As a disability services provider for over 10 years, Healthy Connections exercise clinic offers personalised health services for people with a range of abilities and needs.
Healthy Connections is part of the larger community centre recognised as Burnie Brae, a not-for-profit community organisation based in Chermside, QLD. Our mission is to build strong community connections by providing quality health, lifestyle and care services to seniors and people living with a disability.
At Healthy Connections, we have established a team of experienced exercise physiologists who are passionate about delivering client-focused services for people of all abilities and needs. Our exercise physiologists are specialists at designing and implementing interventions that are individualized to a person’s goals and health conditions. The exercise clinic provides a friendly, inclusive and supportive environment where people can connect with others and be part of our community. Our goal is to ensure that engagement in physical activity and/ or exercise is accessible for all people as we value the significant impact it can have on our physical and mental well-being.
What is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP)?
AEPs are university qualified allied health professionals equipped with the knowledge, skills and competencies to design, deliver and evaluate safe and effective exercise interventions for people with acute, sub-acute or chronic medical conditions, injuries or disabilities (ESSA).
As Exercise Physiologists, we work together with you to improve quality of life and daily function – effectively enhancing your level of independence. Through the means of exercise/ physical activity, we promote building on a person’s capacity to move, assist them in managing activities that are part of daily living, enhance employment capacity and be active participants in the community.
What is the difference Between Exercise Physiologists and Physiotherapists?
Exercise Physiologists tend to work in the long-term management of chronic conditions, whereas a Physiotherapist works more in the acute management phase. Physiotherapists have more diagnostic skills and can provide hands-on treatment for their clients if necessary. For best client outcomes we always recommend a multidisciplinary approach.
Conditions We Work With
- Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, Global Developmental Delay
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Intellectual disabilities
- Mental health conditions – Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, anxiety
- Neurological conditions - stroke, traumatic or acquired brain injury
- Pain management – fibromyalgia, arthritis/Rheumatoid arthritis
- Progressive neurological conditions – Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Motor Neurons Disease
Funding and Exercise Physiotherapy
Funding can come from either one or two budget areas within the NDIA.
- Capacity Building Support
- Improved Health and Wellbeing
- Improved Daily Living Skills
How Can You Utilise Funding for Exercise Physiology Services?
- Intensive therapy
- Community integration – creating exercise program for public and work gym
- Establishing home exercise programs
- Hydrotherapy services
- Training of family or support workers to deliver therapy / exercise services
- Exercise equipment prescription
What to Expect
Initial assessment
- Review medical history (see attached document)
- Physical assessment – assess strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, flexibility, mobility, balance, posture and gait
- Current medications
- Consider any limitations or barriers – physical/mental disabilities, pain or injuries
- Discuss NDIS goals and set exercise goals
- Provide education regarding the role of exercise
- Ascertain client’s readiness for intervention plan
Establish individualised treatment plan
The exercise physiologist will use this information and work with you to develop an individualized program/treatment plan to achieve your goals. The types of exercise physiology services that we offer include:
- One on one sessions – 30 minutes, 45 minutes or 60 minutes
- Small group sessions – maximum of three per group
- Hydrotherapy services (if appropriate)
Our Facilities
- State-of-the-art gym facilities
- Hydrotherapy - Emily Seebohm Aquatic Centre (523 Telegraph Road, Fitzgibbon Qld 4018)
- Pilates Studio - Reformer machines
What's the Next Step?
Contact Healthy Connections NDIS team, phone (07) 3624 2185 or email [email protected]