Sports Medicine | Physiotherapy Clinics


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Spinal Management Clinics and Workfit


Evidence-based practice shows that early recovery and return to work is the best medicine!

Spinal Management Clinics and Workfit are subdivisions of LifeCare that offer physiotherapy and multidisciplinary treatment programs based on the sports medicine approach ensuring optimal recovery from workplace and transport related injuries. In early injury management, patients are treated with evidence-based approaches such as reassurance, manual therapy and education to return to activity.

However for those not recovering with standard treatment Functional Restoration (Work Conditioning) may be appropriate. Functional Restoration is a structured and supervised exercise and education program aimed at improving the patient's strength and ability to perform normal daily activities (ie. normal work, sport and recreation). Our Functional Restoration programs also incorporate specific muscle retraining, such as exercise for the core stability muscles of the lower back. As strength and understanding of the injury improves, the patient becomes more independent in their exercise program and their ability to self-manage their recovery.

For patients with significant psycho-social distress a multi-disciplinary Pain Management Program may be required. This follows similar principles to Functional Restoration but incorporates expert medical, psychiatric and psychological care. In Victoria our Spinal Management Clinics practitioners can provide Functional Restoration and Pain Management programs as "preferred providers" meaning patients can gain quick and easy access with minimal delay for approval from WorkSafe or TAC.

The team at Spinal Management Clinics and Workfit are also actively engaged in conducting research on the best possible treatment for musculoskeletal injuries. For more information on our clinical trials and to see if you might be eligible to participate click here.

For further information on Spinal Management Clinics or Workfit please contact:

  • Dr Jon Ford on spinalmanagement@pac.com.au or 0422 244 183 in Victoria
  • Mr Craig Elliot on craig.elliott@workfit.com.au or 0417 965 374 in WA





Sub-specialty Services

A range of Spinal Management Clinics and Workfit services are also available at LifeCare.