FAQs
We're here to
support you.
Find answers to the most common questions about our services, appointment, and support.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Got a question about NDIS Exercise Physiology? Here are the ones we
ear most often
Exercise Physiology
Is exercise really as effective as medicine?
Absolutely. Movement is one of the most powerful tools available for long term wellbeing. While traditional medication often targets specific symptoms, a structured movement program works holistically to improve how your body functions, recovers, and feels every day.
Whether you are managing an ongoing condition, building strength for daily tasks, or looking to regain your independence, the right routine can create profound and sustainable changes in your quality of life. At Greater Health, we bring these tailored movement strategies directly to your home, local gym, or pool, ensuring your progress is practical and seamlessly integrated into your actual lifestyle.
What's the difference between an Exercise Physiologist and a Personal Trainer?
A Personal Trainer is a great resource for general fitness, helping healthy individuals reach everyday workout goals. An Accredited Exercise Physiologist is a university qualified movement expert trained to design highly specific, safe, and adaptive programs for people with complex health needs, disabilities, or physical limitations.
Our Exercise Physiologists possess a deep understanding of how the human body responds to movement under various physical circumstances. This advanced knowledge allows the Greater Health team to safely guide your progress, adjust routines to match your daily capacity, and provide services that are recognized and supported by pathways like the NDIS, Medicare, and Support at Home.
What does mobile Exercise Physiology mean?
Mobile Exercise Physiology means we come to you. Sessions can be delivered in your home, at a local gym, in a hydrotherapy setting, or within our private exercise studio in Dandenong and Noble Park — depending on your needs and goals.
Our aim at Greater Health is to make Exercise Physiology more accessible and flexible, helping you receive the support you need in a way that works for you.
What will I experience when working with an Exercise Physiologist?
When you first contact us, we’ll have an initial discussion about your situation, why you’re interested in working with us, your availability, and what type of delivery will suit you best (at home, in a gym, hydrotherapy, or other). We’ll also answer any questions you have at that stage.
At your first appointment we do some initial assessments of things like strength, mobility, balance and range of motion – using standard testing methods – and talk about what you want to achieve. Following this, we’ll design a program tailored just for you, that starts from where you are and gradually builds towards your goals.
We’ll then meet according to the plan we’ve made together – frequency, location, and pace of progress all depend on your own situation and goals. We regularly review and refine your program based on how you’re feeling and what we’re seeing.
Ultimately, our goal is that you won’t need us anymore. We aim to eventually work up to you having less pain, more strength, more confidence, and independence for life.
What training and accreditation does an Exercise Physiologist have?
Exercise Physiologists are university-qualified allied health professionals trained to assess physical function and prescribe exercise for people living with health conditions, injuries, disabilities, chronic pain, and complex medical needs. Because of this, they create exercise programs tailored not only to a person’s goals, but also to their health history, symptoms, medications, and individual circumstances.
In Australia, Exercise Physiologists are accredited through Exercise & Sports Science
Australia (ESSA), the national professional body for exercise and sport science practitioners. ESSA sets the professional standards that ensure Accredited Exercise Physiologists meet strict education, safety, and ethical practice requirements.
Conditions We Help
Can exercise help with chronic pain?
Yes, guided movement is often a highly effective approach to managing chronic pain. When you experience ongoing discomfort, it is natural to want to rest, but extended inactivity can actually lead to stiffness and further reduce your capacity.
Our approach focuses on gentle, progressive movement designed to build strength and flexibility without overwhelming your system. By improving joint stability and gradually expanding your comfortable range of motion, a structured program helps your body move more freely, supporting a more active and comfortable daily life.
What health conditions can exercise help with?
Targeted movement programs provide meaningful support for a wide range of physical and neurological conditions. At Greater Health, our team regularly assists individuals living with chronic conditions, physical disabilities, and those undergoing rehabilitation or injury recovery.
We design adaptive programs that support cardiovascular health, metabolic balance, and neurological function. More importantly, we focus on how your condition impacts your day to day life—tailoring every session to help you build the functional strength and confidence needed to enjoy your daily activities.
Can exercise replace medication?
Movement is a vital foundation for long term wellbeing, but it is meant to complement, rather than replace, the advice of your primary care team.
While a consistent and well-designed routine can significantly improve physical function, energy levels, and overall health—sometimes reducing the need for certain interventions over time—any changes to your medication should always be discussed directly with your GP or specialist. Our goal is to work collaboratively alongside your existing care plan to support your best possible outcomes.
Does pain always mean I’ve injured myself?
No, not always. Pain is a protective response from the nervous system, and the amount of pain you feel doesn’t always correspond directly to the amount of tissue damage. Pain can also be influenced by factors such as previous injuries, stress, sleep, emotions and expectations.
That said, pain can sometimes signal an injury or other problem, so it shouldn’t simply be ignored. An Exercise Physiologist can help you understand your pain in the context of your symptoms, history, movement and exercise response.
Should I stop exercising if exercise causes me pain?
Not necessarily. Exercise can cause a range of sensations, including muscular effort, stretching, fatigue and muscle soreness after a new or more demanding workout. These sensations don’t automatically mean you’ve injured yourself.
However, the right response depends on the type of pain, what caused it and how your body responds over time. An Exercise Physiologist can help you adjust the movement, load, frequency or progression so you can continue building strength and capacity safely.
How can an Exercise Physiologist help with chronic pain?
An Exercise Physiologist can help you gradually rebuild strength, physical capacity and confidence around movements that have become painful or difficult. This might involve graded exposure to particular movements, carefully adjusting exercise loads and progressively increasing what your body can tolerate.
They can also help you understand your pain signals and identify factors that influence how you respond to exercise. The goal isn’t simply to push through pain, but to help your body relearn which movements are safe and build its capacity to perform them.
What health conditions can exercise help with?
Exercise can play an important role in managing conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, chronic pain, neurological conditions, mental health conditions, and many injuries.
At Greater Health, we also regularly support people living with disability, age-related loss of strength and balance, fatigue-related conditions, and those recovering from illness or injury.
Disability & NDIS
Can I use my NDIS funding for Greater Health services?
Yes, Greater Health is an NDIS Registered Provider. Our services, including Exercise Physiology, Hydrotherapy, and Clinical Pilates, can be funded under the Capacity Building category of your NDIS plan (specifically under ‘Improved Health and Wellbeing’ or ‘Improved Daily Living’).
We work with all NDIS participants—whether your plan is Agency-managed, Plan-managed, or Self-managed. Our team handles the reporting and communication required by the NDIS, ensuring a seamless experience for you and your support network.
How do your services support my NDIS goals?
Everything we do is built around the goals outlined in your NDIS plan. Whether you want to build the physical strength to access the community more independently, improve your balance to move safely around your home, or develop a routine to support your mental and physical wellbeing, our programs are directly aligned with your aspirations.
We take a practical, capacity-building approach. Our clinicians focus on functional movements that translate to everyday life, helping you build the confidence and physical capability to engage in the activities that matter most to you.
Healthy Ageing & Falls Prevention
How can a guided movement routine help prevent falls?
Maintaining balance and physical strength becomes essential for preserving independence over time. A structured movement routine focuses on enhancing core stability, improving joint coordination, and building the foundational strength needed to navigate daily environments safely. By proactively addressing these physical elements, you can significantly reduce the risk of slips and falls, allowing you to move through life with greater confidence and ease.
Is it ever too late to start a mobility program?
It is never too late to begin investing in your physical wellbeing. Our programs are entirely adaptable and designed to meet you exactly where you are right now. Whether you have been inactive for years or are managing multiple age related conditions, our movement experts will guide you through gentle and progressive steps. We focus on achievable milestones that safely build your capacity and enhance your everyday vitality.
Services
Where do your services take place?
We are a fully mobile team, which means we bring our expertise directly to you. Whether you feel most comfortable in your own living room, at a local gym, or in a community pool across Melbourne South East, we meet you where it is most convenient. This approach removes the stress of travel and ensures you practice movements in the exact environment where you will use them every day.
How do I know which service is right for me?
You do not need to have it all figured out before reaching out. When you contact Greater Health, we discuss your current physical needs and personal goals to recommend the most supportive pathway. Whether it is the weightless support of Hydrotherapy, the structured refinement of Clinical Pilates, or the functional strength building of Exercise Physiology, our team will guide you toward the best approach for your body.
Do you work with children?
Yes — we support both children and adults. Sessions are tailored to the individual’s age, development, and goals, with a focus on building confidence, movement skills, and participation in daily activities.
Can I get support to attend sessions (e.g. transport or assistance)?
Yes — if you require support to attend sessions, during sessions, or with transitions before and after, this can often be funded through your NDIS plan under Core supports.
Greater Health can assist in coordinating appropriate support, including support workers, to help you access and participate in sessions safely and confidently.
Where do you travel to?
We primarily deliver mobile services through home visits across the south-east, as well as in gyms and hydrotherapy centres in areas like Dandenong, Noble Park, Glen Waverley, Endeavour Hills, Narre Warren, Cranbourne, Cheltenham, Frankston and surrounding suburbs. We also have consulting rooms in Dandenong and are opening a private exercise studio in Noble Park.
We also offer limited appointments in Melbourne’s western suburbs, including Caroline Springs, Braybrook, Maribyrnong and Broadmeadows. If you’re located elsewhere, please get in touch — we’re always happy to discuss whether we can travel to you.
Funding & Referrals
Which funding options are available for your services?
At Greater Health, we believe accessing quality care should be straightforward. We proudly support a variety of funding pathways to ensure our services fit seamlessly into your life. This includes the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Support at Home packages, Medicare chronic disease plans, Work Cover, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. We also welcome private health insurance and self funded clients. If you are unsure which option applies to you, our team is always here to help you navigate the process.
How can I make a referral for myself or a loved one?
Getting started is very simple. You can reach out directly through our website, give us a call, or have your support coordinator or primary care physician send a referral on your behalf. Once we receive your details, we will connect with you within one to two business days. Our focus is to understand your unique goals and match you with the right movement expert, ensuring your journey begins smoothly and without unnecessary delays.
Can I use my NDIS funding for Exercise Physiology?
Yes — Exercise Physiology is typically funded under Capacity Building supports, including Improved Daily Living and Improved Health & Wellbeing.
In some cases, supports may also be accessed under Core supports (Assistance with Daily Life), depending on your plan.
Can my support coordinator refer me to your service?
Yes — support coordinators, allied health professionals, as well as participants and their families, can refer directly through our referral form. We work closely with you and your care team to ensure supports are aligned with your NDIS goals.
Exercise Physiology
Is exercise really as effective as medicine?
Absolutely. Movement is one of the most powerful tools available for long term wellbeing. While traditional medication often targets specific symptoms, a structured movement program works holistically to improve how your body functions, recovers, and feels every day.
Whether you are managing an ongoing condition, building strength for daily tasks, or looking to regain your independence, the right routine can create profound and sustainable changes in your quality of life. At Greater Health, we bring these tailored movement strategies directly to your home, local gym, or pool, ensuring your progress is practical and seamlessly integrated into your actual lifestyle.
What's the difference between an Exercise Physiologist and a Personal Trainer?
A Personal Trainer is a great resource for general fitness, helping healthy individuals reach everyday workout goals. An Accredited Exercise Physiologist is a university qualified movement expert trained to design highly specific, safe, and adaptive programs for people with complex health needs, disabilities, or physical limitations.
Our Exercise Physiologists possess a deep understanding of how the human body responds to movement under various physical circumstances. This advanced knowledge allows the Greater Health team to safely guide your progress, adjust routines to match your daily capacity, and provide services that are recognized and supported by pathways like the NDIS, Medicare, and Support at Home.
What does mobile Exercise Physiology mean?
Mobile Exercise Physiology means we come to you. Sessions can be delivered in your home, at a local gym, in a hydrotherapy setting, or within our private exercise studio in Dandenong and Noble Park — depending on your needs and goals.
Our aim at Greater Health is to make Exercise Physiology more accessible and flexible, helping you receive the support you need in a way that works for you.
What will I experience when working with an Exercise Physiologist?
When you first contact us, we’ll have an initial discussion about your situation, why you’re interested in working with us, your availability, and what type of delivery will suit you best (at home, in a gym, hydrotherapy, or other). We’ll also answer any questions you have at that stage.
At your first appointment we do some initial assessments of things like strength, mobility, balance and range of motion – using standard testing methods – and talk about what you want to achieve. Following this, we’ll design a program tailored just for you, that starts from where you are and gradually builds towards your goals.
We’ll then meet according to the plan we’ve made together – frequency, location, and pace of progress all depend on your own situation and goals. We regularly review and refine your program based on how you’re feeling and what we’re seeing.
Ultimately, our goal is that you won’t need us anymore. We aim to eventually work up to you having less pain, more strength, more confidence, and independence for life.
What training and accreditation does an Exercise Physiologist have?
Exercise Physiologists are university-qualified allied health professionals trained to assess physical function and prescribe exercise for people living with health conditions, injuries, disabilities, chronic pain, and complex medical needs. Because of this, they create exercise programs tailored not only to a person’s goals, but also to their health history, symptoms, medications, and individual circumstances.
In Australia, Exercise Physiologists are accredited through Exercise & Sports Science
Australia (ESSA), the national professional body for exercise and sport science practitioners. ESSA sets the professional standards that ensure Accredited Exercise Physiologists meet strict education, safety, and ethical practice requirements.
Conditions We Help
Can exercise help with chronic pain?
Yes, guided movement is often a highly effective approach to managing chronic pain. When you experience ongoing discomfort, it is natural to want to rest, but extended inactivity can actually lead to stiffness and further reduce your capacity.
Our approach focuses on gentle, progressive movement designed to build strength and flexibility without overwhelming your system. By improving joint stability and gradually expanding your comfortable range of motion, a structured program helps your body move more freely, supporting a more active and comfortable daily life.
What health conditions can exercise help with?
Targeted movement programs provide meaningful support for a wide range of physical and neurological conditions. At Greater Health, our team regularly assists individuals living with chronic conditions, physical disabilities, and those undergoing rehabilitation or injury recovery.
We design adaptive programs that support cardiovascular health, metabolic balance, and neurological function. More importantly, we focus on how your condition impacts your day to day life—tailoring every session to help you build the functional strength and confidence needed to enjoy your daily activities.
Can exercise replace medication?
Movement is a vital foundation for long term wellbeing, but it is meant to complement, rather than replace, the advice of your primary care team.
While a consistent and well-designed routine can significantly improve physical function, energy levels, and overall health—sometimes reducing the need for certain interventions over time—any changes to your medication should always be discussed directly with your GP or specialist. Our goal is to work collaboratively alongside your existing care plan to support your best possible outcomes.
Does pain always mean I’ve injured myself?
No, not always. Pain is a protective response from the nervous system, and the amount of pain you feel doesn’t always correspond directly to the amount of tissue damage. Pain can also be influenced by factors such as previous injuries, stress, sleep, emotions and expectations.
That said, pain can sometimes signal an injury or other problem, so it shouldn’t simply be ignored. An Exercise Physiologist can help you understand your pain in the context of your symptoms, history, movement and exercise response.
Should I stop exercising if exercise causes me pain?
Not necessarily. Exercise can cause a range of sensations, including muscular effort, stretching, fatigue and muscle soreness after a new or more demanding workout. These sensations don’t automatically mean you’ve injured yourself.
However, the right response depends on the type of pain, what caused it and how your body responds over time. An Exercise Physiologist can help you adjust the movement, load, frequency or progression so you can continue building strength and capacity safely.
How can an Exercise Physiologist help with chronic pain?
An Exercise Physiologist can help you gradually rebuild strength, physical capacity and confidence around movements that have become painful or difficult. This might involve graded exposure to particular movements, carefully adjusting exercise loads and progressively increasing what your body can tolerate.
They can also help you understand your pain signals and identify factors that influence how you respond to exercise. The goal isn’t simply to push through pain, but to help your body relearn which movements are safe and build its capacity to perform them.
What health conditions can exercise help with?
Exercise can play an important role in managing conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, chronic pain, neurological conditions, mental health conditions, and many injuries.
At Greater Health, we also regularly support people living with disability, age-related loss of strength and balance, fatigue-related conditions, and those recovering from illness or injury.
Disability & NDIS
Can I use my NDIS funding for Greater Health services?
Yes, Greater Health is an NDIS Registered Provider. Our services, including Exercise Physiology, Hydrotherapy, and Clinical Pilates, can be funded under the Capacity Building category of your NDIS plan (specifically under ‘Improved Health and Wellbeing’ or ‘Improved Daily Living’).
We work with all NDIS participants—whether your plan is Agency-managed, Plan-managed, or Self-managed. Our team handles the reporting and communication required by the NDIS, ensuring a seamless experience for you and your support network.
How do your services support my NDIS goals?
Everything we do is built around the goals outlined in your NDIS plan. Whether you want to build the physical strength to access the community more independently, improve your balance to move safely around your home, or develop a routine to support your mental and physical wellbeing, our programs are directly aligned with your aspirations.
We take a practical, capacity-building approach. Our clinicians focus on functional movements that translate to everyday life, helping you build the confidence and physical capability to engage in the activities that matter most to you.
Healthy Ageing & Falls Prevention
How can a guided movement routine help prevent falls?
Maintaining balance and physical strength becomes essential for preserving independence over time. A structured movement routine focuses on enhancing core stability, improving joint coordination, and building the foundational strength needed to navigate daily environments safely. By proactively addressing these physical elements, you can significantly reduce the risk of slips and falls, allowing you to move through life with greater confidence and ease.
Is it ever too late to start a mobility program?
It is never too late to begin investing in your physical wellbeing. Our programs are entirely adaptable and designed to meet you exactly where you are right now. Whether you have been inactive for years or are managing multiple age related conditions, our movement experts will guide you through gentle and progressive steps. We focus on achievable milestones that safely build your capacity and enhance your everyday vitality.
Services
Where do your services take place?
We are a fully mobile team, which means we bring our expertise directly to you. Whether you feel most comfortable in your own living room, at a local gym, or in a community pool across Melbourne South East, we meet you where it is most convenient. This approach removes the stress of travel and ensures you practice movements in the exact environment where you will use them every day.
How do I know which service is right for me?
You do not need to have it all figured out before reaching out. When you contact Greater Health, we discuss your current physical needs and personal goals to recommend the most supportive pathway. Whether it is the weightless support of Hydrotherapy, the structured refinement of Clinical Pilates, or the functional strength building of Exercise Physiology, our team will guide you toward the best approach for your body.
Do you work with children?
Yes — we support both children and adults. Sessions are tailored to the individual’s age, development, and goals, with a focus on building confidence, movement skills, and participation in daily activities.
Can I get support to attend sessions (e.g. transport or assistance)?
Yes — if you require support to attend sessions, during sessions, or with transitions before and after, this can often be funded through your NDIS plan under Core supports.
Greater Health can assist in coordinating appropriate support, including support workers, to help you access and participate in sessions safely and confidently.
Where do you travel to?
We primarily deliver mobile services through home visits across the south-east, as well as in gyms and hydrotherapy centres in areas like Dandenong, Noble Park, Glen Waverley, Endeavour Hills, Narre Warren, Cranbourne, Cheltenham, Frankston and surrounding suburbs. We also have consulting rooms in Dandenong and are opening a private exercise studio in Noble Park.
We also offer limited appointments in Melbourne’s western suburbs, including Caroline Springs, Braybrook, Maribyrnong and Broadmeadows. If you’re located elsewhere, please get in touch — we’re always happy to discuss whether we can travel to you.
Funding & Referrals
Which funding options are available for your services?
At Greater Health, we believe accessing quality care should be straightforward. We proudly support a variety of funding pathways to ensure our services fit seamlessly into your life. This includes the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Support at Home packages, Medicare chronic disease plans, Work Cover, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. We also welcome private health insurance and self funded clients. If you are unsure which option applies to you, our team is always here to help you navigate the process.
How can I make a referral for myself or a loved one?
Getting started is very simple. You can reach out directly through our website, give us a call, or have your support coordinator or primary care physician send a referral on your behalf. Once we receive your details, we will connect with you within one to two business days. Our focus is to understand your unique goals and match you with the right movement expert, ensuring your journey begins smoothly and without unnecessary delays.
Can I use my NDIS funding for Exercise Physiology?
Yes — Exercise Physiology is typically funded under Capacity Building supports, including Improved Daily Living and Improved Health & Wellbeing.
In some cases, supports may also be accessed under Core supports (Assistance with Daily Life), depending on your plan.
Can my support coordinator refer me to your service?
Yes — support coordinators, allied health professionals, as well as participants and their families, can refer directly through our referral form. We work closely with you and your care team to ensure supports are aligned with your NDIS goals.
Ready to Work With Us?
Whether you’re a new client, a family member, or a referring professional — we’d love to hear from you.