SPORTS MEDICINE

What is Sports Medicine?

Sports medicine is the practice and study of medical principles which are related to sports science, especially in the areas of athletic performance, sports training, sports injury prevention, injury treatment, and injury diagnosis. In addition, sports psychology, sports nutrition, workout planning, and exercise regimens are also addressed within the realm of sports medicine.

What does it cover?

Sports injuries can broadly be categorised in two classes: traumatic injury and overuse injury.  Our treatment of sports injury covers:

• Assessment of the injury status.
• Assessment of the interplay between current status and previous injury and the patient’s general health.
• Identifying any preceding mechanical influences, particularly with overuse injury.
• Correction of abnormal biomechanics.
• Setting of rehab goals with patient input to ensure a return to function that is patient specific.
• Setting and testing return to sport guidelines.
• Creating a rehab plan that takes the patient from the initial presentation through to return to full activity and includes injury prevention guidelines for the future.

Who is it for?

Sports Medicine is not only the realm of the elite sports person.  It is as important for the novice athlete, the weekend warrior and the Olympic athlete.  In each case the athlete’s recovery and return to sport (whether it be Saturday afternoon lawn bowls or the Olympic Games) is of equal importance.

What about referral to other Sports Medicine Specialists?

The concept of Sports Medicine is a team approach that will enhance the patient’s recovery the most.  We have a proactive approach to referral to other practitioners and utilise their skills in the rehab program developed for you.  This may necessitate referral for X-rays / scans, Sports Doctors or Podiatrists.  In each case when we deem it advantageous for this to occur the reasons for it will be discussed with you and our recommendations and rationale explained.