I’m sure you are aware that movement plays an important role in the management of our physical health, but did you know physical activity can significantly reduce PTSD symptoms? Exercise plays a vital role in the rehabilitation of veterans and their transition from the ADF to civilian life.

Exercise Physiologist’s specialise in delivering clinically necessary, evidence based and goal-oriented exercise for the management of physical and mental health conditions, injuries and disabilities.

Exercise has been shown to have a number of positive psychological outcomes in veterans including:

• Reduction in the symptoms of re-experiencing
• Reduction in avoidance and numbing
• Reduction in hyper-arousal associated with PTSD
• Reduced anger levels
• Improved mental alertness
• Improved sleep quality

Exercise increases energy levels, empowering veterans to overcome a lack of motivation which is often associated with PTSD. An increase in motivation has proven to increase the amount veterans walk and the time they spend participating in enjoyable activities.

Exercise provides a feeling of respite from symptoms of PTSD that leave veterans feeling exhausted. Exercise also has the power to reduce veteran’s reliance on medication to cope with symptoms of PTSD.

Still not convinced?

Research shows those with PTSD have an increased risk of negative health outcomes such as cardiovascular disease, obesity and alarmingly, early mortality.

Put simply, becoming physically active can increase your psychological quality of life, beyond targeting the symptoms of PTSD.

For many Veteran Gold Card holders, rehabilitation becomes a full-time job and may need to become a priority in their life. Exercise is a viable form of medicine for veterans’ mental health and Exercise Physiologists can help.

So how do you access an Exercise Physiologist? A referral from any of the following:

• general practitioner (GP)
• medical specialist
• treating doctor in hospital
• hospital discharge planner

Resources and more detailed information.

Nick Caddick & Brett Smith (2018) Exercise is medicine for mental health in military veterans: a qualitative commentary, Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health,
10:4, 429-440, DOI: 10.1080/2159676X.2017.1333033

Goldstein, LA, Mehling, WE, Metzler, TJ, Cohen, BE, Barnes, DE, Choucroun, GJ, … Neylan, TC 2018, ‘Veterans Group Exercise: A randomized pilot trial of an Integrative Exercise program for veterans with posttraumatic stress’, Journal of Affective Disorders, vol. 227, pp. 345–352.

Come and see the team at Empowering Wellness Exercise Physiology located in North Adelaide!

To make an appointment, please contact us on:

E: admin@empoweringwellnessep.com
P: 0435 081 501
W: www.empoweringwellnessep.com