Exercise Physiology and Chronic Disease Management

Exercise physiology is a discipline that focuses on the benefits of physical exercise on patients to help them get fitter and healthy, as well as treating medical conditions through exercise. This type of practice is highly beneficial for a wide range of health issues, in particular, it is great for chronic disease management. Many exercise physiologists study the effect that exercise can have on the reduction or reversal of disease progression, making it highly recommendable for patients who do suffer with chronic disease.

Chronic diseases are long lasting conditions that impact people’s bodies and just generally, their quality of life. These diseases can develop at any age, usually progress gradually, and have complex causes. Some examples of chronic disease include:

  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Arthritis
  • Lung and respiratory conditions eg. asthma
  • Cardiovascular conditions
  • Mental Illness
  • Chronic pain

Chronic disease is one of the main causes of death in Australia and world wide. While there are many complex and varying causes of chronic disease, one result is the lack of physical activity. Regular exercise can assist in managing persistent symptoms as well as improving general health. This is why Exercise Physiology is so beneficial for chronic disease management.

At Progressive Sports & Spinal Physiotherapy, we understand the complexity of these diseases and how it can affect day to day life for our patients. This is why we prescribe individual exercise programs that aim to achieve the following results:

  • Reduce the symptoms of the condition
  • Reduce the severity of the disease
  • Achieve more independence
  • Improve quality of life

Our tailored exercise programs consist of various resistance and aerobic exercises to ensure your individual condition is managed effectively. We focus on providing practical, achievable and functional exercises for our patients with an emphasis on evidence based principles. Mobile services are also offered so patients can be treated in the comfort of their own home, gym, or workplace.

Elin, is an alumni of St. Edward’s University and holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, furthered her academic journey by attaining a Doctor of Physiotherapy from Macquarie University in 2022.

Her passion for sports, particularly football (soccer), is evident in both her academic pursuits and personal endeavors. Specialising in the comprehensive well-being of athletes, Elin focuses on restoring them to peak performance while actively preventing future injuries.

Elin’s professional expertise is centered on musculoskeletal rehabilitation, with a specific emphasis on addressing and preventing knee injuries. Her approach integrates expert treatment with a commitment to educating and empowering patients, fostering their active involvement in enhancing their health and overall quality of life.

As an active participant in NPL football with SD Raiders, Elin brings firsthand experience and a profound understanding of the sport’s demands. Beyond the field, she extends her influence by contributing sports coverage over the weekends.

Christopher (Chris) Han graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy, and then completed the Doctor of Physiotherapy program at Macquarie University in 2018. Chris is currently undertaking his PhD at the University of Sydney and Institute for Musculoskeletal Health in the field of low back pain and is due to complete this in early 2024. 

Chris is currently an assistant Physiotherapist for the NRL Referees. Chris has previous experience as the head Physiotherapist at Panthers Premier League Netball and a number of elite sporting athletes in the private setting.

Through Chris’ experiences, he has a particular interest in all areas of the body and musculoskeletal physiotherapy, sports, vestibular rehabilitation, and Men’s Health (pre and post prostate surgery).

Suzanne graduated from Western Sydney University with a Bachelor of Health Science (Sports and Exercise Science) in 2015. She then went on to continue her studies at Macquarie University graduating from the Doctor of Physiotherapy post-graduate degree in June 2019.

Since graduating, Suzanne has worked in the local Penrith area in both private practice and Sports Physiotherapy. Suzanne has worked with sporting teams including Penrith District Netball Association, Mt Druitt Rangers (NPL), Penrith Valley Figure Skating Club, and local dance and cheer schools. 

Suzanne has a particular interest in working with artistic athletes including cheerleaders and dancers. She has a professional background in both cheer and dance and has previously worked as both a cheer coach and dance teacher. Suzanne’s previous experiences are an invaluable resource to her as a physiotherapist, as she has a thorough understanding of the level of physical fitness and skill acquisition that these athletes must have in order to be successful on stage and in competition.

Suzanne’s other areas of clinical interest reside in lower limb musculoskeletal injuries, spinal pathologies and women’s health.

Nathanial graduated as a physiotherapist in 2012 which saw him work in private practice and hospital settings gaining experience in all areas of physiotherapy including hand therapy, splinting/casting, pre/post-operative care, Men’s Health and general musculoskeletal, occupational and sports physiotherapy. Since then he has gone on to complete further studies in physiotherapy enabling him to be the only dual titled Musculoskeletal, Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist in Penrith.

Nathanial has a strong background in sports physiotherapy achieving accreditation with NSWIS as a service provider and working with many elite sports teams.

Nathanial has a particular interest in working with elite athletes, complex cases and in particular assessment and management of knee, hip and shoulder pain.

Andrea graduated from the Australian Catholic University completing her Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science in 2018 and Master’s of Clinical Exercise Physiology in 2020. After graduating she attained accreditation with ESSA as an Exercise Physiologist.

During her studies she gained clinical experience in both hospital and private practice settings, in cardiac rehabilitation, neurological conditions, cancer and chronic musculoskeletal injuries.

Since working at Progressive, Andrea has a specialist interest in treating musculoskeletal injuries, helping people in the mid-late stage of rehab to get them to return to sport or work. As well as helping people manage chronic conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis and diabetes.