EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST AND REHAB.
Exercise based rehabilitation specialist.
When Should You See An Exercise Physiologist for Rehabilitation
Recovering from an injury, surgery, or chronic condition can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure who to turn to for help. While physiotherapists are often the first point of contact after an acute injury, there comes a time in your recovery journey when working with an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) is the next essential step.
But when exactly should you see an Exercise Physiologist for rehab ? What’s the difference between physio and exercise physiology ? And how can you be sure you’re getting the support you need?
At JY Exercise Physiology, we help clients across Brisbane and surrounding suburbs regain strength, reduce pain, and return to full function through tailored rehabilitation programs backed by science.
What Is an Exercise Physiologist?
An Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) is a university-qualified allied health professional who specialises in exercise for rehabilitation, chronic disease management, and injury prevention.
Unlike personal trainers or general fitness coaches, exercise physiologists are trained to work with people recovering from:
Musculoskeletal injuries
Post-surgical procedures
Chronic health conditions (e.g., arthritis, diabetes, heart disease)
Work-related injuries
Neurological and mobility impairments
Persistent or long-term pain
At JY Exercise Physiology, I design safe, individualised rehab plans that restore function, build resilience, and get you back to doing what you love without risking re-injury.
When Should You See an Exercise Physiologist for Rehab?
You might benefit from seeing an Exercise Physiologist if:
🔹 1. You're No Longer in Acute Pain, But Not Fully Recovered
After the early injury or post-surgery phase, once the swelling has reduced and you’re cleared to move again, rehab becomes about rebuilding:
Muscle strength and control
Joint stability and mobility
Movement confidence
Functional fitness for daily life or sport
This is where an AEP steps in. I guide you through progressive, goal-specific exercise to bridge the gap between early rehab and full recovery.
🔹 2. You're Feeling Weak, Stiff or Unsure How to Move Safely
It’s common to feel apprehensive or weak after an injury or period of immobility. You may be avoiding certain movements or feel like your body just “isn’t the same” anymore.
An Exercise Physiologist will:
Assess your current physical capacity
Address muscle imbalances and compensations
Prescribe exercises that gently build strength and mobility
Educate you on safe movement patterns
Help you regain trust in your body
🔹 3. You’ve Finished Physio but Still Need Strength and Function
Many people are discharged from physiotherapy after their initial injury or post-op care, but still don’t feel 100% ready to return to work, sport or full function.
Exercise Physiologists focus on:
Long-term recovery
Performance and resilience
Return-to-work or return-to-sport readiness
Preventing reinjury
Our job is to take you from better to your best.
🔹 4. You’re Dealing with a Chronic or Recurring Injury
Ongoing issues like back pain, tendonitis, or old sports injuries often need more than just temporary treatment, they need long-term movement solutions.
Exercise Physiology is ideal for chronic injuries because we:
Identify underlying causes of ongoing pain or weakness
Build strength in vulnerable areas
Adjust your program to match your flare-ups or pain levels
Teach you strategies to manage symptoms and stay active
🔹 5. You Want to Return to Work or Daily Activities Safely
Whether it’s lifting, walking, driving, or doing housework, returning to everyday activities can feel daunting after injury.
Exercise Physiology helps you:
Rebuild strength specific to your work or home needs
Improve balance, coordination and endurance
Train safely and progressively
Regain independence and confidence
We also work closely with GPs and support Medicare EPC plans, WorkCover QLD, and DVA Gold Cards.
🔹 6. You Have a Complex Condition or Multiple Health Issues
If you’re recovering from an injury and also living with another condition (arthritis, diabetes, stroke, obesity), you need rehab that considers the whole person, not just the injury.
Exercise Physiologists are trained to manage complex, multi-system conditions with care. We develop programs that are:
Safe for your heart, joints, and nervous system
Adapted to fatigue levels or medication side effects
Built around your real-life capabilities and goals
🔹 7. You’re Ready to Prevent Future Injury
Injuries don’t just happen by chance often they’re the result of poor movement habits, muscle imbalances, or insufficient strength.
Even once you feel better, Exercise Physiology can help you:
Build long-term strength and stability
Improve posture and movement mechanics
Prepare your body for sport, work, or active living
Avoid reinjury and setbacks
Physio vs Exercise Physiology: What’s the Difference ?
Physiotherapist:
Focuses on early-stage injury treatment
Hands-on techniques (massage, dry needling, joint mobilisation)
Often first point of contact after injury
Helps reduce pain and swelling
May refer to an AEP for long-term rehab
Exercise Physiologist:
Focuses on mid-to-late-stage rehabilitation
Movement-based interventions only
Ideal follow-up for ongoing rehab & return to function
Helps rebuild strength, mobility, and endurance
Works in collaboration with physios and GPs
What to Expect at JY Exercise Physiology
I start with a comprehensive initial assessment, including:
Injury and medical history
Strength, range of motion, and movement testing
Functional goals (work, sport, lifestyle)
Pain patterns and limitations
From there, we create a fully personalised rehabilitation plan based on your condition, lifestyle, and recovery goals.
Your rehab program may include:
Strength and resistance training
Joint mobility and flexibility work
Core and balance exercises
Functional movement retraining
Cardiovascular conditioning
Pain management strategies
We monitor your progress closely and adjust the program as you recover, ensuring that every session moves you one step closer to full recovery.
We Help With:
✅ WorkCover rehabilitation
✅ Sports injury rehab
✅ Post-surgery recovery
✅ Any Musculoskeletal injury
✅ DVA and NDIS participants
✅ Chronic pain and mobility concerns
Rebuild With Confidence
If you're unsure about your next step after an injury, i’m here to help. With expert support, evidence-based planning, and a focus on longevity, JY Exercise Physiology is your trusted partner in long-term rehabilitation.
Located in Upper Mount Gravatt and speak with an Accredited Exercise Physiologist now to discuss how I can facilitate your needs.
Feel free to explore our other blogs to learn more and gain additional insights.
Call +61 421 967 711
