Living with a chronic condition can make daily activities challenging. Evidence shows that structured movement plays a key role in improving health outcomes and quality of life.
If you’re looking for exercise physiology in Bendigo, the team at Ace Allied Health can help.
Our accredited exercise physiologists design tailored programs to help individuals manage long-term health conditions safely and effectively, using exercise as a form of therapy to improve function and support overall wellbeing..
For personalised advice, contact our team at Ace Allied Health today.
Why Exercise Physiology Matters for Chronic Diseases
Exercise physiology focuses on how the body responds and adapts to physical activity. For people with chronic disease, this means using tailored, evidence-based exercise programs to help reduce symptoms, improve function, and prevent further complications.
Every plan is tailored to each person’s health status, physical capacity, and medical history, ensuring exercises are both effective and safe.
Let’s explore how exercise physiology supports the management of common chronic conditions.
1. Diabetes
How it helps: Exercise improves insulin sensitivity, glucose uptake, and overall blood sugar control. It also enhances cardiovascular fitness and supports healthy weight management, two key factors in diabetes care.
Types of exercises: A combination of aerobic exercises (walking, cycling, swimming) and resistance training (bodyweight or light weights) helps regulate blood sugar and build lean muscle mass.
Expected outcomes: Lower HbA1c levels, improved energy, better sleep, and reduced cardiovascular risk.
Safety considerations: Exercise physiologists monitor blood sugar levels before and after sessions and adapt workouts to prevent hypoglycemia or fatigue.
2. Cardiovascular Disease
How it helps: Exercise strengthens the heart muscle, improves circulation, and helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol. It can also assist in recovery after cardiac events.
Types of exercises: Low- to moderate-intensity aerobic activities, such as treadmill walking, cycling, or water-based exercise, are commonly used.
Expected outcomes: Improved endurance, reduced risk of secondary cardiac events, and enhanced confidence in physical activity.
Safety considerations: Programs are designed with careful heart-rate monitoring and gradual progression to prevent overexertion.
3. Arthritis
How it helps: Exercise keeps joints mobile, strengthens surrounding muscles, and reduces stiffness and pain, particularly in osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
Types of exercises: Gentle range-of-motion exercises, water-based workouts, and low-impact strength training form the core of arthritis management.
Expected outcomes: Increased joint function, improved mobility, and better pain management.
Safety considerations: Exercise intensity is adjusted based on joint condition and inflammation levels, avoiding movements that cause pain or swelling.
4. Chronic Pain and Musculoskeletal Conditions
How it helps: Exercise plays a vital role in managing chronic pain and musculoskeletal conditions, helping to retrain the nervous system, improve movement patterns, and reduce pain sensitivity over time. It also strengthens the muscles that support joints and posture, restoring function and promoting long-term mobility.
Types of exercises: Targeted strength training, gentle mobility work, stretching, and mindfulness-based movement approaches are often used.
Expected outcomes: Improved pain tolerance, restored mobility, and better quality of life.
Safety considerations: Programs are designed to pace activity levels carefully to avoid flare-ups or fatigue.
5. Osteoporosis
How it helps: Weight-bearing and resistance exercises help increase bone density, balance, and coordination, reducing the risk of fractures.
Types of exercises: Resistance training, balance exercises, and impact-based activities (as tolerated).
Expected outcomes: Improved bone strength, posture, and fall prevention.
Safety considerations: Movements that risk falls or high spinal load are avoided, and exercises are introduced progressively.
6. Chronic Respiratory Conditions (e.g., COPD, Asthma)
How it helps: Exercise improves breathing efficiency, endurance, and confidence in physical activity for people with respiratory limitations.
Types of exercises: Gentle aerobic exercise and breathing control techniques are tailored to individual lung capacity.
Expected outcomes: Reduced breathlessness, better lung function, and increased independence in daily activities.
Safety considerations: Programs are closely monitored, with adjustments for shortness of breath or fatigue levels.
7. Fibromyalgia
How it helps: Regular, low-impact exercise reduces fatigue, stiffness, and pain sensitivity while improving mood and sleep, all key components of fibromyalgia treatment.
Types of exercises: Walking, swimming, stretching, and light strength training in a gradual, consistent program.
Expected outcomes: Reduced pain severity, improved mood, and increased functional capacity.
Safety considerations: Exercise intensity and duration are carefully progressed to avoid symptom flare-ups, with emphasis on recovery and pacing.
What to Expect from an Exercise Physiologist
When you visit an exercise physiologist, you will start with a comprehensive assessment that considers your medical history, current physical capacity, and lifestyle goals. From there, they’ll develop a personalised exercise plan that’s safe, achievable, and aligned with evidence-based guidelines.
You’ll also receive guidance on:
- Correct exercise techniques and pacing strategies
- Symptom monitoring and management
- Long-term self-management strategies
- Lifestyle advice to support your overall health
Whether your goal is to reduce pain, regain strength, or improve mobility, our team provides ongoing support to keep you motivated and on track.
Take the Next Step Toward Better Health
Living with a chronic condition can be overwhelming, but with the right support, you can take meaningful steps toward managing your condition and improving your wellbeing. At Ace Allied Health, our accredited exercise physiologists in Bendigo provide compassionate, evidence-based care to help you move better, feel stronger, and live well.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
At Ace Allied Health, exercise physiology services are accessible through a range of funding options, including Medicare, NDIS, WorkCover, and private health insurance. If you have a chronic condition, your GP may also provide a Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP) referral for subsidised sessions.
Book a consultation with Ace Allied Health today to discuss how exercise physiology can support your long-term health and wellbeing.
