Sports Medicine
Brisbane's Sport Injury Experts
Whether stepping out onto the field or into the gym, you’re at risk of injury. When this happens, visiting your regular family doctor for advice may not always be the best option. Sports Medicine focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of exercise and sports-related injuries, making them better equipped to help you.
It’s a branch of medicine that specifically deals with sports and exercise injuries. Those that practise this type of medicine are called Sports Physicians. They’re qualified GP’s who have completed additional study and training in the sports and exercise field. They possess knowledge in general medicine, orthopaedics, radiology and rehabilitation. They have also studied allied sports sciences including nutrition, biomechanics, exercise physiology and sports psychology.
How Can They Help?
A Sports Physician’s goal is to get you back participating in physical activity as quickly and safely as possible. Their work primarily consists of injury management for chronic (long-term) and acute (short-term) injuries. The basis of their work stems from the following:
- Diagnosing musculoskeletal injuries
- Understanding and explaining the causes, treatment and prevention of injuries and medical problems
- Promoting health and physical activity
- Using physical activity to effectively treat musculoskeletal injuries and manage chronic conditions
- Advising the appropriate use of medications and supplements
- Guiding and supporting exercise issues with adolescents, younger people, pregnancy and those with disability
Your Sports Physician may refer you to other health professionals if they believe that further investigation should be done. In some cases, you may be referred to an orthopaedic surgeon for a surgical opinion or a physiotherapist for ongoing treatment.
Preventative care is just as important
By preventing injuries you can save time, energy, money and more importantly the ability to keep doing the things you love.
When Should I See A Sport Physician?
If you sustain an injury that does not respond to basic first aid or rest and gets worse, we recommend seeking the advice of a physician. You may have an injury that requires diagnosis and professional treatment or are suffering from an overuse injury that needs to be managed appropriately. They can assist in ordering x-rays, scans and blood analyses if required. You can see a Sports Physician for a range of conditions and reasons because they have such a large scope of work, including:
Acute & Sudden Injuries
If you sustain an injury that does not respond to basic first aid or rest and gets worse, we recommend seeking the advice of a physician. You may have an injury that requires diagnosis and professional treatment or are suffering from an overuse injury that needs to be managed appropriately. They can assist in ordering x-rays, scans and blood analyses if required. You can see a Sports Physician for a range of conditions and reasons because they have such a large scope of work, including:
Chronic and Persisting Injury or Pain
Chronic injuries are long-lasting and can greatly impact your daily life. They can often improve with the appropriate rehabilitation strategies.
Injury Prevention
Getting back to sport or physical activity after recovering from an injury can be stressful. Being hesitant about reinjuring yourself is very common. We can help you understand why you sustained your injury in the first place, and ensure that your body is ready for return.
Performance Enhancement
Sports Physicians don’t just deal with injuries, they can help improve performance and overall fitness level. If you’re looking to take your abilities to the next level, a Sports Physician can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Consultations receive the same level of Medicare rebate as a regular GP consultation.
No, it does not. Sports Physicians only treating athletes is a common misconception. They will see anyone who is looking to improve their sporting or physical activity participation. Due to their studies and training, they can treat joint issues such as arthritis.
No, they do not. Although they have extensive knowledge of orthopaedics, Sports Physicians specialise in the non-operative treatment of injuries. If you require surgery, it will be done by an orthopaedic surgeon. Your Sports Physician will provide you with a referral to one of our orthopaedic surgeons.
Needing to have surgery depends on many factors. Many injuries can be resolved without it from rest and physiotherapy treatment. Your Physician will discuss your treatment options with you in person.
Your timeline of returning to activity will depend on many things. Recovery times for each individual are always different. The treatment plan developed by your physician will provide you with an outlook for when you’ll be able to return to the things you love.
What Should I Expect In My Initial Consultation?
Your appointment with one of our Sports Physicians will start by getting to know you. Be prepared to discuss in detail your frequency of exercise, your practices and how you train. In some cases, injuries can come about from overuse. You should also discuss the details of your injury to your physician; explaining how and when you were injured. Even if your injury has been progressive, try to recall as much information as you can about when you started noticing pain or discomfort.
To help us identify the location and source of your pain, we may ask what movements make your pain worse and better. Referred pain is when your body is causing you pain in a different area of the body as a result of injury or pain from another area. After evaluation, you may be asked to have further tests or scans done to accurately diagnose your injury. Your Sports Physician will then devise a treatment plan that is best suited for you to recover efficiently and effectively.
Book An Appointment For A Consultation
Dr Jack Cookson
and Exercise Medicine Registrar
Senior Sports & Exercise Medicine Registrar
To schedule a consultation with a sports medicine doctor, please contact QSports Medicine.
Anyone can benefit from Sports Medicine
Whether you’re an athlete, weekend warrior or member of the community walking club, all injuries can be treated from Sports Medicine by a Physician at QSMC.
Contact QSMC
If you’re unsure whether your condition or injury requires a consult by a sports medicine doctor, make an appointment with one of our Physiotherapist’s who can guide you in the right direction.
QSMC Bowen Hills Clinic
16 Thompson Street, Bowen Hills
QSMC Woolloongabba Clinic
812 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba