Autoimmune Disease

What is an Autoimmune Disease?

An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system produces antibodies that attack the body’s own cells.

Normally the immune systems job is to help protect the body from foreign diseases. The immune system uses special cells to identify infectious agents such as bacteria or viruses and will respond by killing or overwhelming them.

However, when a person has an autoimmune disease, their immune system will attack healthy organs and tissues rather than fighting off bacteria and viruses.

There are over 100 types of autoimmune diseases that can effect the body in many different way. Some common autoimmune diseases include:

• Lupus
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Graves’ disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Hashimoto’s disease
• Type 1 diabetes

How can Activate Health, help you?

Here at Activate Health we are passionate about providing top quality Exercise Physiology to ensure all our clients receive the care and outcomes they deserve. Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPSs) are trained to provide evidence-based exercise interventions to individuals at high risk of developing, or with existing, chronic conditions and injuries.

Physical activity is considered one of the main components of healthy living. Exercise has also been shown to be safe in most autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and others.
Please see below for some examples of positive outcomes when exercise is added to a person’s treatment schedule:

Rheumatoid arthritis: milder disease course, improved cardiovascular fitness and improved joint mobility

Multiple Sclerosis: decreased fatigue, and enhanced mood, cognitive abilities, and mobility.

Type one diabetes: decreased risk of autonomic neuropathy and cardiovascular disease

Fibromyalgia: decreased pain severity and improved quality of life.

Systemic sclerosis:  decreased pain severity, improved quality of life, improved grip strength, finger stretching and mouth opening with increased levels of exercise.

How to access us

Talk to your Doctor today to request a Chronic Care Plan referral for bulk billed consultations here at Activate Health. We also take private bookings which can be partially covered by your private health fund. Services can also be performed under My aged Care or NDIS packages. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any enquires on 07 4939 5696.