question 8

How many exercise physiology sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

This varies depending on your condition, your goals, and how you respond to your program. Your exercise physiologist will discuss a realistic timeline with you at your initial appointment. Some people benefit from a structured program of six to eight sessions; others with complex or chronic conditions engage in longer-term, ongoing support. Exercise physiology is often most effective as a progressive program, your sessions will evolve as your strength, function, and confidence improve. We often refer clients into our clinical pilates and clinical strength programs if appropriate.

Question 9

Can an exercise physiologist help with chronic pain?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Exercise physiologists are trained to work with people managing chronic pain, including persistent musculoskeletal pain and complex pain presentations. Exercise is one of the most well-supported interventions for chronic pain management. Your EP will take a comprehensive approach - accounting for your physical capacity, pain experience, and health history - and build a program that helps improve your function and quality of life over time.

Question 10

Can I see an exercise physiologist for mental health

Accepted Answer

Exercise physiology is increasingly recognised as an effective intervention for mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, and stress. Regular, structured physical activity has strong evidence supporting its role in improving mood, energy, sleep, and overall wellbeing. If you hold a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, please ask our team whether you may be eligible for rebates in this context.

Question 11

What does exercise physiology cost at Move Beyond Hawthorn?

Accepted Answer

We accept a range of funding options, including private health insurance (HICAPS on-site, claim on the day), Medicare Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plans arranged by your GP, NDIS (agency-managed, plan-managed, and self-managed), DVA, WorkCover, and TAC. We are a cashless practice - payment is accepted via Visa or Mastercard. For our most up-to-date fees, please call the clinic. If cost is a concern, don't hesitate to reach out - we're happy to talk through your options before you book. For the most up to date prices please call us.

Exercise Physiology Hawthorn

Exercise Physiology in Hawthorn

Our Hawthorn Exercise Physiologists may help with

Our Exercise Physiology Hawthorn may help with

Pre & post-surgical rehabilitation:

Sports injuries:

Chronic pain management:

Cancer rehabilitation:

Arthritis:

Diabetes & metabolic health:

Cardiac & pulmonary rehabilitation:

Bone health & osteoporosis (Onero Program)

POTS hypermobility & complex chronic conditions:

Clinical strength & conditioning:

Meet the Move Beyond Hawthorn Exercise Physiology Team

Move Beyond Hawthorn Exercise Physiology Clinic Contact Details

300 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn VIC 3122

(03) 9818 7738

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