What Services Does a Sport & Exercise Physician Offer at Essendon Sports Medicine?
December 2024
By Essendon Sports Medicine Team
At Essendon Sports Medicine, we take pride in offering a multidisciplinary approach to healthcare, with Sport & Exercise Physicians playing a pivotal role.
These specialists are experts in diagnosing, managing, and preventing musculoskeletal and medical conditions related to physical activity.
Whether you’re recovering from an injury, aiming to enhance performance, or simply striving to stay active, our sports physicians can help. Let’s dive into the services they provide.
1. Expert Diagnosis of Musculoskeletal Injuries
A primary reason to consult our Sport & Exercise Physicians is for an accurate diagnosis of musculoskeletal injuries, including:
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Acute injuries such as sprains, strains, and fractures.
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Overuse injuries like tendinopathies, stress fractures, or shin splints.
With access to advanced diagnostic tools, including our newly introduced ultrasound machine, our sports physicians can provide real-time imaging to pinpoint the root cause of your pain or dysfunction. This ensures you receive precise and effective care.
2. Comprehensive Injury Management
Following diagnosis, our Sport & Exercise Physicians offer tailored, evidence-based treatment strategies, including:
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Rehabilitation programs to restore strength, flexibility, and function.
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Pain management interventions, such as cortisone or anti-inflammatory medications.
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Collaborative care plans involving physiotherapists, podiatrists, and dietitians for holistic recovery.
By working closely with our team of allied health professionals, our team ensures a seamless and effective treatment journey.
3. Optimising Performance
You don’t have to be injured to benefit from our Sport & Exercise Physician’s expertise. Many people seek guidance to optimise performance, with services including:
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Biomechanical assessments to identify areas for improvement.
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Personalised exercise prescriptions tailored to your goals and physical requirements.
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Strength and conditioning advice, referral to our team of physios and podiatrists to access tools like VALD testing for precise performance metrics.
Our physicians help you train smarter and minimise injury risks while enhancing your physical potential.
4. Managing Chronic Conditions
For those dealing with chronic conditions, such as osteoarthritis or tendinopathy, our physicians provide targeted management strategies, including:
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Non-surgical therapies, such as guided injections and shockwave therapy, a non-invasive treatment that promotes tissue healing and reduces pain.
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Exercise as medicine, prescribing movement to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
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Self-management education, empowering you to take control of your health.
This comprehensive approach ensures you can stay active and enjoy the activities you love.
5. Addressing Medical Issues in Sport
Sport & Exercise Physicians are also trained to manage medical issues that arise in active individuals, including:
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Exercise-induced asthma and other respiratory conditions.
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Cardiovascular screening for athletes at risk of heart-related conditions.
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Concussion assessment and management, especially in contact sports, to ensure safe return-to-play decisions following a head injury.
Concussion assessment is a critical service for athletes, involving a thorough evaluation of symptoms, cognitive function, and physical performance. Our physicians guide your recovery and ensure a safe return to activity, reducing the risk of complications.
6. Return-to-Play Decisions
After an injury or illness, returning to activity can be complex. Our Sport & Exercise Physicians provide expert guidance, considering factors such as:
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The severity of your injury or condition.
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The physical demands of your sport or activity.
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Objective data from functional assessments, including strength and mobility tests.
Their careful evaluation helps reduce the risk of re-injury and ensures you return to sport safely and confidently.
7. Preventative Health and Wellness
Prevention is a cornerstone of our care. Services include:
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Injury risk screening, identifying potential issues before they arise.
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Load management education, helping you balance training, recovery, and performance.
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Nutritional advice, often in collaboration with our on-site dietitian, to support overall health.
These strategies are ideal for athletes preparing for a new season or individuals resuming exercise after a break.
8. Supporting Unique Populations
Sport & Exercise Physicians are skilled in addressing the needs of specific populations, such as:
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Adolescents, managing growth-related conditions and ensuring safe development.
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Masters athletes, navigating age-related challenges to maintain performance.
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Women in sport, addressing unique considerations like the female athlete triad or menstrual health.
Their expertise ensures personalised care for every stage of life and activity level.
9. Second Opinions and Surgical Referrals
For unresolved injuries or conditions requiring surgical intervention, our Sport & Exercise Physician can provide a second opinion. If surgery is necessary, they’ll refer you to trusted specialists and oversee your rehabilitation to ensure a smooth recovery process.
Why Choose Essendon Sports Medicine?
At Essendon Sports Medicine, we are committed to helping you move better, feel stronger, and achieve your goals. Our Sport & Exercise Physicians combine advanced diagnostics, tailored treatments, and a collaborative approach to deliver the best possible outcomes.
Whether you’re recovering from an injury, looking to optimise performance, or maintaining an active lifestyle, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about our services or book your appointment.