Sport and Exercise Physicians
A Sport and Exercise Physician is a highly trained medical specialist focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions that typically do not require surgery. Their primary goal is to facilitate patients' recovery to their optimal pre-injury state, enhance physical performance, and promote a healthy lifestyle.
Having completed extensive advanced training and achieved fellowship with the Australian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians, these practitioners treat a diverse patient population spanning all age groups—children, adults, and the elderly—and address injuries stemming from sports, work-related accidents, daily activities, or inactivity. They are dedicated to promoting health through increased exercise and physical activity, advising on the safe integration of exercise for both illness prevention and treatment.
Adopting a holistic approach, Sport and Exercise Physicians collaborate closely with various allied health professionals, such as physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, podiatrists, and dietitians, as well as other medical specialists including surgeons, physicians, and radiologists, to ensure comprehensive patient care.
Acute Muscle Injuries
Muscle strains can interfere with sporting participation and may sometimes require advanced diagnosis and management to prevent recurrences and return to sport as quickly and safely as possible
Acute Joint Injuries
Joints are commonly injured during activity and may sometimes require specific treatments including immobilisation, rehabilitation or surgery. Long term joint health relies on appropriate treatment.
Overuse Injuries
Stress fractures and tendon overuse conditions are common sources of pain. Accurate diagnosis, rehabilitation planning and pain management is often necessary to ensure long term resolution
Sports Concussions
Mild traumatic head injuries commonly occur during sport and although the majority will recover uneventfully, sometimes symptoms may persist and require expert assessment and further management guidance
Conditions Treated
Arthritis
Joint pain from osteoarthritis is a common source of pain and disability. There are a number of evidence based treatments available to manage pain, restore strength and function and improve quality of life.
Musculoskeletal Pain Conditions
Sometimes pain can persist despite healing of injured tissues or due to other medical conditions. Exercise forms an important part of managing chronic pain and improving function long term.