Question 1

What does an Exercise Physiologist do?

Accepted Answer

Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) are tertiary-qualified allied health professionals who prescribe, deliver, and adapt movement, physical activity, and exercise-based interventions to facilitate and optimise health status, function, recovery, and independence. 
AEPs work with people from all walks of life, but their main focus is to support people living with, or at risk of developing, chronic illness or injury. These include people affected by cancer, cardiovascular disease, mental health issues, metabolic disease, intellectual and physical disability and other chronic conditions.

Question 2

Why would I see an Exercise Physiologist?

Accepted Answer

Accrediated Exercise Physiologists offer exercise prehabilitation and rehabilitation services that can help optimise health and clinical outcomes for:

- people with chronic physical or mental health conditions (i.e. diabetes, cardiovascular, pulmonary, cancer, metabolic),
- people recovering from an injury or surgery,
- people preparing to undergo surgery,
- people looking to enhance their overall health and well-being.

Question 3

What is the difference between an Exercise Physiologist, Physiotherapist and Personal Trainer?

Accepted Answer

Exercise Physiologist
Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) are allied health professionals who specialise in chronic disease or injury management through the design and delivery of tailored exercise interventions. AEPs primarily provide movement-based treatment during the sub-acute and chronic phases of illness or injury. 
Qualifications: 4-year university degree
Accreditation: Exercise & Sports Science Australia

Physiotherapist
Physiotherapists primarily deliver hands-on treatment with an emphasis on acute and sub-acute care. They diagnose, treat and manage injuries using a combination of manual therapy, education and exercise prescription. 
Qualifications: 4-year university degree
Accreditation: Australian Physiotherapist Association

Fitness Professional (i.e. Personal Trainer, Gym Instructor)
Fitness professionals work with clients to help them meet their health and fitness goals, rather than to overcome injury, illness or disability. Fitness professionals do not require a university qualification or professional accreditation to deliver their services and are only permitted to work with low-risk clients.
Qualifications: Certificate in Fitness
Accreditation: Professional Certification

Question 4

Do I need a referral?

Accepted Answer

You do not need a referral to attend or book a session at Cynergy. However, sometimes you may be referred to us by your GP, specialist or other allied health professional.

Question 5

Am I covered by Medicare?

Accepted Answer

Medicare rebates are available for services provided by eligible allied health professionals (i.e. Exercise Physiologists) to individuals with chronic conditions and complex care needs. You will be eligible for a Medicare rebate if your GP provides you with a 'GP chronic condition management (CCM) 'plan where you can access up to 5 individual sessions per calendar year with any allied health professional. Current Medicare rebates are $63.40 per session.Additionally, if you have Type 2 Diabetes, you may be eligible for a referral under the 'Group Allied Health Services under Medicare for patients with type 2 diabetes'. You will be eligible for 1 initial consultation and 8 group exercise sessions.Current Medicare rebates are $81.35 for the initial consult and $20.25 for each group exercise session.Ask your GP regarding the above referrals prior to your first exercise session.

Question 6

Are your fees covered by Private Health Insurance?

Accepted Answer

Exercise Physiology services are covered through private health extras cover. Please contact your private health insurance provider to find out if you are eligible, and the rebates you are entitled to.
You can claim your private health insurance rebate on the day of your appointment at our clinic.

Question 7

What to expect for my first visit?

Accepted Answer

During your first appointment, your Exercise Physiologist will ask you questions to gain an understanding of your current health status and physical activity habits.

Your Exercise Physiologist will then conduct a physical assessment which may involve measuring your vital signs and anthropometry (i.e. blood pressure, heart rate, height, weight), examining areas of your body and asking you to perform certain movements and/or functional tests.

You can expect to leave your first appointment with a better understanding of how tailored exercise can benefit you and how we will support you in your journey to optimise your health. You may have ‘homework’ including exercises or lifestyle changes to implement prior to your next session.

Question 8

What do I need to bring/wear?

Accepted Answer

Please bring any referrals and/or reports from other health care practitioners.
Please wear exercise gear (track pants, shorts, tights, closed shoes) and bring a bottle of water and a sweat towel.

Question 9

Is parking available at the clinic?

Accepted Answer

There is ample parking available around the clinic within close walking distance. We suggest parking in either of the two spaces below:
Free 90-minute parking at Subiaco Square Woolworths underground carpark (entrance off Station Street) is located approximately 400 metres from the clinic (five minute walk). 
Free 3-hour parking at Market Lane Coles multi-level carpark (entrance off Hood Street) is located approximately 350 metres from the clinic (four minute walk).
Please click the guide below for more parking options (labelled 'P').

Frequently Asked Questions