HOW EXERCISE CAN HELP

Regular exercise is key to overall health and well-being. It improves strength, flexibility, cardiovascular health, and mental well-being. Besides maintaining physical fitness, it plays a vital role in managing various chronic health conditions. For those with chronic health conditions, physical activity can be especially impactful. It can help alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life, and reduce the risk of complications associated with these conditions.

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chronic health condition, exercise physiology, pain relief

CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITIONS
AND EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY

Whether you’re seeking relief from pain, managing blood sugar levels, or enhancing your overall health, exercise can make a significant difference.
Let’s explore how Exercise Physiology can benefit these Chronic Health Conditions.

arthritis

ARTHRITIS

  • Beneficial for both rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune) and osteoarthritis (mechanical wear).
  • Strengthens muscles, providing better support for the joints.
  • Improves flexibility and range of motion, reducing stiffness and increasing mobility.
  • Helps maintain a healthy weight, reducing pressure on the joints.
  • Reduces inflammation in the joints.
  • Releases endorphins, natural pain-relieving hormones, promoting overall well-being.
autism

AUTISM

SPECTRUM DISORDER

  • Improves motor skills by enhancing coordination and muscle strength.
  • Helps regulate sensory input for better focus.
  • Reduces stress and anxiety levels thus promoting better mood.
  • Provides an opportunity for structured social interaction, enhancing social skills.
  • Promotes improved sleep patterns.
  • Improved Cognitive Function: Enhances attention and problem-solving skills.
  • Reduced Stereotypic Behaviours: Provides a constructive outlet for energy.
  • Overall Health: Contributes to better physical and mental well-being.
back-pain

BACK PAIN

  • Strengthens core muscles, providing better support for the spine.
  • Improves flexibility and range of motion, reducing stiffness.
  • Promotes blood flow to the spine, aiding in healing and reducing inflammation.
  • Helps maintain a healthy weight, reducing strain on the back.
  • Releases endorphins, natural pain-relieving hormones, promoting overall well-being.
  • Beneficial for many conditions that cause back pain such as disc degeneration, ankylosing spondylitis, bulging or ruptured discs and even spinal related nerve pain such as sciatica.
cancer

CANCER

  • Reduces the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
  • Supports treatment effectiveness and reduces the risk of cancer recurrence.
  • Improves energy levels and reduces fatigue during and after treatment.
  • Boosts mood and reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety.
  • Helps maintain muscle mass and bone density.
dementia, parkinson's

DEMENTIA

  • Regular exercise has been shown to help improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of dementia.
  • Physical activity can help reduce agitation and behavioural symptoms associated with dementia.
  • Improved mood and overall sense of well-being for both individuals with dementia and their caregivers.
  • Enhanced cardiovascular health and reduced risk of secondary conditions such as obesity and diabetes.
frozenshoulder

FROZEN SHOULDER

ADHESIVE CAPSULITIS

  • Gentle range-of-motion exercises can help prevent stiffness and improve flexibility in the shoulder joint.
  • Strengthening exercises for the muscles surrounding the shoulder can help stabilize the joint and reduce pain.
  • Regular stretching can help alleviate tightness and improve mobility in the shoulder.
  • Improved posture and alignment through targeted exercises can help reduce strain on the shoulder joint.
golfers-elbow

GOLFER'S ELBOW

MEDIAL EPICONDYLITIS

  • Specific exercises to strengthen the forearm muscles can help reduce pain and improve grip strength.
  • Stretching exercises can help alleviate tightness in the forearm and improve flexibility.
  • Proper warm-up and conditioning exercises can help prevent recurrence of golfer’s elbow.
  • Improved overall upper body strength and stability can help reduce strain on the elbow during activities.
heartdisease

HEART DISEASE

  • Strengthens the heart muscle, improving its efficiency.
  • Lowers blood pressure, reducing strain on the heart and arteries.
  • Improves cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries.
  • Promotes weight loss or maintenance, reducing the risk of obesity-related heart issues.
  • Increases circulation and oxygen delivery to the body’s tissues.
chronic health condition, exercise physiology, pain relief

HIGH CHOLESTEROL

  • Regular exercise can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and raise HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
  • Improved circulation and blood flow, which can help prevent plaque build-up in the arteries.
  • Reduced risk of developing atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular diseases through regular aerobic exercise.
chronic health condition, exercise physiology, pain relief

HYPERTENSION

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

  • Exercise can help lower blood pressure by making the heart stronger and more efficient.
  • Regular physical activity can help reduce stress, which is a contributing factor to high blood pressure.
  • Improved arterial health and flexibility, leading to better blood flow and lower pressure on the walls of the arteries.
chronic health condition, exercise physiology, pain relief

MENTAL HEALTH

  • Releases endorphins, natural mood-boosting chemicals in the brain.
  • Reduces levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline.
  • Improves sleep quality and duration.
  • Boosts self-esteem and confidence.
  • Enhances cognitive function and reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety.
chronic health condition, exercise physiology, pain relief

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

  • Regular exercise can help improve strength, balance, and coordination, which are often affected by MS.
  • Reduce fatigue and improve mood .
  • Improves insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control.
  • Enhanced cardiovascular health and reduced risk of secondary conditions such as obesity and heart disease.
  • Improved cognitive function and overall quality of life.
obesity

OBESITY

  • Burns calories and promotes weight loss.
  • Strength training ensures healthy weight loss from fat rather than muscle which is essential for maintaining function and increasing overall metabolic rate.
  • Improves insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control.
  • Reduces the risk of obesity-related health issues such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
  • Exercise shown to greatly improve outcomes of prescription weight loss drugs such as Ozempic.
  • Boosts mood and self-esteem.
dementia, parkinson's

PARKINSON'S

DISEASE

  • Exercise can help improve balance, mobility, and flexibility, which are often affected by Parkinson’s disease.
  • Regular physical activity can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety commonly associated with Parkinson’s.
  • Enhanced coordination and motor control through targeted exercise programs.
  • Slowed progression of the disease and improved overall functional independence.
chronic health condition, exercise physiology, pain relief

PLANTAR FASCIITIS

  • Stretching exercises for the calf muscles and plantar fascia can help alleviate pain and improve flexibility in the foot.
  • Strengthening exercises for the muscles of the foot and ankle can help improve stability and support the arch of the foot.
  • Low-impact exercises such as swimming or cycling can help maintain cardiovascular fitness without exacerbating symptoms.
  • Targeted exercises to help address underlying biomechanical issues contributing to plantar fasciitis.
chronic health condition, exercise physiology, pregnancy

PREGNANCY

  • Exercise during pregnancy can help reduce the risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.
  • Improved mood and reduced risk of depression and anxiety during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
  • Enhanced stamina and strength, which can help during labor and delivery.
  • Faster recovery postpartum and better ability to cope with the physical demands of motherhood.
heartdisease

STROKE

  • Supports cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of first stroke and future strokes.
  • Strengthens muscles weakened by stroke and improves mobility and range of motion in affected limbs.
  • Cardiorespiratory training increases aerobic and sensorimotor function.
  • Enhances balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls.
  • Promotes neuroplasticity, brain’s ability to reorganise & form new connections.
  • Improves muscle endurance and tolerance, enabling submaximal work tasks to be performed with less effort and sustained for longer durations.
golfers-elbow

TENNIS ELBOW

LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS

  • Eccentric strengthening exercises for the forearm extensor muscles can help alleviate pain and improve tendon function.
  • Stretching exercises can help increase flexibility and reduce tension in the forearm muscles.
  • Gradual progression of exercise intensity can help prevent exacerbation of symptoms.
  • Improved overall upper body strength and coordination can help reduce strain on the affected elbow.
chronic health condition, exercise physiology, pain relief

TYPE 2

DIABETES

  • Increases insulin sensitivity, allowing cells to better utilize glucose for energy.
  • Helps lower blood sugar levels both during and after exercise.
  • Aids in weight management and improves body composition.
  • Reduces the risk of cardiovascular complications associated with diabetes.
  • Improves circulation and cardiovascular health.
chronic health condition, exercise physiology, pain relief

URINARY

INCONTINENCE

  • Exercies such as Kegels can strengthen pelvic floor muscles, improving bladder control and reducing urinary leakage.
  • Regular exercise can help regulate bladder function and reduce the frequency of urinary urgency and accidents.
  • Exercise helps maintain muscle tone in the pelvic floor and surrounding muscles, reducing the risk of incontinence.
  • Strengthening exercises can improve confidence and self-esteem by reducing the fear of leaks or accidents.
  • Engaging in regular exercise can help prevent the worsening of incontinence symptoms over time.
chronic health condition, exercise physiology, pain relief

WHIPLASH

  • Recondition strength and endurance neck muscles affected by whiplash injury.
  • Reduces pain and discomfort by reducing strain on the affected tissues.
  • Prevents chronic pain and stiffness.
  • Postural restoration of compensation strategies used to try protect affected area.
  • Improves mobility and range of motion of neck and surrounding areas that is often lost as a protective strategy.

START YOUR HEALING JOURNEY

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

callan-solo-base-check

CERTIFIED EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST

CALLAN PRATT

Start your healing journey with our certified Exercise Physiologist, Callan. He will help assess your health conditions, focusing on pain relief, and use tailored exercise programs to alleviate symptoms and enhance your overall health and well-being.

BENCHMARK CANTERBURY

Vitality

5/1-3 Charles St, Canterbury NSW 2193