Exercise is not just for fitness. It is one of the most powerful ways to reduce pain and boost your body’s strength.
Whether it’s chronic joint pain, low back issues, or osteoarthritis, research shows that regular, structured exercise can benefit by:
- Reducing pain
- Strengthening muscles
- Improving mobiliity and function
Even short, consistent sessions like 30 minutes a few times a week can make a real difference. Exercise is a universal tool that works across all conditions.
What is Exercise Physiology?
Exercise physiology (EP) is an allied health discipline that uses movement and exercise as a form of evidence-based therapy. Exercise physiologists (EPs) help deliver and adapt safe and effective exercise interventions. Initially they conduct an assessment to obtain information about your fitness and strength, diet and lifestyle and how your disability affects you. EPs then use this information to develop a tailored program of exercises to practice helping improve your quality of life. For example, movement exercises could include aerobic activities like brisk walking and swimming; strength training exercises such as squats and using weights; balanced exercises like yoga; and even exercises using advanced technology such as VR. These support individuals across all ages to enhance health, improve function, aid recovery, and promote independence and participation in everyday activities.
Academic Review: How can Exercise Physiology help?
Two of the most common conditions treated by EPs are osteoarthritis and low back pain. Recent studies have found the found the best ways individuals with these conditions can use EP to improve their daily life:
- Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis (OA): Resistance training for at least 4 weeks
- Low Back Pain (LBP): Yoga up to 4 times a week for 30 minutes
The Effects of Resistance Training on Pain, Strength, and Function in Osteoarthritis (2024) by Jaehyun Lim, Ahyoung Choi, and Byeonggeun Kim
This study analysed the effects of resistance training on improving pain, strength, and function in OA, and the effects by intervention duration and joint. It used 27 randomised controlled trials involving 1,712 participants. By intervention duration, pain and strength showed significant improvements, but observable effect on function took at least 4 weeks. The authors concluded that resistance training is a beneficial intervention for managing symptoms of knee and hip OA, with positive effects on pain, muscle strength, and functional capacity.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Six Exercise Interventions for Low Back Pain (2025) by Mei Cheng, Yu Tian, Qi Ye, Jun Li, Lin Xie, and Fan Ding
This study assessed the efficacy of six exercise therapies in treating LBP; core stability training, Tai Ji, aquatic therapy, yoga, sling exercise, and combined training. It aimed to determine the optimal exercise duration, frequency, and cycle for effective management of LBP. The authors concluded that all six exercise therapies effectively alleviated LBP, with yoga showing the best results. The optimal exercise intervention protocol involved sessions lasting no more than 30 minutes, performed more than four times per week, and lasting no longer than four weeks. Exercises exhibited the most significant improvements in Oswestry Disability Index.
Accessing Exercise Physiology Services at Patches
The Patches team of Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) are experts in designing, adapting and delivering safe and effective exercise interventions for a range of age groups and abilities. Services may be in-clinic, at home, in community or via telehealth, accoridng to your needs. NDIS, Aged Care (CHSP funded) and private clients are all welcome.
To get in touch please email us via: enquiries@patches.com.au