Sam Rooney – Exercise Physiologist & Type 1 Diabetes Specialist

Sam Rooney is an award-winning Accredited Exercise Physiologist at Evolutio Sports Physio in Richmond, Melbourne, bringing over a decade of experience in health, wellbeing, and human performance. With a Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology & Rehabilitation (awarded the Dean's Award for Academic Excellence), Sam combines deep clinical knowledge with a practical, down-to-earth approach to achieving results.

Sam specialises in Type 1 Diabetes management, cardiac rehabilitation, corporate health and wellbeing, ADF/DVA rehabilitation, and strength sports. As someone who has lived with Type 1 Diabetes since 2000, Sam brings an authentic understanding and thousands of hours of personal experimentation to helping others navigate exercise with diabetes.

Whether you're managing a chronic condition, recovering from cardiac events, dealing with a musculoskeletal injury, or looking to optimise performance, Sam's evidence-based approach, combined with his genuine passion for improving health literacy, makes him an exceptional practitioner.

About Sam Rooney

Sam Rooney is what happens when you combine a decade of elite-level experience in exercise physiology with someone who genuinely wants to simplify the complex and empower individuals to take control of their health. Plus, he is just a legend and you’ll love hanging out with him.

Living with Type 1 Diabetes since 2000, Sam brings an authentic understanding that goes beyond textbooks. He's been there – playing representative-level sport, managing AFL women's high-performance squads, navigating every hypo and frustrating blood sugar swing. When Sam says "I understand what you're going through," he actually does.

After starting as a Personal Trainer and Strength & Conditioning Coach, Sam completed his Masters in Clinical Exercise Physiology, graduating with a Dean's Award for Academic Excellence. Since then, he's managed hospital departments, reshaped healthcare for transitioning ADF Members & Veterans (recognised as runner-up at the Australian Rehabilitation Providers Association Awards), delivered corporate health programs across multiple states, and worked with elite AFL athletes.

Sam's is guided by a belief in proactive health management. He's passionate about improving health literacy, breaking down barriers to health, and empowering people with knowledge to make informed decisions. He founded The Prick Collective, a community dedicated to empowering people with diabetes through movement and education.

At Evolutio, Sam brings elite sport experience, clinical excellence, diabetes expertise, and genuine commitment to helping people move better, feel better, and live better. He takes health seriously but believes in laughing through the chaos – because exercise should feel empowering, not intimidating.

Specialisations & Expertise

Sam's areas of clinical expertise include:

Type 1 Diabetes & Exercise Management As someone who has lived with Type 1 Diabetes since 2000, Sam brings unparalleled understanding to helping diabetics exercise safely and effectively. He's spent thousands of hours learning how the body reacts to various forms of exercise with diabetes and now helps Australians across the country better understand exercise and diabetes – ultimately giving them the freedom to exercise without the anxiety of a hypo creeping in. Sam runs The Prick Collective, a community dedicated to empowering diabetics through movement and education. For more information on diabetes management, visit Diabetes Australia. Learn more about preparing for your first appointment to make the most of your time with Sam.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Sam has extensive experience in cardiac rehabilitation, having completed his professional practicum at Central Sydney Cardiology at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. He understands cardiac stress testing, ECG analysis, blood pressure monitoring, and the specific considerations for exercising safely post-cardiac event. His approach combines evidence-based protocols with individualised programming to help patients return to confident, active living. For more information on heart health, visit the Heart Foundation.

ADF Members & Veterans Rehabilitation Sam has worked extensively with Australian Defence Force members and Veterans, including serving as Senior Rehabilitation Consultant for ADF Reserves. He understands the unique physical and psychological challenges facing transitioning service members and veterans, and has been recognised for innovation in this area. His work reshaping healthcare structure for ADF/DVA members demonstrates his commitment to this population. For more information on veteran support services, visit the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

Corporate Health & Wellbeing With experience as Regional Manager for Workplace Health & Wellbeing across multiple states, Sam understands how to deliver meaningful corporate health programs that actually work. He's passionate about breaking down barriers to health in workplace environments and creating sustainable wellbeing initiatives. For information on workplace health and safety, visit Safe Work Australia. Learn about when to see an exercise physiologist for workplace injuries.

Chronic Disease Management Sam specialises in exercise prescription for chronic conditions including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and chronic pain. His approach focuses on empowering patients with knowledge and practical strategies to manage their conditions proactively. For evidence-based health information, visit Better Health Channel.

Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Sam treats the full spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries through an integrative approach to physical movement performance. His role draws on strong clinical knowledge, effective exercise prescription, and the ability to use a Cognitive Behavioural Approach to overcome psychosocial barriers to recovery.

Strength Sports & Powerlifting As a certified Powerlifting Coach, Sam understands the demands of strength sports. He works with powerlifters, Olympic lifters, and general strength athletes to optimise performance and rehabilitate injuries. His experience ranges from beginner lifters learning proper technique to competitive powerlifters managing training loads and injury prevention. For information on competitive powerlifting in Australia, visit Powerlifting Australia. Check out our perspective on powerlifting physiotherapy.

AFL & High-Performance Sport Sam's experience as High Performance Manager/Athletic Performance for the ACT Women's High Performance AFL Squad, along with his work with various AFL clubs and athletes, gives him unique insight into the demands of elite sport. He understands return-to-play protocols, performance optimisation, and injury prevention in high-level athletes. For sports medicine information and resources, visit Sports Medicine Australia.

Health Literacy & Patient Education One of Sam's core passions is improving health literacy. He excels at breaking down complex medical information into practical, actionable strategies that real people can implement in their daily lives. His mission is to empower individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions about their wellbeing.

Qualifications & Professional Experience

Education:

Certifications & Accreditations:

  • Accredited Exercise Physiologist – ESSA (Exercise & Sports Science Australia)

  • Level 2 Senior Exercise Professional

  • Powerlifting Coach Certified

  • Certified Personal Trainer

Why Choose Sam?

Lived Experience with Diabetes Sam has lived with Type 1 Diabetes since 2000. He's not just clinically trained in diabetes management – he's lived it. Every hypo, every frustrating blood sugar swing, every workout complicated by diabetes – Sam's been there. This authentic understanding is invaluable.

Award-Winning Clinical Excellence Sam's work was recognised as runner-up at the Australian Rehabilitation Providers Association Awards, and he graduated with a Dean's Award for Academic Excellence. This demonstrates both clinical excellence and innovative thinking.

10+ Years Diverse Experience From hospital departments to corporate wellbeing programs, from ADF/DVA rehabilitation to elite AFL, from cardiac rehab to powerlifting – Sam's breadth of experience means he can handle complex, multi-faceted presentations.

Leadership & Systems Thinking Sam has managed teams, reshaped healthcare structures, and delivered programs at regional and national levels. This leadership experience means he thinks systematically about your health, not just symptomatically.

Passionate About Health Literacy Sam's mission is to improve health literacy in Australian communities. He excels at breaking down complex information into practical strategies you can actually use.

Evidence-Based Innovation Sam stays at the cutting edge of exercise physiology research while maintaining a practical, real-world approach. He knows what works in theory AND what works in practice.

Genuine Care with Humour Sam takes your health seriously but believes in laughing through the chaos. His approach balances professionalism with genuine warmth and humour – because healthcare doesn't have to be stuffy to be effective.

Founder of The Prick Collectiv,e Sam's passion project, The Prick Collective, demonstrates his commitment to community, education, and empowerment for people living with diabetes. This isn't just a job for Sam – it's a mission.

Location & Booking

Evolutio Sports Physio Richmond 11/3 Bromham Place Richmond VIC 3121

Consultation Fees

  • Initial Consultation (60 min): $175

  • Extended Follow-up (45 min): $150

Private health insurance rebates available. We accept EPC Care Plans and CDM plans (Chronic Disease Management). For DVA patients, please contact us to discuss arrangements. Full pricing details at evolutio.com.au/physiotherapy-prices.

Learn more about exercise physiology costs and health insurance coverage.

[BOOK ONLINE] or call 03 9100 3798

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the difference between an Exercise Physiologist and a Physiotherapist?

A: Great question! Exercise Physiologists like Sam specialise in exercise prescription for chronic disease management, injury prevention, and performance optimisation. We're experts in how the body responds to exercise and use that knowledge to manage conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and chronic pain. Physiotherapists focus more on hands-on treatment, manual therapy, and acute injury rehabilitation. At Evolutio, Sam works alongside our physiotherapists to provide comprehensive care – sometimes you need both! We'll guide you to the right practitioner for your needs.

Q: Can Sam help me manage my diabetes with exercise?

A: Absolutely – this is Sam's superpower. As someone who has lived with Type 1 Diabetes since 2000, Sam brings both professional expertise and lived experience. He's spent thousands of hours learning how diabetes and exercise interact and helps diabetics exercise confidently without the constant anxiety of hypos. Whether you're Type 1 or Type 2, newly diagnosed or decades in, Sam can help you understand how to manage blood sugars with exercise. For additional diabetes support and resources, visit JDRF Australia and the National Diabetes Services Scheme. For additional diabetes resources and support, visit the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS).

Q: Do I need a referral to see Sam?

A: You don't need a referral for a standard consultation. However, if you want to claim through Medicare under a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan or Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan, you'll need a referral from your GP. DVA patients may have specific referral requirements. For more information on Medicare rebates for allied health, visit Services Australia - Medicare. Contact the clinic if you're unsure – we're happy to guide you through the process.

Q: Can Sam help with strength training and powerlifting?

A: Yes! Sam is a certified Powerlifting Coach and has extensive experience in strength sports. Whether you're recovering from a lifting injury, looking to optimise your performance, or wanting to start strength training safely (especially with a chronic condition), Sam can help. He understands the technical demands of the big lifts and how to program around injuries or medical conditions.

Q: I'm a Veteran – can Sam help?

A: Absolutely. Sam has extensive experience working with ADF members and Veterans, including his role as Senior Rehabilitation Consultant for ADF Reserves. He understands the unique physical and psychological challenges facing transitioning service members and Veterans. His work in this area was recognised as runner-up for innovation at the Australian Rehabilitation Providers Association Awards. DVA patients are welcome – contact us to discuss arrangements.

Q: What if I've never exercised before and I'm intimidated?

A: Sam is perfect for you. He genuinely believes exercise should feel empowering, not intimidating. His approach starts exactly where you are – no judgment, no unrealistic expectations, just practical steps forward. Sam excels at breaking down barriers to exercise and creating programs that fit real life. His humor and down-to-earth style make exercise accessible, even if you've been avoiding it for years.

Q: Can Sam help with workplace injuries?

A: Yes, Sam has extensive experience in corporate health and workplace injury management. As a former Regional Manager for Workplace Health & Wellbeing across multiple states, he understands occupational injuries and the practical challenges of rehabilitation while working. He can work with your employer and return-to-work coordinators to ensure safe, sustainable recovery.

Q: What's Sam's approach to chronic pain?

A: Sam uses an evidence-based, biopsychosocial approach to chronic pain. This means he addresses not just the physical symptoms but also the psychological and social factors that contribute to persistent pain. Using a Cognitive Behavioural Approach combined with graded exercise exposure, Sam helps people break the chronic pain cycle. His focus is on empowerment and self-management rather than creating dependency on treatment. For more information on chronic pain management, visit Pain Australia.

Q: How much does it cost to see Sam?

A: Exercise Physiology consultations vary based on duration and complexity. Initial consultations are typically 60 minutes and cost $175, with follow-ups at 45 minutes for $150. Private health insurance typically covers Exercise Physiology under extras cover. If you have a CDM or EPC plan from your GP, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates. Contact the clinic for specific pricing and rebate information.

Q: Can Sam work with my other healthcare providers?

A: Absolutely – Sam believes in collaborative care. He regularly works with GPs, cardiologists, endocrinologists, physiotherapists, dietitians, and other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive treatment. If you're seeing other practitioners, Sam can coordinate with them to optimise your care.

Q: What should I bring to my first appointment?

A: Bring comfortable exercise clothes and athletic shoes, any relevant medical reports or test results (especially important for diabetics and cardiac patients), a list of current medications, and your questions. For diabetics, bring your blood glucose monitor if you'd like Sam to review your patterns. Check out our guide on preparing for your first appointment for more details.

Q: What makes Sam different from other Exercise Physiologists?

A: Sam's combination of lived experience with diabetes, award-winning clinical work, 10+ years of diverse experience (from elite sport to corporate health to cardiac rehab), leadership background, and genuine passion for health literacy makes him unique. Plus, his humour and down-to-earth approach mean you're working with someone who treats you like a human, not a diagnosis.

Connect with Sam

The Prick Collective Sam runs The Prick Collective, a community dedicated to empowering people living with diabetes through education, connection, and movement. Learn more at theprickcollective.com.au

Professional Networks