The Benefits of Exercise Physiology for Chronic Disease Management

A chronic disease is a long-term health condition that typically lasts for a year or more and requires ongoing medical attention or limits daily activities. Unlike acute illnesses, which come on suddenly and resolve quickly, chronic diseases tend to develop slowly and persist over time.

It’s a fact that there are benefits to using exercise physiology for chronic disease management for certain conditions.  These health conditions include:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Obesity
• Osteoporosis
• Arthritis
• Hypertension
• Cancer recovery
• Long term injuries

The physiological benefits you may experience from increasing your activity is improved muscle mass, balance, weight loss, bone density, and physical fitness. In a nutshell, it will make you feel stronger and more positive.

What are the Benefits of Exercise Physiology for Chronic Disease Management?

It is easy to lose motivation if you’re not receiving the right encouragement and exercise advice.

• Exercise and good nutrition can help manage blood glucose levels, reduce stress and decrease weight, all of which are useful in helping control or prevent type 2 diabetes.
• Exercise can help reduce fatigue-related symptoms associated with having or recovering from cancer.
• Chronic diseases such as osteoarthritis can result in muscle weakness and fatigue. Strength and fitness training can help improve muscular strength and decrease your pain.

Common Examples of Chronic Diseases

• Cardiovascular diseases (e.g., hypertension, heart disease, stroke)
• Diabetes
• Chronic respiratory diseases (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD))
• Cancer
• Arthritis
• Chronic kidney disease
• Neurological disorders (e.g., Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s)
• Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, multiple sclerosis)

Causes and Risk Factors

Chronic diseases can be caused by a combination of factors, including:

• Lifestyle choices (e.g., poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, excessive alcohol use)
• Genetics
• Environmental factors (e.g., pollution, exposure to toxins)
• Aging

Management and Prevention

Although many chronic diseases have no cure, they can often be managed through:

• Medication and medical treatment
• Lifestyle changes (healthy eating, physical activity)
• Regular health screenings and check-ups
• Managing stress and mental health

At Lilyfield Physio all our staff are experienced in guided exercise programs to manage chronic injury or illness. Whether it be one of our physios or Paul Raptis our exercise physiologist in Inner West Sydney, you are in enthusiastic and safe hands to better health and movement

Book online to discover how guided exercise can improve the quality of your life.