Seeing an exercise professional

It’s natural to have lots of questions when starting an exercise program. The most appropriate health professionals to design an exercise program for people with cancer are accredited exercise physiologists or physiotherapists. They can help develop a program based on what you can do and any physical problems or side effects related to the type of cancer you have.

Personal trainers and exercise scientists are not trained to work with people who have major health issues.

Exercise physiologists

Also called accredited exercise physiologists (AEPs), these allied health professionals have completed at least a four-year university degree. They use exercise as medicine to help with chronic disease management and overall wellbeing.

How to find an exercise physiologist

You can search for an accredited exercise physiologist (AEP) by name, location or speciality at Exercise & Sports Science Australia.

Physiotherapists

These allied health professionals have completed at least a four- year university degree. They focus on physical rehabilitation and prevention and treatment of injuries using a variety of techniques, including exercise, massage and joint manipulation.

How to find a physiotherapist

You can search for an accredited physiotherapist at the Australian Physiotherapy Association.

You may be able to see an exercise professional at your cancer treatment centre, or your GP may be able to refer you to an exercise physiologist or physiotherapist as part of a Chronic Disease Management Plan, which means you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate for up to five visits per calendar year. Most private health insurers provide limited cover for visits to an exercise physiologist or a physiotherapist, but this depends on the type and level of cover.

The Department of Veteran Affairs may be able to assist some people.

I turned to exercise a lot. I started working with an exercise physiologist, building up my body and also walking an hour every day, seven days a week.

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