What is Exercise Physiology?

An Exercise Physiologist (EP) is a University qualified Allied Health Professional that specialises in exercise prescription for the management and prevention of chronic disease and disabilities.

Adopting healthy behaviours such as controlling body weight, eating nutritious foods and increasing physical activity levels can prevent or delay the development of many chronic diseases, including back pain.

While most people are aware of the importance of regular exercise, they can remain unsure about what type of exercises they should be doing and how often. Exercise, like medicine, has a dose-related response. This means that exercise type, intensity and frequency need to be considered and monitored to have an optimal effect and to ensure that the exercise is appropriate for each individual’s medical conditions.

Exercise physiologists are trained to prescribe safe and effective exercises that are specific to individual needs, as well as implementing strategies to target any motivational barriers.

Exercise Physiology and Back Pain

Back pain is often made worse through inactivity, being overweight, poor posture, stress and incorrect lifting technique.  Exercise can therefore be pivotal in the treatment of back pain.

Muscle imbalances in both strength and flexibility alter the biomechanics of the spine. This leads to the development of additional stress on certain structures (muscles, ligaments, discs) and ultimately failure of these affected structures which can cause back pain. For this reason exercise programs need to be tailored individually so that specific weak points can be identified and corrected.

Exercise Physiologists are trained in the prescription of individual exercise programs targeting back pain. In particular, Exercise Physiologists can address

• Lower back pain

• Arthritis (Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis)

• Osteoporosis – including falls prevention training

• Weight Management

• Chronic Musculoskeletal injuries