What is an Exercise Physiologist? 

Exercise physiologists are health care professionals who specialise in the effect of exercise on the body, and the mechanisms by which exercise can reduce or reverse disease, support optimal health, and aid in recovery from injury or surgery. We use our knowledge to use exercise as medicine, and prescribe exercise to treat, or prevent health conditions and injuries in the same way a doctor might prescribe medication to ultimately improve quality of life and outcomes. We work alongside your GP, specialist, and other allied health to best support your recovery and return to health.

What is Exercise Oncology?

Exercise oncologists are exercise physiologists that specialise in utilising exercise to improve outcomes for people living with, or beyond cancer. Exercise oncologists have an understanding of the disease processes of cancer and the common treatments used and apply principles of exercise physiology to use exercise as medicine to help overcome and manage common side effects of treatment and improve outcomes such as reducing the risk of cancer recurrence.

How is Valere different to my trainer or physio?

Valere Health are industry leaders in exercise and cancer. As Queensland’s only exercise oncology specific clinic, Valere is led by Dr Morgan Farley. Morgan has a PhD in exercise and her research has been funded by Tour de Cure, the National Health and Medical Research Center and Cancer Council Queensland. Morgan collaborates with non-for profit organisations such as Cancer Council Queensland, Myeloma Australia, and CanTeen to provide resources and education to people that have been affected by cancer and is a university educator who has taught over 250 students on how to use exercise as medicine for people with cancer. Valere Health continuously engages in cutting-edge research and integrates the latest advancements into your care. Under Dr Farley’s guidance the staff at Valere Health have undergone exercise oncology internships, research projects, and comprehensive training, ensuring an in depth understanding of cancer treatments, including surgeries, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, targeted treatments, and radiation therapy.

Our extensive cancer specific knowledge and patient-centered approach allows us to place YOU at the forefront of our care, enabling us to create personalised exercise programs tailored to your unique diagnosis, treatment plan, and individual goals.

Can I exercise with cancer? 

YES! Exercise has been shown as safe and effective for people with cancer. The Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) recommends exercise as part of standard cancer care. 

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You can learn more here. 

Will exercise make my cancer spread? 

No – exercise will not make your cancer spread. The influence of exercise and physical activity on cancer outcomes has been explored for over a decade and there is no evidence to suggest exercise will cause cancer growth - in fact it is the opposite!

Will exercise shrink my cancer tumours? 

While there is limited evidence in studies with humans, there is evidence accumulating to suggest that targeted exercise therapy may in fact slow or prevent cancer growth:

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1. Studies have demonstrated that those who are physically active after their diagnosis have a reduced risk of cancer recurrence and mortality in across several cancer types.

2. Animal studies have demonstrated that exercise can supress cancer growth in several cancer types such as breast, melanoma, lung, and pancreatic cancers.

3. Studies using cancer cells have shown that blood taken from someone immediately post exercise can supress the growth of the cancer cells within the laboratory.

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One thing all of these studies have in common is that it is dose dependant meaning the more you do the better results you have and that the exercise should be of an intensity that makes your breathless.

What's the best exercise for someone with cancer?

Unfortunately, there is no one size fits all approach and the best exercise for you may not be the best for someone else. However, it is important to:

1. Include some exercise with some bursts of higher intensity movement that makes you breathless – this type of exercise has been linked with improved immune function due to the increases in heart rate and has been utilised in some of the research studies mentioned earlier.

2. Include resistance training exercises 2-3 times a week that will improve your strength. Muscle mass has been linked to improved survival in a variety of chronic diseases including cancer. Additionally, increased levels of muscle mass will help you maintain function, reduce cancer-related fatigue, and even tolerate treatment better.

When shouldn't I exercise? 

We often recommend no matter how you are feeling to come in and we will adapt the exercise  program to suit how you're feeling. However, there are a few scenarios and cancer-specific considerations where we recommend rescheduling your exercise session:

- Extreme fatigue where travelling is unsafe (we can swap to a telehealth session)

- Fever (please also contact your doctor)

- Severe neutropenia (we can swap to a telehealth session)

Do I need a referral to access Valere Health?

You don't need a doctor's referral to see any of the team at Valere Health. However, if a doctor refers you with a chronic disease management plan, you can get a Medicare rebate for up to five sessions.

If you are interested in utilising a chronic disease management plan however, unsure how to get one please speak to one of the team at Valere Health and we can send your GP a letter.

Can I use my private health insurance / extras cover? 

Yes! All of our services at Valere Health are eligible for private health rebates and we have a HICAPS machine at the clinic for instant claiming.