Exercise Physiology
Movement-based therapy for children, teens and adults across the Illawarra & Shoalhaven.
What Is Exercise Physiology?
Exercise Physiology is an accredited allied health profession focused on designing and delivering safe, evidence-based movement programs to support health, development, and wellbeing. At Koru Allied Therapies, our Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) use structured activity, play, and individualised programs to help people of all ages build strength, coordination, endurance, and confidence.
Whether it is a child building the sensory-motor foundations for daily participation, a neurodivergent teen using movement to support regulation and self-advocacy, or an adult managing the physical toll of chronic stress and pathology—we provide high-level clinical intervention. We bridge the gap between physical health and mental wellbeing, delivering evidence-based outcomes that respect each individual’s unique profile
Paediatric Exercise Physiology
Most of the children and young people we see in paediatric EP are part of a bigger picture. They’re working with OTs, speechies, physios, and educators — and EP is one piece of an interdisciplinary team helping them reach their potential. Neville and Deb bring a collaborative, strengths-based lens to this work, focusing on what movement can do for participation, regulation, and development.
We support children with:
- Developmental movement goals — building the gross motor foundations that underpin everyday life, learning, and play
- Movement for regulation — using exercise as a tool to support attention, emotional regulation, and readiness to learn
- Neurodivergence — tailored programs for autistic children, ADHD, DCD, and other profiles, designed around how each child moves and engages
- Participation with peers — building the strength, coordination, and confidence to join in at school, sport, and in the community
- Deconditioning and return to activity after illness, injury, or disruption
Why Families Choose Us
- Part of your child’s team — Neville and Deb work alongside OTs, physios, speechies, educators, and other providers. Goals are shared, communication is open, and the program fits within the broader picture.
- Movement for regulation, not just fitness — we understand that for many neurodivergent kids, exercise is as much about nervous system regulation as it is about physical capacity. Sessions are designed with this in mind.
- Aquatic therapy with Deb — the sensory and physical properties of water make it uniquely effective for children who need support with regulation, muscle tone, coordination, or just finding a way into movement that feels good.
- Strengths-based and child-led — sessions are built around what each child can do, what they care about, and what will help them participate more fully in their world.
- Local and connected — based in Kiama Downs, with clinic, community, aquatic, and home-based options available.
Adult Exercise Physiology
As your body changes with age, your approach to movement should too. Neville specialises in helping adults navigate these transitions safely and effectively.
Through targeted, evidence-based programs, he focuses on:
Preserving bone health and density.
Enhancing stability and reducing falls risk.
Managing chronic conditions to protect your lifestyle and independence.
Most adults Neville sees come through one of two pathways: a GP referral for a health condition that exercise can help manage, or self-referral from someone who already values movement and wants to get back in control of their program. Either way, you’ll get an individualised approach grounded in current evidence — not a generic plan.
Funding options: Medicare (chronic disease management plans), private health insurance (HICAPS), or private payment as well as other insurance schemes such as NDIS, DVA or Workers Compensation / CTP.
Why Choose Koru for Adult EP
- Specialist focus on ageing well — Neville has particular experience in osteoporosis management, falls prevention, and the exercise medicine behind healthy ageing. Not a generalist approach.
- GP-connected care — if you’ve been referred by your GP, Neville works closely with your broader health team to ensure your program is safe, appropriate, and fits your care plan.
- Right-sized for where you’re at — whether you’re deconditioned after illness or already active and want your program fine-tuned, sessions are built around your current capacity, not a template.
- Evidence-based, not trend-based — programs are grounded in current clinical EP guidelines for chronic disease and musculoskeletal health.
- Local and accessible — based in Kiama Downs, with options for home, community, or clinic-based sessions.
Meet Our Exercise Physiologists
Deb Hanslow
ACCREDITED EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST (AEP) + ALLIED HEALTH ASSISTANT (AHA)
Deb is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist and Allied Health Assistant at Koru Allied Therapies, currently completing her Master of Occupational Therapy. With a background in dance teaching, gymnastics coaching, and swim instruction, Deb helps children build confidence, develop functional skills, and take part in the activities they love. She works in a neuro-affirming, strengths-based way and is passionate about inclusive sport and recreation programs for kids of all abilities. Deb also facilitates group, holiday, and aquatic therapy programs at Koru.
Neville Coleman
DIRECTOR + ACCREDITED EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST
Neville is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist and Co-Director at Koru Allied Therapies. He supports children, teens and adults to build movement confidence, strength, and endurance so everyday life, work, and sport feel more achievable. His key areas include musculoskeletal rehab, persistent pain, deconditioning, return-to-work and return-to-sport, and general fitness. Nev collaborates closely with the Koru therapy team, GPs, and other clinicians, and works in a calm, neuro-affirming way so people feel safe and supported.
Funding Options
Exercise Physiology at Koru Allied Therapies can be accessed through a range of funding pathways:
- NDIS — we see both self-managed and plan-managed participants across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.
- Medicare — eligible clients may access rebates through GP care plans and referrals (including Chronic Disease Management Plans for adults).
- Private health insurance — claims can be processed instantly via HICAPS at our Kiama Downs clinic.
- Private payment — families and individuals without funding can pay directly, with flexible options available.
Not sure which option suits you? We’re happy to chat through the options and help you find the best path forward.
Ready to get started?
Complete our secure EP Intake Form and we’ll be in touch to match you with the right therapist, discuss your goals, and answer any questions.
Have questions first? Call us on (02) 4210 5900 or email info@korutherapies.com.au
