Exercise Physiology

Gemma Houston, AEP, ESSAM

MAppSci (Ex Rehab), BSc(HlthSpSci), Hons

Gemma Houston has completed a Master of Applied Science specialising in Exercise Rehabilitation, as well as a Bachelor of Science specialising in Health and Sports Science with Honours, and has been working as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) for over four years.

In addition to her clinical work, Gemma lectures and tutors in health and physical activity-related subjects at Victoria University, and is part of a team of guest presenters working with Sports Medicine Australia (Victorian Branch). Previously she has had extensive work across a number of Australian Football organisations in Sydney and Melbourne (including Sandringham FC in the VFL and the AFL (NSW/ACT) Commission Ltd) , as well as at other organisations including Epworth Hospital, and the University of New South Wales. She is also currently involved in a nation-wide trial for AEPs, specialising in facilitating the development of Chronic Disease Self-Management skills in patients to better “help them help themselves.”

What to expect...

Assessment:

The initial consultation involves a comprehensive analysis of medical history, musculoskeletal conditions and lifestyle factors (e.g. needs and wants, exercise history and/or dietary analysis). As Gemma evaluates a whole person, rather than just a presenting condition, this is required to establish how and why exercise can be best utilised in your particular situation, and to identify if further investigations or assistance may be warranted.

Explanation of your condition/s and ownership of your treatment:

In order to understand how to treat your condition, it is important for you to understand what your condition is, and how exercise can be included in a treatment regime.  Gemma will explain your condition, and also relate this to the particular forms of

exercise that will be most beneficial to your condition, and your lifestyle. From here, Gemma will assist you to identify how you can best integrate exercise into your lifestyle

Program Delivery:

Gemma will develop and deliver an exercise and education program that is specific to your needs and your lifestyle. This will take into account your health conditions, preferences for exercise, lifestyle factors and goals.  The Exercises can include cardiovascular exercise, muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility exercises, home-based exercise, gym-based exercise or water-based exercise (or a combination of these!).   The primary aim is to develop a program that suits your specific needs, so your input will be required in the assessment and explanation phases to ensure this happens. You will also receive advice on how to exercise safely and what to expect from your particular program.

Self-Management:

Exercise is a life-long habit. While it would be lovely to have Gemma by your side for every session you undertake, this isn’t really possible! As such, she will assist you to develop self-management strategies to help you maintain your habit.  She may also advise you on further strategies to help benefit your condition/s, and also on preventative strategies for related conditions.

Get started today! Click contact us to make an appointment by calling Gemma directly, or via email. leaps & bounds health is located in Malvern, less than a 15 minute drive from Melbourne CBD. 

What is Exercise Physiology?

Gemma is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA).  AEPs are the highest level of Exercise professional in Australia, and

undergo strict assessment to gain and retain accreditation.  

Accredited Exercise Physiologists are the only health professionals in Australia permitted to provide specialist Exercise Physiology Services under Medicare and a variety of Australia’s largest insurance schemes.

An Accredited Exercise Physiologist is a tertiary qualified Allied Health Professional specialising in health, fitness and the use of physical activity and exercise for rehabilitation & chronic condition management. Physical activity and exercise are also used to prevent and manage many of the ‘lifestyle related’ diseases that are common today including Diabetes, cholesterol imbalances and weight management problems.

Exercise Physiologists use a variety of education, counselling and guidance strategies to help their clients implement lifestyle and behaviour change to facilitate long-term compliance with the individual measures developed to help them improve and/or maintain their health.

Gemma utilises exercise to treat a wide range of conditions including (but not limited to):

• Weight management problems

• High blood pressure

• Diabetes and Glucose Intolerance

• Cholesterol Imbalances

• Sub-acute & chronic pain/injuries

• Arthritis Conditions (including osteoarthritis and rehmatoid arthritis)

• Falls and Balance conditions

• Osteoporosis

• Coronary artery disease, heart attack and angina

• Chronic heart failure

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

• Asthma

• Stroke

• Spinal cord injury

• Acquired brain injury

• Neurological conditions including Parkinson's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis

• Cancer

• Mental health

Why utilise an AEP?

AEPs are the most highly qualified exercise professionals in Australia. They are trained to provide exercise and education in a wide range of conditions and pathologies.  They can help you improve your health and conditioning in ways that will suit your individual lifestyle and circumstances.

If you have a nagging health and/or lifestyle concern that you’ve never really sought treatment for, or has never really been fixed long-term, Gemma can assist you with identification and management strategies to return you to your best.

If you have ever undertaken some form of exercise and “fallen off the wagon” in the past, Gemma can help you identify how and why this happened, and help you to develop strategies to try to prevent this in the future.

If you have ever been told by a doctor that you are ill or unhealthy, and should take better care of yourself, Gemma can help you to clarify these messages and turn them from negatives to positives to help improve your well-being.

Professional Accreditation and Rebates for Services:

Gemma’s patients may have access to rebates from Medicare for chronic condition management, from DVA for health care, from Worksafe for work-related injuries and from TAC for traffic-accident-related injuries.  Discuss your options with Gemma or your Doctor if you feel you are eligible for treatment under one of these schemes.

Several Private Health Funds also provide rebates for services. On-the-spot claiming is not available for any of these funds, and clients are advised to check directly with their fund to determine if their particular policy will allow them to claim. Receipts can be provided for claiming or tax purposes – please ask Gemma for one at the time of consultation.

Specialists in treating back pain, foot pain, sports injury, food intolerance,

weight loss and safe exercise programs.