EXERCISE THOUGHT

History

Exercise Thought opened in Lilydale in early 2020 with one Physio and one Concierge. The first COVID-19 lockdown began only weeks later. Physiotherapy was deemed 'essential' and so remained available during this and every other lockdown. We cared for clients face-to-face and via video during self-isolations. Video consultations enabled our physios to treat clients across Australia and overseas. We also began hosting physio students during this time. Over 200 students have been hosted by Exercise Thought.

Five physiotherapists, an osteopath and an exercise physiologist now practice from our Lilydale locations. We opened a second practice in Ringwood to provide hydrotherapy over 2021-2022. We closed the Ringwood location because our team missed each other and no amount of profitability or professional advancement was worth the health of our team. Our growing list of daily service offerings now includes physiotherapy, osteopathy, exercise physiology, clinical pilates, massage, hydrotherapy, dry needling, women’s and pelvic healthcare, sports physiotherapy and more. Our 3-on-1 guided physiotherapy exercise sessions are filled with laughter, learning and progress.

In 2022, we began offering non-surgical solutions to hip and knee arthritis using the GLA:D framework as inspiration. Around the same time, we initiated a free Falls & Balance (FAB) class. FAB is 10.30am Wednesdays in Melba Park Lilydale. This class has proven popular with over 100 people attending in the first year. Exercise Thought was honoured by a Community Service award from Yarra Ranges Council for this class.

Word of mouth referrals are our backbone. Most clients find us through recommendations from friends and loved ones. Doctors, surgeons, coaches, trainers and sporting clubs in and around Lilydale (sometimes far away) are now recommending Exercise Thought. We are trusted by players and coaches at CrossFit Lilydale Ranges, Genesis Health & Fitness Lilydale, The Running Company Lilydale, as well as Lilydale, Mt Evelyn, Chirnside Park & Mooroolbark Football Clubs, Lilydale Eagles and Mooroolbark Barkers Soccer Clubs, Kindred Warrior Yoga, and Soul Studio Pilates, and more. Businesses also trust us to look after their staff for a swift return to work or stint of lighter duties as their recover from work-related injury.

Exercise Thought serves community beyond physical therapies through the Exercise Thought Foundation which gives:

• Blood and plasma donations (over 1 thousand lives saved as of 2023)

• Free health services e.g. the free Falls & Balance class

• Sponsorships for the study and practicing of physiotherapy in the developing world

  • Volunteers to Lilydale Township & Action Group, Lilydale Business and Traders, & Yarra Valley Business
  
  Exercise Thought will grow into a hub of preventative and responsive services. At the heart of our future history is a desire to elevate the health of the Lilydale. We will continue to partner with local referrers, clubs, clinics and communities to grant more people access to world-class healthcare. We aim to help Lilydale with more than top-level physiotherapy. We know obesity, alcohol, domestic violence and chronic disease are big issues. We have plans for addressing these problems with a range of solutions. Part of our future is building deeper connections with our community.