exercise physiology and the NDIS
When it comes to an NDIS plan, there can be a lot to decide on. While everyone’s individual needs are different, let me explain where an Exercise Physiologist can help, and how to start finding out if you have funding available to help you on your journey.
What is an Exercise Physiologist?
An Exercise Physiologist (or EP for short) is a university qualified allied health professional who is trained to prescribe exercise for the management of injuries and chronic conditions. We’re not just talking about a personal trainer either! Exercise Physiologists have a deep understanding of the physiology and pathology of chronic conditions and disabilities. Some areas we can help with include (but are not limited to):
- Pain or injury management
- Mental health
- Improvements in general fitness and strength
- Balance training
- Goal setting
- Return to sport or community activity
- Weight management
- Gaining independence with exercise
How does the NDIS fit in?
For someone who has goals in which an Exercise Physiologist would be appropriate to contribute, there are two areas of funding which can be used for assistance:
- Capacity Building - Improved Daily Living
- Capacity Building - Improved Health and Wellbeing
Capacity building is designed to assist an individual in improving their ability to make decisions or complete particular skills. Often an Exercise Physiologist will be considered when the goals of an NDIS plan encompass either:
- Being able to move more independently, increase strength/fitness, or participate in community sports or activities
- You are managing a condition which impacts you ability for movement, or may impact this in the future
- Your disability makes it harder to maintain healthy weight and lifestyle choices
What will an Exercise Physiology session look like?
Often in the first session, it is about getting to know you and your goals. The plan goals you have set out for yourself are a great start, but it is important that we find some smaller goals to tick off that help add to your bigger goals. There may be a few surveys or questionnaires to be completed that will help identify your progress along the way, and we will do a physical assessment to see how you move, and learn more about what it is you would like to achieve in the long term. Then we work with you to decide how often it is we will be working together, when we will be reviewing your progress, and how we can help when it comes to your overall plan being reviewed.
Still not sure about it?
If you are still unsure if this is the right choice for you, give us a call! One of our Exercise Physiologists would be more than happy to chat with you about who we are, what we do, and how we can help.
Authored by Ms. Hayley Owens - Accredited Exercise Physiologist