FAQ’s
Activ8 Exercise Physiology
Our frequently asked questions about Exercise Physiology
If you’re looking for an Exercise Physiologist on the Sunshine Coast, you may have questions about how Exercise Physiology works, what conditions we treat, whether you need a referral or what to expect during your first appointment. We’ve answered some of the most common questions below to help you understand how Activ8 Exercise Physiology can support your rehabilitation, health and performance goal.
An Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) is a university-qualified allied health professional who specialises in using exercise as medicine to prevent, manage and treat injuries, chronic health conditions and physical impairments.
At Activ8 Exercise Physiology, we help people reduce pain, improve strength, restore movement and build confidence through evidence-based exercise programs tailored to their individual goals.
Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing arthritis, returning to sport or simply wanting to move better, Exercise Physiology provides a structured approach to improving your health and function.
Exercise Physiology can assist with a wide range of conditions including:
- Back and neck pain
- Shoulder, hip and knee injuries
- Arthritis and osteoarthritis
- Tendinopathy
- Osteoporosis
- Sports injuries
- Chronic pain
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Neurological conditions
- Balance and falls prevention
- Cancer rehabilitation
- Weight management
- Strength and conditioning
- Post-operative rehabilitation
- Healthy ageing
Every exercise program is tailored to your individual needs, current capacity and goals.
Both professions play an important role in rehabilitation, but they have different areas of focus.
Physiotherapists often assess and manage acute injuries using a combination of hands-on treatment, education and exercise.
Exercise Physiologists specialise in long-term rehabilitation through structured exercise prescription. Our focus is on improving strength, movement quality, function and confidence while helping you return to the activities that matter most.
Many of our clients are referred by physiotherapists once they’re ready to progress their rehabilitation through exercise.
No.
You can book directly with us without a referral if you’re attending privately.
However, referrals may be required if you’re claiming through:
- Medicare
- DVA
- NDIS (plan dependant)
- WorkCover
- CTP Insurance
If you’re unsure, we’re happy to guide you through the process.
Your initial consultation is designed to understand where you are now and develop a clear plan to help you achieve your goals.
Your appointment may include:
- Discussion of your medical and injury history
- Review of your current symptoms
- Goal setting
- Movement assessment
- Strength and functional testing
- Mobility assessment
- Development of an individualised rehabilitation or exercise program
- Commencement of your first exercise session where appropriate
Where suitable, we also use objective strength and movement testing technology to establish a baseline and track your progress over time.
Appointment lengths vary depending on your needs.
Typically:
- Initial consultation: 60 minutes
- Review consultations: 30–60 minutes
Your Exercise Physiologist will recommend the most appropriate appointment length based on your goals and stage of rehabilitation.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
Some people benefit from weekly appointments initially before progressing to fortnightly or monthly reviews, while others may only require occasional check-ins.
Your treatment plan will depend on factors such as:
- Your goals
- Your condition
- Your current fitness level
- How independently you can complete your exercise program
- Your response to rehabilitation
Our aim is to help you become confident and independent while providing the support you need along the way.
Please wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely.
Depending on your injury or condition, we may need to assess your movement patterns, so shorts and supportive footwear are often recommended.
Don’t worry if you’re new to exercise—sessions are tailored to your current ability.
Absolutely.
Many of our clients attend because they want to:
- Build strength
- Improve mobility
- Prevent future injuries
- Improve balance
- Prepare for surgery
- Return to sport
- Improve performance
- Increase confidence in the gym
- Stay active as they age
Exercise isn’t just for rehabilitation—it’s one of the most effective ways to improve long-term health and quality of life.
Eligible patients referred under a GP Chronic Disease Management Plan may be able to claim a Medicare rebate for Exercise Physiology services.
A referral from your GP is required.
If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, speak with your GP or contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
Yes.
If your private health fund includes Exercise Physiology under Extras cover, you may be eligible for a rebate.
The rebate amount varies depending on your level of cover and health fund.
We recommend checking directly with your insurer before your appointment.
Yes.
We work with both self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants, helping individuals improve strength, mobility, independence and confidence through personalised exercise programs.
Programs are tailored to each participant’s goals and functional capacity.
Yes.
We regularly work with:
- Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA)
- WorkCover Queensland
- Motor vehicle accident (CTP) claims
We’ll communicate with your GP, specialist, insurer or case manager where appropriate to ensure your rehabilitation progresses smoothly.
Progression isn’t based on time alone.
We consider:
- Your symptoms
- Pain response
- Strength
- Movement quality
- Confidence
- Functional capacity
- Recovery between sessions
Where appropriate, we also use objective strength and movement testing to measure improvements and help guide rehabilitation.
Our goal is to ensure you’re progressing at the right pace—not too quickly and not too slowly.
Yes.
Experiencing mild discomfort during rehabilitation doesn’t necessarily mean you’re causing damage.
In many cases, a small amount of discomfort is expected as your body adapts to increased activity and strength training.
We monitor your symptoms carefully and adjust your program based on your individual response, helping you build confidence while avoiding unnecessary flare-ups.
Our goal isn’t just to help you recover from pain—it’s to help you continue moving well for years to come.
Many clients choose to progress beyond rehabilitation into ongoing strength training, injury prevention or performance-focused exercise.
At Activ8 Exercise Physiology, our philosophy is to bridge the gap between rehabilitation and performance, helping you move from restoring function to building long-term strength, resilience and confidence.