Regain control and movement with exercise physiology

Exercise physiologists have an in depth understanding of chronic conditions and how body systems adapt and respond to physical activity and exercise. They are uniquely qualified in utilising exercise prescription as a management tool for conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, stroke, MS and musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. For people with MS or other neuro conditions, this understanding is crucial for creating tailored exercise routines which are safe and effective in managing symptoms to improve health and wellbeing. Here’s an overview of how exercise physiology can help you improve your overall wellbeing:

• Cardiovascular health: Exercise can enhance cardiovascular fitness by improving heart rate and blood flow, which is vital for overall health. Our exercise physiologists specialise in tailoring exercises to meet your goals and can gradually increase intensity and duration. We consider factors like fatigue and heat sensitivity, which are common in MS. Low-impact aerobic exercises, such as walking or hydrotherapy are beneficial.

• Muscle responses: MS can lead to muscle weakness, spasticity, and impaired coordination. Strength training and stretching exercises address muscle weakness and spasticity. Resistance exercises, performed with proper technique and progressive overload, can enhance muscle strength. Flexibility exercises, such as dynamic or static stretching can improve range of motion and reduce muscle tightness.

• Neurological adaptations: Exercise stimulates neurological adaptations that can be beneficial for people living with neuro conditions, as this stimulus can enhance neural plasticity and improve motor function, balance, and coordination. Exercise prescriptions address individual needs such as improvements in motor skills, balance, and coordination. In addition, functional exercises that mimic daily activities can be effective in improving independence and quality of life. Furthermore, incorporating balance and coordination drills, as well as cognitive-motor tasks, to help improve overall functional performance.

• Fatigue management: Fatigue is a common and nuanced symptom of MS and can be influenced by a variety of factors including the intensity and duration of exercise. A well-balanced exercise program will be tailored to each individuals needs and tolerances. Often exercise programs will include periods of rest and recovery to promote adaptation and progression. Low-intensity and moderate-intensity exercises are often recommended in the initial phases of any new exercise program, with attention to individual tolerance informing eventual progression.

• Heat sensitivity: Many people living with MS experience increased symptoms in hot conditions and from physical exertion. Regular exercise increases cardiovascular and muscular efficiency, allowing individuals to perform daily activities with less exertion, which helps prevent a significant rise in core temperature compared to those who are less physically conditioned. During exercise strategies such as exercising in a cool environment or during cooler times of the day can help manage heat sensitivity. Additional precooling, utilising cooling garments and staying hydrated with cool water can also support tolerance to exercise.

Physiotherapists and Exercise Physiologists both work with many conditions involving the musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiovascular and respiratory systems and share the common goal of improving your function and quality of life, but they differ in their treatment approaches. While Physiotherapists diagnose and engage in therapeutic management, Exercise Physiologists work to build lasting improvements in health through structured exercise prescriptions.

Physiotherapists focus on hands-on techniques, diagnosing and treating specific issues like pain, injuries, and movement disorders through manual therapy, mobilisations, and other immediate interventions. In contrast, Exercise Physiologists use exercise as medicine, creating tailored, long-term programs to manage chronic conditions and improve strength, endurance, and overall function.

Both professions complement each other, often collaborating to ensure the best outcomes for clients. Exercise Physiologists, with their long-term involvement, are well-positioned to notice subtle changes in health and can refer clients to Physiotherapists if further diagnosis or treatment is needed. Similarly, once immediate rehabilitation goals are met, Physiotherapists will refer clients to Exercise Physiologists for ongoing, exercise-based management to sustain progress and improve overall well-being. This integrated approach ensures clients benefit from both short-term rehabilitation and long-term health improvements. Read more here: https://www.msplus.org.au/news/physiotherapy-vs-exercise-physiology-whats-the-difference