An Exercise Physiologist role in Chronic Disease Management
We are all well aware that exercise is good for our health. You would have heard people saying things like ‘exercise is good for improving our cardiovascular fitness, building strong muscles, improving our moods and maintaining a healthy weight’. Even with all these health messages circulating our community more and more people living with a chronic disease are not physically active. A chronic disease can be classified as a long lasting condition (>3months) that impacts not only an individual’s body but their overall quality of life too.
The term chronic disease can encompass a range of different health issues such as:
Heart disease, hypertension
Chronic pain, Arthritis
Anxiety / Depression / mental health
Cancer
Stroke, Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s
Type II diabetes, Obesity
Asthma, COPD
Doctors and medical professionals are recognising the immense benefits that exercise has and are recommending it be included into their patient’s level of care. When it comes to people living with a chronic disease regular exercise has a critical role to play by improving their function, quality of life and reducing their risk of developing further disease complications. The incredible thing about exercise is that is comes in all different forms and can be tailored to suit your individual needs. It might look very different from someone who is recovering from heart surgery vs someone who has chronic pain.
Benefits of exercise for the management of chronic disease include:
Managing and reducing blood pressure
Reducing cholesterol profile
Improve body composition, reduce obesity
Increasing energy levels in chronic fatigue
Reducing fatigue and nausea following cancer treatments
Improve bone strength for osteoporosis, reducing falls risk
Improve mood, reducing stress, anxiety and depression
How can I get started? How can an exercise physiologist help?
Here at MVP our exercise physiologists are university trained allied health professionals that specialise in prescribing exercises for the management of chronic diseases and conditions. They possess a high level of skill, competency and knowledge to effectively design an individualised program taking into account your medial history, injuries or other concerns you may have. They understand the challenges and complexity chronic diseases may have on your function and aim to help you become a fitter and healthier version of you. If you would like to know more about getting started call us today on (07) 5531 9555 or book online to make an appointment. You may even be eligible for sessions rebated through your doctor on a Chronic Disease Management Plan or Team Care Arrangement or through private health.
