Sports & exercise medicine in Australia
A sport and exercise physician is a doctor who specialises in injuries and health problems linked to sport and exercise. They diagnose and manage injuries without surgery, and help you return to activity safely. They also use exercise to help manage health conditions in people of all fitness levels.
Soonest appointments across Australia
Common reasons to see a sport and exercise physician
- Knee, ankle and shoulder injuries
- Tendon pain, such as Achilles or tennis elbow
- Stress fractures
- Concussion
- Hip and groin pain
- Shin pain
- Overuse injuries in growing athletes
- Exercise advice for long-term health conditions
What happens at the first appointment
- The physician asks about your injury, your sport or activity and your goals
- They examine the injured area and how you move
- They look over any scans, and may arrange an X-ray, ultrasound or MRI
- They may give an injection or refer you to a physiotherapist
- You talk about a plan for recovery and a safe return to activity
Do I need a referral?
You need a referral, usually from your GP, to claim a Medicare rebate when you see a sport and exercise physician. If your injury happened at work or in a car accident, check with your insurer about cover.
Questions to ask
- What is the injury, and how long will recovery take?
- Do I need a scan?
- What can I keep doing while I recover?
- How do I lower the chance of this happening again?
Common questions
Do I need a referral to see a sport and exercise physician?
To claim a Medicare rebate you need a referral, usually from your GP. You can see one without a referral, but you will not get a Medicare rebate.
Do I need to be an athlete to see one?
No. Sport and exercise physicians see people of all ages and fitness levels, including those wanting to exercise more safely with a health condition.
When is a sports injury urgent?
Go to an emergency department for a deformed limb, a bone through the skin, or being unable to bear weight at all. Call 000 after a head knock with loss of consciousness, vomiting, a severe headache or confusion.
Sports & exercise medicine in other cities
General information only, not medical advice. Everyone's situation is different, so check with your GP or the provider. In an emergency call 000.