Exercise is one of the most powerful tools available in modern medicine for the prevention and management of chronic disease. Robust evidence shows that structured physical activity reduces blood pressure, improves insulin sensitivity and glycaemic control, supports weight management, and reduces cardiovascular risk — often as effectively as medication.
The challenge is that generic advice to “exercise more” rarely works. People with chronic conditions frequently face barriers including pain, medication effects, past injury, fatigue, and uncertainty about what is safe. A Specialist Sports and Exercise Physician is uniquely qualified to design an exercise prescription that is safe, effective and realistic for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but a referral from your GP entitles you to a Medicare rebate. A Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan from your GP may also allow rebated access to allied health services as part of your broader plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Liam West will take a comprehensive history covering your medical conditions, medications, previous exercise experience and goals. Investigations may include blood tests, ECG or cardiovascular risk assessment where appropriate. The goal is to understand both the condition and the person before writing any prescription.
If you have a chronic condition and want a specialist-designed exercise plan that genuinely fits your life, book an appointment with Dr. Liam West, our Specialist Sports and Exercise Physician at Melbourne CBD Physiotherapy and Sports Medicine Clinic. You can also learn more about our complete Sports Medicine service.
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Dr Liam West is a Specialist Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM) Physician and Head Doctor of Hawthorn Football Club. He brings extensive experience across AFL, Athletics (Track and Field) and Football (Soccer), with specialist expertise in bone, muscle, tendon and joint injuries. Liam served as Sports Doctor for the Australian Athletics Team at the 2018 & 2022 Commonwealth Games, and holds a Masters of Sports and Exercise Medicine and Fellowship of the Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians.
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Osteoarthritis | Bone Stress Fractures / Injuries | Injections | Adolescent Sports Injuries
Our team look forward to working with you to help achieve your goals
Yes — and often you should. Painful osteoarthritis, back pain and tendinopathies usually respond better to modified, progressive exercise than to rest. Part of our job is working out what exercise looks like for your joints.
For some conditions and some patients, optimised exercise and lifestyle change can reduce or remove the need for certain medications, in partnership with your GP. This is a decision made with your GP — not around them.
Yes — and often you should. Painful osteoarthritis, back pain and tendinopathies usually respond better to modified, progressive exercise than to rest. Part of our job is working out what exercise looks like for your joints.
No, but a referral from your GP entitles you to a Medicare rebate. A Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan may also allow rebated access to allied health services as part of your broader plan.
