Has an excercise physiologist been of any use to stroke survivors?

Mahila
Mahilaon Tuesday, August 15 2017
3 Comments

Of late, I have had access to the services of an excercise physiologist twice weekly through NDIS. I am curious to find out how I could maximise and benefit from the services of the EP. So far he has been working on getting new pathways formed to help with getting my left knee bending an extending trough proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation.Its still early days.I'm still trying hard t but do not have a lot of movement yet.I guess like most other excercises in physiotherapy it will take time and copious amount of repetition before. I see big movements. Has any stroke survivor had an EPtreat them? if so, in what area has it helped most?  How is EPdifferent from PTdoes anyone know? Any tips on how I could  get the most out of the EPservices would be appreciated. I am also doing physiotherapy at the same time. Currently working on getting dorsiflexion movement back in the affected foot and improving my gait  which is not very pretty with much of the leg movement coming from the hip and veRy little from other joints.

3 Responses
StrokeLine avatar
StrokeLine

Hi Mahila,

 

It’s great to hear that you’ve been able to access Exercise Physiology (EP) as part of your rehab.

 

Accredited EPs are university-trained allied health professionals who specialise in exercise prescription and they are commonly involved in stroke rehabilitation.  

An EP’s primary focus is the use of exercise in the management of conditions, whereas physiotherapists may use a range of different treatments, including exercise.

 

Like working with any other allied health professional, it’s important to talk with your EP about setting goals so that you have a clear roadmap to support your recovery. EPs are highly skilled in maximising your independence in an exercise program so it’s also important to discuss with your EP what you can do on your own to improve your recovery.

 

Exercise and Sports Science Australia is the accrediting body for Exercise Physiologists. They have some further information regarding the practice of EPs here:

https://www.essa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Scope-of-Practice-for-AEP.pdf

 

Feel free to contact us on StrokeLine if you’d like to speak with a health professional (phone 1800 787 653 – Mon-Fri 9am-5pm AEST).

 

Hopefully the community have some tips for you about their experiences working with an EP.

 

Best wishes,

 

Katherine (StrokeLine)

kjets avatar
kjets

Wow an exercise physiologist!

I've been working with a physiotherapist, who has been amazing for me personally, but I do feel that it is all driven by me. This doesn't go well when I get tired, and this is often.

It would be great to have someone help me to make goals and move toward them.

How does one find an EP? Do I need a referral from my GP?

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