Skip to content

Exercise Physiology FAQs – The Garage EP, Burwood NSW

Welcome to The Garage Exercise Physiology. We’re accredited exercise physiologists based in Burwood, helping people across Sydney’s Inner West use exercise to manage chronic conditions, recover from injury, improve mobility and build better long-term health.If you’re looking into exercise physiology – whether for yourself, a family member, NDIS goals, WorkCover, CTP, Medicare, private health or just better quality of life – these are the questions we get asked most often.Feel free to call us on (02) 9706 3090 or book straight through the website if something here matches what you’re after.

What actually is exercise physiology?

It’s the science of how the body responds and adapts to physical activity and exercise. Accredited exercise physiologists (AEPs) use that knowledge to design safe, effective programs for preventing and managing health conditions, rehabilitating injuries and improving function.In plain terms: we create structured exercise plans that are proven to help with things like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, chronic pain, osteoporosis, arthritis, obesity, post-surgery recovery, neurological conditions, mental health support and general deconditioning.

What can exercise physiology actually help me with?

Pretty much anything where movement and exercise can make a measurable difference. Common reasons people come to us:

  • Managing chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, COPD, etc.)
  • Rehab after sports injuries, workplace injuries, car accidents or surgery
  • Reducing persistent pain and improving daily function
  • NDIS participants working on mobility, strength or independence goals
  • Returning to work or sport safely
  • Building confidence and energy after long periods of inactivity
  • Support alongside mental health treatment
  • General strength, fitness and body composition changes with proper programming

Where are you located and what services do you run?

We’re at 3 Shaftesbury Road, Burwood NSW 2134 – a private gym space set up specifically for one-on-one and small group exercise physiology sessions.Services include:

  • Individual exercise physiology consultations and programs
  • Injury-specific rehabilitation
  • NDIS-funded capacity building exercise physiology
  • Home visits (within ~8 km of Burwood)
  • Telehealth sessions
  • Small group classes (existing groups or we can start one for you and friends/family)
  • Private health-rebatable sessions
  • Medicare Chronic Disease Management (bulk-billed where eligible)
  • WorkCover and CTP injury rehabilitation

What does your facility look like?

Here’s a short video on what our facility looks like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us73hA0zVu4 

Do you work with NDIS participants?

Yes – quite a lot. We’re experienced with self-managed and plan-managed NDIS plans. Exercise physiology usually sits under Capacity Building – Improved Health and Wellbeing or Improved Daily Living depending on your goals.We work closely with participants, support coordinators and LACs to make sure the program lines up with plan outcomes (mobility, strength, confidence, community participation, etc.).

Can I claim private health insurance?

Most extras policies cover AEP services. Standard item numbers we use:

  • 102 – initial consultation / assessment
  • 202 – standard follow-up
  • 302 – extended / complex session
  • 502 – group session

Rebates vary between funds (Bupa, Medibank, HCF, NIB etc.) so check your policy for annual limits and whether a GP referral is needed. We have HICAPS on site so you only pay the gap on the day.

Do you bulk bill through Medicare?

Yes, when you have an eligible GP referral under a Chronic Disease Management Plan (up to 5 allied health sessions per calendar year). Common conditions include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, chronic pain and more.We bulk bill these sessions directly where possible.

WorkCover, CTP or other insurance claims?

Fully accredited for both workers compensation and compulsory third party (motor accident) claims. We provide the necessary reporting, goal setting and progress updates insurers require while focusing on getting you back to work, driving or normal activity as safely and quickly as possible.

How do I book?

Easiest way is online through our Cliniko portal (link is on the homepage). Otherwise just call (02) 9706 3090 or email exphysvince@gmail.com. We usually get back to missed calls or emails the same day.

What happens in the first appointment?

It’s usually 45–60 minutes. We go through:

  • Your medical history and current symptoms / limitations
  • What you want to achieve (short-term and longer-term)
  • Any scans, reports or previous treatments
  • Basic movement and fitness screening
  • Goal setting and explanation of how we’ll approach it

You’ll normally start some very gentle, targeted exercise during that session so we can see how your body responds and refine the plan straight away.

Group sessions or personal training?

We run small group exercise physiology classes (usually 3–5 people max) that follow the same evidence-based principles as one-on-one work – just in a more social, motivating setting. You can join an existing group or we can create one if you have a few people interested.Our version of “personal training” is still delivered by an AEP and is more clinical in focus than typical gym PT – especially useful if you have an injury history or chronic condition.

Home visits and telehealth – do you offer them?

Yes to both.

  • Home visits: great for NDIS participants, recent surgery, mobility restrictions or convenience. Travel fee applies as half the normal rate per hour of travel time
  • Telehealth: works surprisingly well for program delivery, progress reviews, technique coaching and home-based exercise prescription. Secure platform, no travel needed.

What languages do you speak?

English, Vietnamese, Cantonese, Teochew, Hindi, Urdu and some Mandarin.

Who will I actually be working with?

One of our ESSA-accredited exercise physiologists. Between the team we have over 20 years of clinical experience and we stay up to date with current research and guidelines. Here is our team: https://www.thegarageep.com/team/

How much does it cost?

You can find out the private costs on our online booking system on this url: https://the-garage-exercise-physiologist.au3.cliniko.com/bookings otherwise:

  • NDIS: standard NDIS rate or agreed plan rate
  • Medicare: bulk-billed with valid referral
  • WorkCover / CTP: insurer pays approved rate
 

If any of this sounds like it could help, just reach out. We’re happy to have a quick chat over the phone to see whether exercise physiology is the right fit before you book anything.
Looking forward to hearing from you.