We are excited to announce the addition of a brand-new service at Bertram Physiotherapy.  Our clinic is now offering Exercise Physiology, led by our highly experienced Exercise Physiologist Steven Royle. 

Exercise Physiology focuses on how exercise can positively affect various health conditions and is distinct from Physiotherapy in that it emphasizes long-term physical conditioning, rehabilitation, and disease prevention. If you're looking to manage chronic conditions, improve your fitness, or boost your well-being, Exercise Physiology offers a comprehensive and sustainable solution.

What is Exercise Physiology?

Exercise Physiology is the science of how physical activity impacts the body, especially for individuals with medical conditions. Unlike Physiotherapy, which focuses primarily on the assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal injury and mobility conditions, Exercise Physiology works with patients to prevent, manage, and improve chronic conditions through individualized exercise plans.

Steve Royle’s approach combines clinical exercise, lifestyle modification, and education on nutrition and mental health to help you achieve long-term, sustainable improvements. The goal is to improve your overall physical function and well-being through movement, strength-building, and activity tailored to your individual needs.

Exercise Physiology can help with a wide range of health conditions, including:

Type 2 Diabetes 

Obesity and Weight Management 

Heart Disease 

Respiratory Diseases (Asthma, COPD, etc.) 

Neurological Diseases 

Musculoskeletal Disorders (Arthritis, Osteoporosis, etc.) 

 Age related issues (Balance, Falls prevention etc)

Mental Health Issues Related to Weight 

Cancer Rehabilitation 

What to Expect from an Exercise Physiology Session

When you book an Exercise Physiology session, you can expect a personalized and professional approach tailored to your unique health needs and goals. Here’s what to expect during your session:

1. Initial Consultation and Assessment

Your first session will typically begin with a comprehensive assessment of your current health, fitness level, and any medical conditions you may have. The Exercise Physiologist will:

• Discuss your health history and any medical diagnoses (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, etc.).
• Identify any current symptoms or challenges you’re experiencing.
• Measure key health indicators such as weight, blood pressure, or flexibility.
• Understand your personal health goals—whether it's improving cardiovascular health, losing weight, reducing pain, or preventing falls.

This thorough assessment helps your Exercise Physiologist create a customized exercise plan that’s safe and effective for your specific condition.

2. Personalized Exercise Plan

Based on the information gathered during your assessment, your Exercise Physiologist will design an individualized exercise program. The plan may include:

• Aerobic exercises (e.g. walking, cycling, water aerobics) to improve cardiovascular fitness.
• Strength training (e.g. resistance exercises) to build muscle and improve endurance.
• Balance and flexibility exercises to improve mobility, reduce stiffness, and prevent falls.
• Breathing exercises (for respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD).
• Joint protection techniques for musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis.

3. Education and Advice

One of the key aspects of Exercise Physiology is education. During each session, your Exercise Physiologist will explain:

• The benefits of each exercise in relation to your health condition.
• Healthy lifestyle tips such as diet advice, hydration, and the importance of regular physical activity.
• How to modify your routine for sustainable results and prevent injury.
• Techniques for self-monitoring progress, so you can track improvements in strength, endurance, and overall health.
• Behavioral modification and mental health techniques

4. Hands-On Guidance and Support

Throughout your session, your Exercise Physiologist will provide hands-on guidance to ensure that each exercise is performed with the correct form and technique. This ensures you get the most benefit from each movement and reduces the risk of injury.

They will also offer motivation and support, encouraging you to stay on track and push yourself while respecting your limits. If any adjustments are needed during the session, they’ll be there to make changes to ensure the exercises are both safe and effective.

5. Progress Monitoring and Follow-up

Exercise Physiology is about long-term progress, so your Exercise Physiologist will track your progress over time. They may ask about any changes in symptoms, fitness, or daily activity levels, and adjust your program accordingly to ensure continued improvement.

You may also be encouraged to set new goals as you achieve milestones in your exercise plan. Whether it's increasing your endurance, lifting more weight, or improving balance, regular follow-up ensures your program evolves with you.

6. Ongoing Motivation and Lifestyle Support

In addition to physical exercise, your Exercise Physiologist provides ongoing support and motivation to help you achieve behavioral change. This includes advice on healthy eating, stress management, and tips on making exercise a regular part of your daily routine.

For conditions like obesity or weight management, they may offer advice on dietary changes that complement your exercise program, helping you make healthier choices and achieve sustainable weight loss.

What’s the Next Step?

If you’re ready to take control of your health, reach out today to book your first Exercise Physiology session with Steve!

Individual Appointments 

or

Group Balance Classes 

 You’ll leave each session feeling more empowered to manage your condition and improve your quality of life through structured physical activity.

To book an appointment or to find out more about Exercise Physiology and how it can benefit you, please:

📞 Call our friendly reception team at 3202 1122

💻 Or book online by clicking above

Private Health, DVA, NDIS, and Medicare Rebates available

We look forward to seeing you soon at Bertram Physiotherapy. Let us help you move better, feel better, and live better with Exercise Physiology!