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HEALTH+WELLNESS
Spotlight On:
Exercise Physiologists & Therapists
The benefits of exercise have been widely reported for people with MS but knowing what
type of exercise is best, and where to access suitable programs, can be a challenge. Our
exercise physiologists and exercise therapists can help you connect the dots.
What is exercise physiology and exercise
therapy? How are they relevant to people
with MS?
Exercise physiologists (EPs) are university-qualified allied
health professionals who specialise in the delivery of
exercise, lifestyle and behavioural modification programs
for the prevention and management of chronic diseases
and injuries. MS Australia – ACT/NSW/VIC has qualified
EPs and exercise therapists (qualified personal trainers)
who provide an holistic approach to the often complex
management of an individual’s MS symptoms. As such,
these therapists will work closely with physiotherapists and
other allied health professionals to:
l educate clients, their family members/carers and
relevant staff about the benefits of physical activity
l prescribe individualised exercise programs
l inform/guide clients through the strategies required to
manage an ongoing exercise program
l refer clients to a community EP (e.g. in regional areas) and
assist with access to appropriate exercise groups
l follow-up and review as required
l develop and provide training to fitness professionals on
the key aspects of working with people with MS.
Our EPs and ETs also work with the Health Promotion
Team to expand the number of exercise opportunities
available for people with MS, as well as the Peer Support
Program Team to help launch combined peer support/
physical activity groups.
How can exercise physiologists and
therapists support me?
In consultation with a client’s healthcare team, an EP will
assess a client’s ability and needs to determine the best
type of exercise program suitable for them.
For our clients in NSW, this is generally done by a
physiotherapist who will assign clients to MS-specific
training programs that are actually run by our exercise
therapists (ETs).
Importantly, people can expect progress to be made
towards achieving their individual health and fitness goals.
To support MS Australia’s commitment towards
symptom self-management, the EP and/or ET will guide
the client on how to progress their exercise program as
appropriate.
For example, a client may already be attending a gym
but requires some specialised guidance or review of their
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www.msaustralia.org.au/actnswvic