A graded exercise program can significantly improve quality of life and alleviate symptoms of chronic conditions.

Newtown Medical Centre offers guided exercise programs overseen by sports and exercise physicians and our accredited exercise physiologist James Koniw. The program instructs you in a home-based exercise plan combined with supervised weekly sessions in our gym. Through physical activity, those suffering from chronic medical problems can improve their condition. Participants are given tailored programs within two major streams: 
  • Chronic Medical Conditions
  • Back Injuries, Knee Injuries, and Chronic Pain​

​Chronic Medical Conditions
We run an exercise program for people experiencing chronic illness, such as diabetes, osteoarthritis and heart disease. Those suffering chronic medical conditions can gain benefit from guided activity and better health management.
When you join the chronic medical condition exercise program you are assessed by a Sports and Exercise Physician and Exercise Physiologist. An exercise plan is then tailored specifically to your condition, age and ability. Patients with similar programs are grouped into small teams for 12 weekly sessions supervised by the Exercise Physiologist and the practice nurse in our gym.

Each participant is also educated in home-based exercises and lifestyle modifications to compliment the gym program and ongoing health management. Progress is regularly evaluated and a further medical assessment is made at the completion of the program. A refresher session will be available every three to six
months.
Back Injuries, Knee Injuries & Chronic Pain
We run an exercise program for people suffering from chronic pain conditions and chronic back conditions. Exercise develops physical strength and conditioning and helps stimulate the body’s own pain relieving mechanisms. The program combines 8 weekly sessions in our gym with a home-based activity and pain management plan specifically tailored to each patient.  Our sports doctors and exercise physiologist James Koniw assess your condition to develop your personal exercise program. Patients with similar conditions and activity plans are organised into small groups for gym sessions supervised by our Exercise Physiologist and nurse. Progress is continually monitored and each patient is reassessed at the completion of the program. Every three to six months patients are invited to return for a single refresher course.
The Benefits of Exercise
Exercise can significantly improve overall health and quality of life. Our Geelong Medical Centre offers individually tailored exercise programs to treat Back Injuries, Knee Injuries, Chronic Pain and Chronic Medical Conditions such as Osteoarthritis, Ischaemic Heart Disease and Diabetes. To develop the skills to take control of your health call (03) 5221 5044 and enrol in an exercise program.

Osteoarthritis
Exercise is the most cost effective intervention for pain relief and lifestyle improvements. Exercise improves blood pressure control, cholesterol profile, decreases risk of future heart attacks and can lead to an overall reduction in mortality.

Diabetes
Exercise improves your sugar control, reduces medication requirements and lowers the risk of complications.​
Regular Exercise Can:
  • Significantly improve overall health
  • Reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 40%
  • Lower the risk of stroke by 27%
  • Reduce the incidence of high blood pressure by almost 50%
  • Reduce the incidence of diabetes by almost 50%
  • Reduce the risk of breast cancer reoccurrence and mortality by almost 50%
  • Reduce the risk of developing colon cancer by over 60%
  • Reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by 33%
  • Effectively relieve the symptoms of depression​​
​How to Apply
To join one of our exercise programs arrange a referral from your GP and contact the reception staff at Newtown Medical Centre on (03) 5221 5044 to arrange enrollment. You can receive Medicare support if you have a Chronic Disease Management Plan and an EPC referral from your GP.