Exercise Physiology for Intellectual Disabilities Adelaide
Thrive Health Therapies provides experienced and evidence-based exercise physiology services for individuals with intellectual disabilities across Adelaide. Our experienced Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) design programs tailored to each client’s needs, strengths, and goals. Our neuroaffirming and person-centred approach helps individuals with intellectual disabilities move with confidence, improve physical capacity, and thrive in their daily lives.
What is Exercise Physiology for Intellectual Disabilities?
Exercise physiology for individuals with intellectual disabilities focuses on improving health, strength, coordination, mobility, and wellbeing through tailored physical activity programs. Our AEPs are trained to support diverse abilities and communication styles, using movement as a powerful tool to promote independence, participation, and inclusion in everyday life.
Key Areas of Focus:
Gross Motor Development: Improving balance, strength, posture, and movement patterns
Functional Capacity: Supporting daily activities such as walking, lifting, dressing, or recreational tasks
Behavioural and Emotional Regulation: Using movement to support calmness, focus, and emotional control
Health and Fitness: Encouraging safe, enjoyable physical activity to manage weight, cardiovascular health, and energy
Community Participation: Building confidence to engage in sports, social outings, or work and education environments
Benefits of Exercise Physiology for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
Exercise physiology offers significant physical, social, and emotional benefits for people with intellectual disabilities:
Improved Physical Function: Enhanced strength, mobility, and stamina
Increased Independence: Support with personal care tasks and physical problem-solving
Better Mental Health: Reduced stress, anxiety, and frustration through positive movement experiences
Enhanced Social Skills: Opportunities to build confidence and interact in shared or community settings
Support with Routine: Structured physical activity can improve consistency and predictability in daily life
Family and Carer Support: Guidance and strategies to help families support physical activity at home or in the community
We understand that every individual has unique goals, preferences, and needs. Our neuroaffirming practice respects each person’s communication style, sensory preferences, and physical abilities.
How We Deliver Exercise Physiology
We offer community-based, clinic-based and telehealth exercise physiology services to clients throughout Adelaide and the Adelaide Hills:
Community-Based Services: We provide community-based services in your home or at a location convenient to you across Adelaide. Learn more about our mobile exercise physiology services and our home visit exercise physiology services.
1:1 Clinic-Based Services: We provide clinic-based services in our specialised clinic and gym in Findon, which has been designed to be appropriate for a range of presentations and disabilities. Our fully accessible clinic and gym space has a range of specialised equipment, allowing individuals with significant physical disabilities the opportunity to work towards their goals.
Group classes: Our exercise physiologists also run small group classes at our clinic, focused on strength, balance, and conditioning - ideal for those with neurological or physical disabilities who want to build capacity in a supportive environment. Learn more about our exercise physiology group classes.
Telehealth Services: We also offer comprehensive telehealth services, providing clients in Adelaide with convenient, video-based therapy consultations for those who may have difficulty travelling to our clinic or prefer the convenience of remote support. Learn more about our teleheath services.
Funding Options for Exercise Physiology
We accept a variety of funding options, making exercise physiology for intellectual disabilities accessible for everyone:
Home Care Packages (HCP)
Private Health Insurance
Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plans (GP Team Care Arrangements)
Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA)
Why Choose Our Exercise Physiologists?
No wait time: We can start working with you straight away!
Experienced: Our therapists are senior clinicians with years of experience working with a wide range of presentations.
Extensive Coverage in the community: We serve a large geographical area, providing exercise physiology across all of metropolitan Adelaide from Gawler to Aldinga. We see clients at home or at a location convenient to them. Our approach is flexible and guided by the client’s comfort and preferences.
Clinic space: Our fully accessible clinic and gym in Findon has been specially designed to be appropriate for a wide range of presentations and disabilities. With sensory-sensitive design and a variety of equipment, it's ideal for structured therapy sessions and building movement confidence.
Individualised care: Every client receives a personalised therapy plan based on their unique needs and goals.
Neuroaffirming Practice: We provide compassionate and affirming services to support and empower neurodiverse individuals.
Multi-Disciplinary Approach: We offer a wide range of allied health services under one roof, allowing for a holistic approach to your health. Learn more about our team.
NDIS Provider: We provide services to National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants.
Funding Options: We accept a variety of funding options, helping our clients access the support they need.
LGBTQIA+ friendly: We celebrate, value and include people of all backgrounds, genders, and sexualities, Our Findon clinic is a welcoming, safe and inclusive space for all LGBTQIA+ people and families.
FAQs - Exercise Physiology for Intellectual Disabilities in Adelaide
If you can’t find an answer to your question, please contact our friendly team on 0474 248 081 or email enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com
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Intellectual disabilities affect a person’s cognitive functioning and adaptive behaviour. This may impact communication, learning, and daily living skills. People with intellectual disabilities often benefit from supports that enhance independence and participation.
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Exercise physiology helps improve strength, coordination, movement confidence, and physical health. It can also support emotional regulation, communication through movement, and participation in school, community, or work activities.
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Goals vary depending on the individual but may include improving balance, reducing falls, building strength to carry out self-care tasks, preparing for supported work or sport, and enhancing social interaction.
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Yes – our team provides mobile services throughout Adelaide, including homes, schools, and supported independent living environments.
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Absolutely. We provide clear communication and ongoing updates, and we actively collaborate with families, support staff, and other allied health providers.
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No! We can start working with new clients right away.
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No, you do not need a referral to see an exercise physiologist. Our experienced exercise physiologists are able to start working with you straight away!
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We accept referrals from a wide range of funding sources, including the NDIS, home care packages, Department of Veterans Affairs, Chronic Disease Management (previously known as EPC) and private clients. Learn more about our accepted funding sources.
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Prices vary between services. Our therapists work with you to ensure you get the best program of services within your budget allocation.
Please contact us for a personalised quote.
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