Month: March 2019

January 2019 Newsletter – Benefits of Exercise Physiology

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Benefits of Exercise Physiology

In Australia close to 60% of people do not meet physical activity guidelines. This has played a major factor in the increased rates of obesity, metabolic disease and numerous other conditions. Along with the preventative aspect of exercise, research has shown that exercise is just as effective or more effective than common medications that you might be already taking.

Exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by almost 60%. This can help keep your blood sugar levels lower and more stable throughout the day. When compared to common medications exercise can actually be more effective – reducing not only the chance of you requiring medication but also your reliance on current medication.

Likewise, exercise has been shown to decrease the amount of fatal heart attacks by up to 50%, improve the breathing of those with lung disease by 70% as well as all the extra benefits of an active & healthier lifestyle.

Like any medication, the correct dose is required not only make the intervention safe but to obtain optimal outcomes. This includes things like the intensity, type, frequency and duration of the exercise. Exercise should be prescribed in a way that considers precautions, medication effects and the condition itself. This is where the role of an Accredited Exercise Physiologist comes in.

Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEP’s) specialise in clinical exercise prescription and the delivery of exercise and lifestyle medication programs for people who are at risk of, or living with chronic disease. An EP consultation can help guide the way you exercise during a class or at home, ensuring the correct exercise dose and volume or can assist you in managing many common conditions.

Some of the conditions our AEP’s can help treat and/or manage are:

  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
    • – Including the 8 week program under Medicare
  • Impaired glucose tolerance
  • Asthma
  • Hypertension
  • Pre and post surgery
  • Osteoporosis
  • Lower back pain
  • Depression
  • Postural imbalance
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Arthritis
  • COPD
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Falls and poor balance
  • Cancer
  • Occupational Injury
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Stroke

If you think you or someone you know might benefit from Exercise Physiology, please contact us on 03 9825 2697 for further information.

December 2018 Newsletter – Health Insurance

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Changes to Pilates rebates through Private Health Insurance will take effect from 1st April 2019. These changes mean that Pilates classes taken by a Pilates Instructor will no longer be funded, as part of a reform to eliminate rebates for non evidence based natural therapies.
This reform will NOT impact Motion Health Body Clinic classes.
In order to comply with the reforms, classes and individual sessions must meet the following criteria:
  • Individualised assessment and continuous reassessment
  • A program of exercised-based interventions specific to the patient, addressing any health concerns of the patient
  • High quality clinical notes that reflect Physiotherapy or Exercise Physiology practice

As our Body Clinic classes meet all these criteria, you will still be able to claim rebate for these classes through your private health fund. Clients will need to undertake regular reassessments to continue to meet these criteria; this will also allow our practitioners the opportunity to discuss with clients in depth how their exercise and health concerns are progressing and how we can continue to assist clients to reach their goals. Clients will be reminded when they are due for reassessment.

Whilst we can confirm that classes at Motion Health with an Exercise Physiologist or Physiotherapist will continue to be claimable through your private health, we are unable to inform you of what your rebate will be. If you are unsure what your rebate is for classes, you can find this information by contacting  your private health insurer and quoting the below item codes, they will be able to inform you exactly how much you get back per class throughout the year.

  • Body Clinic with a Physiotherapist: Item #505
  • Body Clinic with an Exercise Physiologist: Item #502

If you have any further questions regarding the health reforms please don’t hesitate to speak to reception or send us an email at info@motion-health.com.au

November 2018 Newsletter – Chronic Pain Management

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Chronic pain is usually defined as a type of pain that persists longer than 12 weeks or, beyond the healing time of a normal injury. It differs to acute pain which is usually caused by tissue damage and alerts us to an injury. Chronic pain may begin with an initial injury or it may be related to illness and is associated with increased sensitivity of the nervous system.

Evidence indicates that exercise is an essential component of managing chronic pain even though that may seem like the last thing you’d want to do! Many people avoid exercise due to the false belief that it will cause a flare up. By maintaining a regular exercise routine, de-conditioning and worsening pain can be prevented.

Types of exercise recommended to manage chronic pain include:

Strengthening Exercises
To help build strong muscles
Improve joint function/bone density (helps to protect against injury)
Maintaining flexibility and balance (important as we age)
Cardiovascular Exercise
Low impact activities (such as walking, biking, swimming, yoga and Pilates) provide oxygen to your muscles and boost energy levels as well as reducing pain and stiffness.
Stretching and Relaxation 
Stretching helps to increase flexibility and loosen stiff muscles. Incorporating stretching into an exercise plan can help to reduce stiffness associated with chronic pain.

We always recommend consulting an exercise professional to help with the management of chronic disease. If you need further help or information, please contact us on 03 9825 2697

Source: chronic pain and exercise http://exerciseright.com.au/chronic-pain-and-exercise/