What to Expect From an Exercise Physiology Session Under a Medicare EPC Plan
If you’ve been referred for exercise physiology under a Medicare EPC plan, it’s completely normal to wonder what happens during a session and whether it’s right for your condition or injury.
Many patients searching for what to expect from exercise physiology Medicare services want clarity before booking, especially those living in the Inner West Suburbs of Sydney, such as those located near our Concord West Clinic and nearby suburbs such as Burwood, Croydon, and Balmain.
Exercise physiology is recognised by Medicare as an evidence-based treatment for chronic disease management, injury recovery, and long-term mobility improvement. Understanding how Medicare EPC exercise physiology sessions work can help you feel confident and prepared.
As such, exercise physiology services are delivered alongside physiotherapy to provide comprehensive, patient-focused care.
What Is Exercise Physiology Under a Medicare EPC Plan?
Exercise physiology involves structured, clinical exercise programs prescribed by an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP). These programs are designed to help manage chronic and complex conditions safely and effectively.
With a valid Medicare EPC plan, your GP may refer you for up to five Medicare-subsidised allied health sessions per calendar year. These sessions may be shared between services such as exercise physiology and physiotherapy.
Exercise physiology under Medicare is commonly used for:
Musculoskeletal & Pain Conditions
- Chronic lower back pain
- Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- Shoulder, hip, or knee pain
- Post-surgical rehabilitation (e.g. joint replacements)
- Fibromyalgia or chronic pain syndromes
Metabolic & Cardiovascular Conditions
- Type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease or after cardiac events
Respiratory Conditions
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Asthma
- Post-COVID or respiratory deconditioning
Neurological & Other Chronic Conditions
- Stroke or Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Cancer recovery
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Obesity or weight management
Many people searching for exercise physiology services covered by Medicare EPC are pleased to learn it plays a key role in long-term health management.
Who Is Exercise Physiology Best Suited For?
Exercise physiology sessions under a Medicare EPC plan are ideal for people who:
- Have a chronic condition requiring ongoing care
- Experience persistent pain or movement restrictions
- Are recovering from surgery or injury
- Want a structured EPC plan exercise program for chronic pain
- Have been advised by their GP to exercise safely
Patients attending our Concord West Clinic around neighboring suburbs such as Burwood, Strathfield, Croydon, and Balmain, often use exercise physiology to build strength and confidence once pain is better managed.
What Happens in Your First Exercise Physiology Session?
One of the most common questions asked is what happens in an exercise physiology session?
Your initial session begins with a comprehensive assessment, which includes:
- Reviewing your GP referral and medical history
- Discussing symptoms, pain levels, and goals
- Assessing posture, balance, flexibility, and strength
- Understanding your daily activities and work demands
If you are also receiving care from a Physiotherapist, whether its in Rhodes, North Strathfield, Concord, Liberty Grove, Homebush, Meadowbank, and Putney, or another allied health professional, your exercise physiologist may collaborate with them to ensure your Medicare EPC physiotherapy and exercise physiology care is well coordinated.
Your Personalised EPC Exercise Program
There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to exercise physiology under Medicare.
Your personalised program may include:
- Strength and resistance exercises
- Mobility and flexibility training
- Balance and stability work
- Functional movements for daily life
- Low-impact cardiovascular exercise
At MedPhys Rehab, exercises are progressed carefully to support recovery while reducing the risk of flare-ups. Patients often searching for exercise physiology near Rhodes, North Strathfield, Concord, Liberty Grove, Homebush, Meadowbank, and Putney, appreciate the structured yet supportive approach.
What an Exercise Physiology Session Feels Like
Many people expect these sessions to be intense, but exercise physiology is designed to be safe, supportive, and adaptable.
Sessions are:
- Fully supervised and guided
- Adjusted to your pain and ability, tailored to your current capacities
- Focused on controlled, correct movement through systematic progressions
- Educational and confidence-building
If you’ve previously attended Physiotherapy or worked with a Physiotherapist in Inner West Sydney, such as Mortlake, Breakfast Point, Cabarita, Melrose Park, Ermington, and Wentworth Point, you’ll find a similar patient-centred approach focused on long-term improvement rather than quick fixes.
Monitoring Progress and Ongoing Support
Each session builds progressively. Your exercise physiologist will:
- Monitor progress and pain response
- Adjust exercises as your strength improves
- Set realistic, achievable goals
- Communicate with your GP if required
This approach is especially helpful for patients transitioning from physiotherapy and exercise physiology Medicare services into independent exercise programs.
Exercise Physiology vs Physiotherapy Under a Medicare EPC Plan
Many patients ask about the difference between physiotherapy and exercise physiology under Medicare.
While a Physiotherapist Concord or Physiotherapist Croydon may focus on pain relief, manual therapy, and acute injury management, exercise physiology focuses on:
- Building long-term strength
- Improving movement confidence
- Reducing the risk of re-injury
- Supporting chronic disease management
Together, they provide a complete approach to recovery and ongoing health
FAQs: Exercise Physiology Under a Medicare EPC Plan
How many exercise physiology sessions does Medicare cover?
Medicare covers up to five allied health sessions per year under an EPC plan.
Is exercise physiology covered by Medicare EPC plans?
Yes, when referred by a GP under a valid EPC plan.
Can I use both physiotherapy and exercise physiology?
Yes. Many patients combine Burwood Physiotherapy, Physiotherapist Concord, and exercise physiology sessions.
Is exercise physiology suitable for chronic pain?
Yes. It is commonly used as an EPC plan exercise program for chronic pain and mobility issues.
Do I need a GP referral?
Yes. A GP referral is required for Medicare rebates.
Book Your Exercise Physiology Session Today
If you’re approved for a Medicare EPC plan and looking for trusted care in Concord West or nearby suburbs, exercise physiology can play a vital role in improving your strength, mobility, and quality of life.
Medicare EPC sessions are limited each year, so booking early is recommended.
Call 0422 785 958 to speak with the team at MedPhys Rehab, or enquire online to check your EPC eligibility and appointment availability.