Exercise Physiology in St Leonards & Beacon Hill
Exercise as treatment for injury and illness
Our ESSA-accredited exercise physiologists use tailored exercise to help you recover from injury and surgery, manage long-term health conditions and move with confidence. Sessions are available at our St Leonards clinic on the North Shore and our Beacon Hill clinic on the Northern Beaches, or online, with no referral needed.
What is exercise physiology?
Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) are university-trained health professionals, with a minimum of four years of study, who specialise in using exercise as treatment. They assess, plan, prescribe and deliver exercise to help with rehabilitation, injury prevention and the management of long-term health conditions.
Exercise physiologists and physiotherapists both use exercise, but they specialise in different things. Physiotherapists combine diagnosis, hands-on treatment and exercise to relieve pain and injury. Exercise physiologists specialise in using exercise to restore function and build long-term strength and health.
Unlike personal trainers, exercise physiologists are trained to use a therapeutic approach to exercise, so your program is safe for your injury, health history and medications.
Our approach to exercise physiology
MTP Health was founded by an exercise physiologist and has grown into a multidisciplinary practice where exercise physiologists, physiotherapists and orthopaedic surgeons work together under one roof. Our focus has always been on preventing injury and pain by improving the quality of your movement.
For many people, pain or a lack of confidence makes it hard to move. When confidence drops, activity levels often fall below the recommended guidelines, and health suffers. That’s why empowerment is at the heart of what we do.
We start with a comprehensive clinical and functional assessment, take time to listen and explain, and build a program that addresses the root cause of your problem. Our tailored, long-term approach helps the changes you make last.
How we can help
Rehabilitation
Exercise-based rehabilitation after injury or surgery, and for persistent pain.
Strength & Movement
Strength and conditioning, mobility and balance, and support to return to exercise after time away.
Health Conditions
Exercise programs to help manage diabetes and metabolic health, heart health, osteoporosis and arthritis.
Healthy Ageing
Falls prevention, strength for older adults and support to help you maintain your independence.
Conditions we treat
Our exercise physiologists work with a wide range of conditions, including:
Knee problems
Osteoarthritis, tendinopathy, patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) and Baker’s cysts.
Hip problems
Osteoarthritis, tendinopathy and bursitis.
Back problems
Work-related and sporting back injuries, disc injuries and chronic back pain.
Shoulder problems
Rotator cuff tears, tendinopathy, bursitis and osteoarthritis.
Before and after surgery
Prehab and post-surgery rehabilitation for knee, hip, shoulder and back surgery.
Chronic conditions
Osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, shoulder and spine, diabetes, heart disease, weight management and cancer recovery.
Women’s health
Pre- and post-natal exercise, and support through perimenopause and after menopause.
Injury prevention
Movement correction and strength work to help you stay active and reduce your risk of injury.
If your injury or pain is new or recent, we recommend seeing one of our physiotherapists first.
Meet our exercise physiologists
All our exercise physiologists are Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs), accredited by Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA), the national professional body for exercise physiologists.
David Maiolo
Senior Exercise Physiologist │ St Leonards & Beacon Hill
Nathan McGrath
Senior Exercise Physiologist │ Beacon Hill
Lachlan McGrath
Accredited Exercise Physiologist │ St Leonards & Beacon Hill
Olivia Resman
Accredited Exercise Physiologist │ St Leonards
Exercise physiology on the North Shore and Northern Beaches
Our exercise physiologists work from our St Leonards clinic on the North Shore and our Beacon Hill clinic on the Northern Beaches, with telehealth sessions also available. Both clinics are easy to reach from nearby suburbs such as Crows Nest, Lane Cove, Chatswood, Frenchs Forest and Dee Why.
Book online at a time that suits you, and look forward to a healthier, more active life through the power of movement.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a GP referral to see an exercise physiologist?
No. You can see an exercise physiologist at MTP Health without a referral.
Where are your exercise physiology clinics?
We have two clinics: St Leonards on Sydney’s North Shore, close to Crows Nest, Lane Cove and Chatswood, and Beacon Hill on the Northern Beaches, close to Frenchs Forest and Dee Why. Telehealth sessions are also available if you can’t get to either clinic.
Should I see an exercise physiologist or a physiotherapist?
If you have a new or recent injury that needs pain relief or assessment to find out what’s damaged, a physiotherapist is the best first step. If you’ve already had treatment for the problem, or it’s long-standing, our exercise physiologists are ideal.
How long is my first appointment?
Your initial exercise physiology consultation is 50 minutes. It covers your medical history, any medications and a functional assessment of your strength, fitness and movement.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Any information you have from previous investigations, such as scan reports or referral letters, is useful. If you don’t have any, that’s fine, as we’ll carry out a comprehensive assessment anyway.
Can I see an exercise physiologist by telehealth?
Yes. You can book face-to-face or telehealth sessions. We can deliver most of our service remotely, with the exception of hands-on assessment and instruction.
Can I keep training with my personal trainer or at my gym?
Yes, in most cases. We’re happy to work with a personal trainer you trust, and we’ll guide you on what to do at the gym while you improve. If you need more supervised support for a while, we can help you transition back to the gym when you’re ready.
Do you only work with athletes?
No. We see far more everyday people than high-level athletes, and we work with people of all ages. Most of the people we see are men and women aged 40 to 80 who want to keep living an active life with less pain.
Can I claim exercise physiology through Medicare?
You may be eligible for Medicare rebates if your GP puts you on a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan for a chronic condition. You may also hear this called a care plan, a CDM plan or an EPC plan. With a plan and a referral from your GP, eligible patients can claim a Medicare rebate for up to five allied health services per calendar year. These five services are shared across all allied health services, such as exercise physiology and physiotherapy, rather than five of each. People with type 2 diabetes may also be eligible for group allied health services. Medicare covers part of the fee, so a gap may still apply. Your GP can confirm whether you’re eligible.
Can I claim exercise physiology through private health insurance?
If your private health extras cover includes exercise physiology, you may be able to claim a rebate. Please check your policy with your health fund to confirm what’s covered. You can’t claim both a Medicare rebate and a private health rebate for the same session.
Can I use NDIS funding for exercise physiology?
Yes, if you’re a self-managed or plan-managed NDIS participant. Exercise physiology is usually funded through your Capacity Building budget, under Improved Daily Living or Improved Health and Wellbeing. NDIS sessions are available at our St Leonards clinic and by telehealth. Visit our NDIS page to find out more.
What does ESSA-accredited mean?
Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) is the national professional body for exercise physiologists. Only university-qualified practitioners who meet ESSA’s standards can practise as Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs).