Sports Medicine
What can Sports Doctors help with?
Diagnosis and non-surgical management of exercise and physical activity related musculoskeletal injuries and trauma
Biomechanical analysis of sporting techniques
Treating head injuries and concussion associated with sport and optimising a safe return to play
Diagnosis, management, and exercise prescription for patients with medical conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes and pre-diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis or cardiac conditions
Developing personalised programs for wheelchair and physically-challenged people who exercise, including the Elite Athlete with a Disability (EAD)
Injection based therapies e.g. Protein rich plasma (PRP) or Durolane (synthetic product) for tendon's that don’t respond to exercise or osteoarthritis
What do Sports Doctors do?
Sports Doctors work within a multidisciplinary care framework for the optimal management and care of recreational exercisers of all levels—not just elite athletes. They work closely with referring GPs on the diagnosis and treatment of patients and are in regular contact with a wide range of specialists including Orthopaedic Surgeons and Rheumatologists as well as allied health professionals such as Physios, Osteopaths, Chiropractors, Sports Trainers and Sports Psychologists.
What makes Sports Doctors different?
Sports Doctors are doctors who undertake an extensive postgraduate training program in dealing with sports injuries and the practice of medicine as it applies to all aspects of physical activity. A Sports Doctor can also take on the role of team doctor, skilled in both on and off-field care of athletes. Their involvement in team care can also include travel medicine, carrying out pre-trip screening and preparation to accompany teams of athletes to countries and major sporting events all over the world.
Is a referral required?
Yes a referral is required from your GP to see a Specialist Sports and Exercise Physician (commonly known as a “Sports Doctor”)
Do I get a Medicare rebate?
With a referral you can expect a estimate rebate of $70 from Medicare
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapists help you get the most out of life. They help you recover from injury, reduce pain and stiffness, increase mobility and prevent further injury. They listen to your needs to tailor a treatment specific to your condition. As first contact practitioners, you don’t need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist. Physiotherapists, doctors, and other health professionals will often work as part of a team to plan and manage treatment for a specific condition.
Physiotherapists are committed to evidence based practice, developing knowledge and new forms of treatment, therefore improving the health of millions of Australians.
Physiotherapists can assist in multiple ways including:
Recovery of back and neck pain
Chronic pain
Post operative treatment
Headaches
Repetitive injuries
Work or sports related injuries
Disabilities
Challenging pregnancies
Solve problems that seem to come with age
Help avoid surgery
Get athletes ready for a new sporting season
A physiotherapist’s role is to eliminate or minimise pain and discomfort, improving quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Healesville Sports Medicine (HSM)? (Physiotherapy)
HSM is dedicated to the provision of high quality, cost effective, accessible physiotherapy and related health care services.
HSM Physiotherapists are highly skilled professionals who:
1) Listen to their clients’ needs and wants (shared decision-making process),
2) Assess, diagnose and manage your dysfunction and enhance physical and functional capabilities.
3) Hands on local therapy
4) Restore, maintain and promote not only optimal physical function but also optimal quality of life as it relates to each individual.
Do I need a Doctor’s referral?
No. However, a referral from a medical practitioner is necessary only if:
· You have been injured at work and your case is being managed by Work Cover
· Your treatment is covered by Veterans Affairs
· You are claiming your treatment expenses through a 3rd party claim.
Your physiotherapist is also able to refer you on to other medical and allied health professionals where appropriate.
Can I claim a rebate for my physio treatment?
If you have private health cover and subscribe to the “extras” cover you should be eligible to claim part of your treatment fee through our HICAPS system which we provide for your convenience. There are many different schemes and you are best advised to check your level of cover with your insurer e.g. NIB gives you 60% of your consult fee. This leaves you only the gap to pay. You will need to bring your health fund card with you.
Medicare now offers Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Programmes to allow a Medicare rebate for up to 5 physio treatments a year. The programme is for people with chronic conditions, patients must be referred by their GP. If you have any queries regarding this service please don’t hesitate to speak with our admin staff.
What happens at my first treatment with a physio?
Following an initial comprehensive assessment, a full objective examination and hands on assessment with functional testing is performed to establish potential differential diagnosis (there could be more than one). You are welcome to ask any questions you may have throughout the consultation.
Treatment may involve different ways of relieving pain, restoring function, flexibility and strength. Skills and techniques used may include mobilisations of joints and or soft tissues, manipulation, postural correction, electrotherapy, exercises and muscle rehabilitation. You will also learn techniques to use at home to manage your problem, which may include exercise and preventative measures.
At Healesville Sports Medicine our physiotherapist we also liaise with others involved in your care if applicable and will refer you for alternative treatment if Physiotherapy is not the best option e.g. a Sports Physician (Specialist Doctor whom we work closely with)
How long does my physio treatments take?
An initial consultation for one problem will take approximately 30-45 minutes depending on the complexity
A follow up consultation will take approximately 20-30 minutes. Whatever is required to make a difference to your problem will be done during the treatment.
As a new client we would appreciate if you could arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment to allow time to fill out relevant paperwork.
Our physios strive to keep to their appointment schedule, but there are occasional unforeseen circumstances.
What to bring to your first physio appointment?
When you book in for your first appointment with us, we recommend bringing with you;
· A pair of shorts if its lower limb condition
· Your Private Health fund card if you have one
· Any x-rays, scans results
· A list of any questions you may have
