Sports Medicine | Physiotherapy Clinics

Back

Sport and Exercise Medicine Physicians


Sports Medicine is one of the most rapidly progressing fields of medicine. From November 1, 2010 Sport & Exercise Medicine Physicians (SEMs) will become recognised as Specialists and accordingly patients will require a referral from their GP. Patients may have access to reduced costs relating to MRI via Medicare rebates.

In the event of an acute injury or the inability to obtain a referral in time, patients can still see our SEMs without a referral at a slightly reduced rebate.

We strongly encourage medical referrals in all cases wherever possible.

LifeCare is working to introduce Medicare on line to assist patients with claiming your rebate. This will streamline the process.

Click on the link below to view & download a referral template to our Sport & Exercise Medicine Physicians.

Sport & Exercise Medicine Physicians are recognised Specialists in the practice of medicine as it applies to all aspects of physical activity. Our SEMs work within a multidisciplinary care framework for the optimal management and care of recreational exercisers of all levels — not just elite athletes.

They work closely with referring GPs on the diagnosis and treatment of their patients and are in regular contact with a wide range of Specialists including orthopaedic surgeons and rheumatologists as well as allied health professionals such as physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors, sports trainers and sports psychologists.

Sport & Exercise Medicine Physicians treat a variety of problems or issues including:

  • Diagnosis and non-surgical management of exercise and physical activity related musculoskeletal overuse injuries and trauma;
  • Biomechanical analysis of sporting techniques;
  • Treating head injuries/concussion associate with sport and optimizing a safe return to play:
  • Exercise prescription for patients with medical conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes and pre-diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis or cardiac conditions;
  • Medical problems associated with sporting activity, such as asthma, over training syndrome and post-viral fatigue;
  • Nutrition advice for exercise and recovery from acute or chronic injuries;
  • Management of underweight athletes and/or those with disordered eating behaviours;
  • Exercise in pregnancy and the post-partum period; Educating athletes about drugs and supplements and managing doping issues;
  • Wheelchair and physically-challenged persons who exercise including the Elite Athlete with a Disability (EAD);
  • Diving and underwater medicine (LifeCare Prahran Sports Medicine).

A Sport & Exercise Physician can also take on the role of team doctor, skilled in both on & off-field care of athletes. The SEM's involvement in team care can also include travel medicine, carrying out pre-trip screening and preparation to accompany, often large, teams of athletes to countries and major sporting events all over the world