What is an Exercise Physiologist? 

Exercise physiologists study the effect of exercise on the body, and the mechanisms by which exercise can reduce or reverse disease, support optimal health, and aid in recovery from injury or surgery. We believe exercise is medicine, and prescribe exercise to treat, or prevent health conditions and injuries in the same way a doctor might prescribe medication.We work alongside your GP, specialist and other allied health to best support your recovery and return to health.

How are Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEP's) different from Physiotherapists?

Accredited Exercise Physiologists and Physiotherapists are both allied health professionals, however AEPs primary focus is to use active therapy to prevent, manage and treat complex medical conditions, rather than passive therapy like massage or manipulation.

AEP's and other manual therapists like physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors and acupuncturists often work together to aid a patient or clients rehabilitation and return to health. AEP's are the experts in exercise rehabilitation and are qualified to work from acute rehabilitation all the way through to return to competitive sport. 

What makes Accredited Exercise Physiologists different to other exercise professionals?

The differences are:

• They are university qualified
• They undertake strict accreditation requirements
• They are eligible to register with Medicare Australia, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and WorkCover and are recognised by most private health insurers
• They can treat and work with all types of people, from those who want to improve their health, wellbeing and sports performance -  to those suffering from a chronic illness or injury.
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Accredited Exercise Physiologists are different by the possession of extensive knowledge, skills and experience in clinical exercise delivery and their ability to provide health education for people with chronic disease and injury.

How are Pelvic Health Physiotherapists different?

Physiotherapists study for a bachelor degree in physiotherapy over four years at university, and have general knowledge across a broad area of health. To be a specialist in pelvic floor physiotherapy involves postgraduate certificate or masters program at university level. They are registered with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia and Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (APHRA), so must adhere to strict standards. Pelvic Health Physiotherapists specialise in treating the pelvic floor, and can perform internal examinations of pelvic floor - the gold standard of care postpartum and helping with chronic pelvic pain conditions like vaginismus, pudendial neuralgia and vulvodynia. 

How can I join a small group class (Pilates of Strength)?

We require you to attend an initial prescreening appointment prior to joining our group classes. This is so we can take any relevant medical history (pregnancy status, postnatal status, cancer care pathway, injury history etc.) take some biomechanics and work with you one on one with our equipment. It also allows us to individualise exercises to you as much as possible within a group setting as exercise is not a one size fits all! 

Do I need a doctors referral to access your services?

You don't need a doctor's referral to see a pelvic floor physiotherapist or exercise physiologist. However, if a doctor refers you with a chronic disease management plan, you can get a Medicare rebate for up to five sessions with our practitioners. 

What if I need to cancel my class or appointment?

We understand life gets busy, especially with children or multiple appointments. At Pear, we require 8 hours notice for all appointments or classes, or will charge a late cancellation fee of $13. If you no show to an appointment, we will charge 50% of the appointment fee. 

Can I use my private health insurance?

Yes, all our services (classes, massage, exercise physiology, pelvic health physiotherapy) are eligible for private health rebates. We have TYRO HealthPoint available in the studio for instant claiming. 

​What should I wear to my exercise physiology appointment or class?

It is best to wear clothing suitable for the gym, with closed in footwear like trainers for strength classes, and clean grippy Pilates socks for working on our Pilates equipment. We sell grippy socks in the studio if you forget your pair. 

What is a labour prep massage and how is it different to pregnancy massage?

A labour prep massage is a whole body massage where the focus is preparing the mind with relaxation, preparing the pelvic girdle for labour using remedial massage and include acupressure points to assist in stimulating and encouraging labour to start. During labour a mother may choose to use a number of body positions that are optimal for birthing her baby, like squatting, kneeling or even being on all fours. These positions require more flexibility in the legs and hips, so to help facilitate these positions, we focus on releasing the muscle groups in the thighs, hips and lower back.

At what stage and how many labour prep massages should I have?

Ideally including LPM in your pregnancy plan from 36 weeks and continuing weekly to labour onset, will give your body the most benefit. From 38 weeks we can include acupressure points to assist in stimulating and encouraging labour to start. It is important to remember that each woman and labour is unique and certain techniques are not guaranteed to start labour, but will support your body in the stage it's at.


Can I bring my baby or children to the appointment?

Yes! Pear is a child friendly and breastfeeding friendly studio. Children always welcome and we have a small range of toys to keep them entertained where possible.

What should I expect from my initial appointment?

At your initial or class prescreening appointment with our Exercise Physiologists Or Pelvic Health Physiotherapist we will take a detailed relevant medical history, if you are pregnant or recently postnatal we will record how many weeks, if you are receiving treatment for cancer we will record your clinical care plan, look at your biomechanics (ie. how your body is moving) and work with you one on one to formulate a treatment plan, with exercises, hands on treatments and introduce you to our equipment.

When attending an Exercise Physiology appointment, we ask that you please wear some comfortable clothing you can move well in, closed in shoes & bring clean grippy socks for use on the Pilates equipment. When attending a Pelvic Health Physiotherapy appointment, we ask that you 

We will also send you home with homework exercise program to begin. No scribbled stick figures here, we use PhysiApp, a free download for IOS & Android to follow along with your homework exercise program via videos to record your process. 

We will come up with a plan together, with review appointments, home programs, small group classes providing a combination of support for your movement and health goals. 

Can I come to class if I'm chemo toxic?

Chemo toxic is the term used to describe the impact of chemotherapy on the body, specifically 48-72 hours after getting dosed. Toxic waste products are present in body of the person who has had chemotherapy (urine, stool, saliva, secretions) and can be harmful to others.

You are welcome to join us for classes or one on one exercise physiology at any time, chemo toxic or not! However we do ask that you wait until after this window (48-72 hours after) for any manual lymphatic drainage or remedial massage appointments. 
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