Exercise Physiology

Exercise Physiology uses exercise to help manage chronic conditions and/or injuries.

About this service

Our Exercise Physiology team prescribes exercise as medicine for people with chronic disease and/or injury.

We provide short term exercise therapy with clear goals. We can help you modify your lifestyle and make changes to your behaviour to improve your health and wellness. These changes can also help you be more involved in different areas of your life, including study, work and the community.

We also provide the following dedicated exercise programs.

Cancer Exercise Group

The cancer exercise group is for people who have a current diagnosis of cancer and are:

• undergoing treatment or
• have ceased treatment within previous 12 months and continue to experience treatment related side effects.

Gestational Diabetes Group

This group is for people who are approximately three months post birth and have had Gestational Diabetes during their most recent pregnancy.

The group aims to help you reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. We also guide and support you to safely return to or engage in physical activity after the birth.

Who we care for

We care for both inpatients (those admitted to hospital) and outpatients (people who attend hospital clinics and day therapy units) aged 16 years or older.

We help people living with chronic disease and/or injury, including:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Metabolic disease - diabetes
• Neurological disease
• Musculoskeletal disease (including arthritis, osteoporosis, chronic musculoskeletal issues)
• Mental health conditions
• Cancer.

Our services are free if you have a Medicare Card.

How to access this service

You need a referral from your GP or a medical practitioner to access our service.

What to expect

Once we’ve received your referral, we’ll triage it based on your medical condition and reason for referral.

We will then call you to book an initial assessment.

You will receive a letter to confirm the appointment details. The letter will also have information to help you prepare for your appointment.

You can find out more about what Exercise Physiologists do on the Exercise and Sports Science Australia Website.

What to bring to your appointment

• Medicare card
• Any letters or correspondence from your GP
• Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
• Private health insurance card (if applicable/if you want to use it)
• List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you have bought without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
• Previous x-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results or reports
• Wear comfortable clothing including closed footwear that you can perform physical movement in
• Bring a drink bottle with water

Where we’re located

Canberra Hospital, Building 15, Level 1.

We have directions and transport information for Canberra Hospital.