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What is the difference between Physiotherapy and Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy?

Sports and Exercise Physiotherapists are experienced Physiotherapists who have undertaken further training at a post-graduate university level and completed examinations by the Australian Physiotherapy Association to account for their advanced standing in the profession. Many Sports and Exercise Physiotherapists also specialise in either a specific region of the body or a particular sport.

How can a Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist help me?

Our world-class Sports and Exercise Physiotherapists use their comprehensive expertise to offer personalised treatment plans for the restoration and prevention of sports injuries. Using specialised rehabilitation methods designed for health and wellbeing of athletes, our Physiotherapists can identity the source of pain, restore movement in the body and build strength to prevent further injury.

What types of treatments are involved in Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy?

Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy is a multi-disciplinary approach to the recovery and prevention of sports injuries. Your treatment will start with a thorough evaluation of the injury and professional diagnosis by your Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist. Similarly to regular Physiotherapy, treatments for sports injuries may include a range of specific manual therapies. Our Sports and Exercise Physiotherapists also offer advice on the best approach to training and exercise to avoid future injuries. The best part is, you don’t have to be an athlete to benefit from their expertise.

How do I book an appointment?

You do not need a doctor’s referral. To book an appointment with our highly experienced Sports and Exercise Physiotherapists, simply call our team on 07 3891 2000 or book online.

Exercise is medicine

What is Exercise rehab or Exercise Physiology?

Accredited Exercise Physiologists are university qualified health professionals who work towards the prevention and management of musculoskeletal injury, chronic diseases and all round health conditions.

With the use of movement and exercise intervention, Exercise Physiologists assist people who have existing, or are at risk of developing, ongoing medical conditions and injuries, including:

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Arthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Cancers
• Mental health issues
• Musculoskeletal injuries
• Neuromuscular diseases
• Chronic Pain
• Heart Disease, and much more.

What types of treatments does Exercise Physiology involve?

Exercise Physiologists use evidence-based exercises as well as behavioural coaching to educate their clients, modify detrimental lifestyle factors, and rehabilitate and prevent future health issues. Treatment may include a combination of cardiovascular exercise, core and flexibility work, resistance training and lifestyle modifications. 

How do I book an appointment?

For further information about Exercise Physiology or to book an appointment, please contact our team on 07 3891 2000 or book online.

Sports Medicine

How is a Sports Physician different to a GP?

A Sports Physician is someone who is qualified as a regular GP, and has then done extensive additional training in the area of Sports Medicine. Your Sports Physician can therefore work as a GP, but they tend to do less of this and more specific practice dealing with sports injuries.

When should I see a Sports Physician?

Your Sports Physician can help you with any of your sporting injuries and/or sporting medical problems. You may have just sustained an injury and require an accurate diagnosis, or have an overuse injury that needs to be properly managed.

If you think your problem may require investigation such as X-rays, scans, blood analysis, or you are unsure of your diagnosis, a Sports Physician may assist.

Your Sports Physician may assist in diagnosing any long standing issues and direct future management.

Will I need to see anyone else?

Your Sports Physician may need to refer you to any of a number of people. If your problem requires investigation, a surgical opinion, a Physiotherapist or any other discipline your Sports Physician will direct you appropriately.

Does Medicare cover my consultation?

Yes. Consultations receive the same level of Medicare rebate as a regular GP consultation.

Podiatry

How can Podiatry help me?

Are you looking for a Podiatrist in Brisbane? Podiatry aims to identify the cause of your symptoms. Often with a lower limb injury the way your feet are moving may be overloading the body to contribute to your injury. Treatment directed at correcting this problem is the first step on your road to regaining optimal physical function and relieving your pain.

Who should see a Podiatrist?

Your Physiotherapist or Doctor is also often a source of referral to a Podiatrist.

If you have any problem with your lower legs or feet you may benefit from seeing a Podiatrist. If you are getting problems due to flat feet, high arches or ‘knock’ knees, a Podiatrist may be the most suitable professional to visit. Your Podiatrist will also advise on appropriate footwear and the need for orthotics if required.

What is involved with my appointment?

You will have an analysis of walking and/or running biomechanics (body movement) to investigate posture and lower limb function, which may include a Biomechanical and Video Gait Analysis.  If an imbalance in the way your foot moves is related to the problems you are having your podiatrist may discuss several options with you.

• Advice on more appropriate footwear, or modifications to running shoes, football boots or other sporting footwear
• Prescription of appropriate stretching/strengthening and training programs
• Prescription of corrective foot orthoses for lower limb realignment

Can I claim Podiatry on my private medical insurance?

Many private health insurance schemes give benefits for Podiatry treatment. Reimbursement will depend on the insurer and the plan you have chosen. Contact the helpline of your insurance company who will explain the actual benefits and methods of claim for your individual policy.

Pilates

Physiotherapy is often known as the movement science. It is well regarded as the profession that is an authority on optimal movement function with regards to posture, joint range of movement and muscle efficiency. One of the modalities used is therapeutic exercise.

Efficient hip, pelvic, trunk and upper limb control are crucial to achieve musculoskeletal health and strength, key ingredients to pain-free living. Therapeutic exercise assists with this. We have a system of muscles in our abdominal cavity that works to increase but also control Intra- abdominal pressure (IAP). This system of muscles is considered the corner stone of efficient movement patterning irrespective of whether we are young, old, male, female, elite athletes or weekend warriors. IAP increases occur often through the day including coughing, walking up stairs, running, jumping and especially when performing your favourite abdominal curl or plank exercise at the gym. Our Physiotherapists are able to use Trans-abdominal Real-Time Ultrasound to assess and teach correct co-ordination of this system.

Clinical Pilates provides a framework of exercises to take therapeutic exercise skills into functional patterns of movement.

Working with individuals and small groups only, Movement Conditioning and Pilates at QSMC is beneficial for:

• Core strength and stability
• Injury rehabilitation
• Injury prevention
• Improved posture
• Improved balance and co-ordination
• Enhanced athletic performance
• Heightened body awareness

All our Pilates clinicians are physiotherapists so depending on the conditions of your health fund you may be eligible for health rebates.

To find out more, or to make an appointment with one of our Movement Conditioning and Pilates team members please call 07 3891 2000 or email us at reception@qsmc.net.au

Orthopaedic Surgeons

Orthopaedic Surgery is the branch of surgery concerned with bones, muscles, joints, and nerves. In order to deliver best practice sports medicine, the Queensland Sports Medicine Centre refers clients to a number of Brisbane’s best Orthopaedic Surgeons.

We are fortunate to have two visiting Orthopaedic Surgeons here at QSMC – Dr Gregory Couzens and Dr Timothy McMeniman.

Sport Psychology

How does Sport Psychology help my performance?

Performance at any level is determined by a variety of factors including physical, technical, tactical and mental skills.

Many people spend enormous amounts of time and energy physically training in an attempt to perform well, and don’t understand why they don’t attain quite the results they desired.

One common reason is that the mental preparation for performance is not geared for optimal results in the same way the physical or technical sides have been prepared. Yet the brain and its mental skills are trainable in much the same way as physical and technical skills are trainable and that is where a sport psychologist can help you.

What does a Sport Psychology consultation involve?

The first thing to remember is that everyone is different, so the first consultation is really about gathering background information and determining your goals. This helps to identify strengths and weaknesses in your mental approach, and thereby develop a plan outlining how best to develop the skills, combined with training to best achieve your goals.

Some of the skills that are commonly worked on include goal setting, relaxation, concentration, mindfulness, emotional control, resilience, and confidence.

Can Sport Psychology help me if I already perform at a high level?

Most effective performers are able to refine their mental approach to gain optimal performance.

Can I claim Sport Psychology on my private medical insurance?

Some private health insurance schemes give benefits for psychological consultations with a sport psychologist. Reimbursement will depend on the insurer and the plan you have chosen.

Remedial Massage Therapy

Massage involves a manual application of pressure and movement to soft tissues – the skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia (membranes surrounding muscles). Remedial Massage Therapy promotes the flow of blood and lymph, stimulating nerves, conditioning the skin, and stretching and loosening muscles.

Will I benefit from Remedial Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy is ideal for athletes or casual sports people because it frees out tight muscles, helping the body recover in preparation for more sport. Massage can also help you if you have an injury, postural problems, pain associated with tension, following surgery or if you just have a hectic lifestyle.

What techniques are used in Remedial Massage Therapy?

There are dozens of specialized massage techniques in use today. The most common types are:

Sports Massage– uses massage to help the body recover after exercise or to prepare the body before exercise. It focuses on the use of massage to assist training, prevent injury, and treat sports injuries.

Deep Tissue Massage– uses deep finger pressure and slow strokes on long standing tissue tightness in various areas of the body.

Swedish Massage– uses long strokes, kneading and pressing, friction, and drumming hand movements applied to the muscle groups to promote circulation and relaxation. This technique is often used for a full body massage.

Shiatsu / Acupressure Massage– uses pressure at specific points on the body with the Eastern philosophical belief that this will enhance the energy flow through the body and restore balance.

Trigger-point Therapy– uses finger pressure on tight ‘knotted’ painful areas in muscles called trigger points.

Can Remedial Massage Therapy help me if I am stressed?

As well as a physical effect it can assist to relieve tension, Remedial Massage Therapy also has a positive psychological effect. When we are stressed, our breathing becomes more rapid and shallow, our hearts work harder and digestion slows down. Chronic stress can influence a number of illnesses including migraines, depression, and hypertension. Massage therapy can help to relieve tension and counteract the effects of stress on the body.

Can I claim Remedial Massage Therapy on my private medical insurance?

Many private health insurance schemes give benefits for Massage Therapy.  Reimbursement will depend on the insurer and the plan you have chosen.

How to make an appointment for Remedial Massage Therapy?

Our Massage Therapists operate from our affiliate specialised rehabilitation centre, Aspire Fitness & Rehabilitation. It is across the road from the QSMC. If you are looking for a sports massage in Brisbane, book your appointment with one of our remedial massage therapists today – 3310 4969

Acupuncture

How can gentle traditional Acupuncture benefit you?

• Help you to overcome most injuries including those of the sporting kind
• Assist you in both the prevention and treatment of most health problems
• Acupuncture treats both the symptoms and cause of your health problem
• Acupuncture offers you a holistic approach to all matters of health and disease, linking  the body, mind and emotions
• Acupuncture may provide you with powerful drug free pain relief
• Acupuncture may provide you with an outstanding alternative in the treatment of many immune related disorders such as:
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Glandular Fever

You might consider traditional Acupuncture in the treatment of children of all ages, 6 months and up.  Many common children’s health problems respond magnificently to this very powerful yet gentle healing art.

How does it work?

In Chinese Medicine the human body is likened to a highly complex electrical circuit, but instead of circulating electricity, the body circulates a specialised biological energy or life force called Qi (chi). The Qi flows via countless energy pathways called meridians throughout the body, linking and integrating the organs and tissues to make sure that they function well. During physical or emotional stress, exposure to harsh weather or a prolonged unhealthy life-style, the balance and strength of Qi flowing through the meridians is disrupted, resulting in a discomfort or disease.

Acupuncture can stimulate the effected areas along these meridians in order to restore the balance of Qi and bring equilibrium back within the body.

Will my treatment be painful?

Alan Jansson utilises much finer, Japanese style needles for treatment, rather than those traditionally used in Chinese acupuncture.  Thus, treatment can generally be expected to be pain free.

How will I feel after treatment?

Many people fall asleep during an acupuncture treatment and wake up feeling relaxed. The first changes you may notice are a general improvement of energy levels, sleep and reduction of stress. Some people may respond quickly to treatment while others experience a more gradual improvement.

Bicycle Set Up

QSMC offers a unique and comprehensive service for Cyclists, Triathletes and Mountain Bikers of all ages and abilities.

A QSMC Bike Set-Up can help a rider get the most out of their body, allowing them to be more efficient and powerful on the bike, while still considering each individual’s flexibility and strength limits.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR BIKE FIT APPOINTMENT:

• Biomechanical screening to ascertain possible causes of overuse injuries.
• Report with measurements from the fit and any changes recommended
• Fit appointment of approximately 2 hours.

Sports Nutrition

Sports Nutritionists are experts in food and nutrition. Sports Nutritionists help promote good health through proper eating. They supervise the preparation and service of food, develop modified diets, participate in research, and educate individuals and groups on good nutritional habits. In a medical setting, a dietitian may provide specific artificial nutritional needs to patients unable to consume food normally. Dietary modification to address medical issues involving dietary intake is also a major part of dietetics. The goals of the dietary department are to provide medical nutritional intervention, obtain, prepare, and serve flavorsome, attractive, and nutritious food to patients, family members, and health care providers.

Your Sport Nutritionists specialties include:

• Training / exercise eating plans, with the goal of; Reducing body fat, gaining muscle mass, optimising energy levels and optimising nutrient intake
• Race-day nutrition plans and pre-competition eating
• Advice relating to cramping / fluid / hydration concerns
• Advice relating to gastro- intestinal concerns (both in and out of sport / training)
• Supplement use and advice
• Weight management, disordered eating assistance
• Body composition testing (skinfold measure, bio-electrical impendance analysis)