Sports Medicine

Cortisone is a strong anti-inflammatory medication which can be used for several conditions including osteoarthritis, tendonitis and bursitis. It works to reduce pain and inflammation in the targeted area. Most injections are performed under ultrasound guidance here in the clinic to improve accuracy of the injection.

Before a cortisone injection is performed an assessment is made to determine whether this intervention is appropriate, as some conditions benefit more from cortisone than others. This procedure is usually well tolerated and mixed with local anaesthetic to minimise discomfort.

PRP injections are a newer treatment option in Sports Medicine used for many different conditions including osteoarthritis, tendonitis and bursitis. The solution works by promoting healing to the damaged area as well as reducing pain. The patients own plasma is used for this procedure and the injection is performed under ultrasound guidance to ensure accuracy. This whole process is performed onsite and takes approximately one hour.

Before a PRP injection is performed, an assessment is made to determine whether this intervention is appropriate, as some conditions benefit more from PRP than others. This procedure is usually well tolerated and can sometimes require a local anaesthetic injection prior to minimise discomfort.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease which involves age related wear and tear of a joint. The most common sites of osteoarthritis include knees, hips, shoulders, hands, feet and the spine. Although osteoarthritis is typically seen with age, it is not uncommon in those of younger age who maintain high physical workloads from occupations and sport. The diagnosis of osteoarthritis can usually be made following an assessment and further imaging such as X-Rays can be used to categorise the severity of degeneration.

Osteoarthritis being a degenerative disease is incurable and management predominately focuses on minimising further damage, controlling pain and maintaining function. Fortunately, there are many treatment interventions available for osteoarthritis which include rehabilitation, activity modification, and a range of injectable therapies including cortisone, Plasma (PRP) and Synvisc.

Repetitive strain injury (RSI), also known as Overuse Syndrome, usually involves damage to a structure from repetitive use over a period of time. RSI typically involve conditions such as tendinitis, arthritis, stress fractures and bursitis. An in-office assessment is usually conducted first to determine what type of overuse injury has occurred. This may also include an ultrasound conducted during the consultation. Additional imaging such as X-Rays, MRIs and Bone Scans may be organised to confirm the injury and assess the extent of damage.

RSI injury management typically involves cessation of activity which may aggravate the injury and sometimes offloading of the injured site. Some overuse injuries respond well to rehabilitation and other interventions such as cortisone injections, plasma injections (PRP) and shockwave therapy.

Listed below are the most common overuse injuries seen according to body part.

• Shoulder: Subacromial Bursitis, Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
• Elbow: Tennis Elbow, Golfer’s Elbow
• Hand: De Quervain’s Tendonitis, Trigger Finger
• Hip: Trochanteric Bursitis
• Knee: Runner’s Knee, Jumper’s Knee (Patellar Tendonitis), Knee Bursitis
• Leg: Shin Splints, Tibial Stress Fractures, ITB Syndrome
• Ankle/Foot: Achilles Tendinopathy, Plantar Fasciitis, Stress Fractures

Back pain can present as a recent acute injury or chronic pain which has been longstanding for months or years. Initially, an in-office assessment will be undertaken first to determine the exact structure being affected in the back and the severity of the injury. On occasion, back pain may indicate a more serious underlying injury, hence it is essential to exclude a potential sinister cause. Further imaging may be organised if indicated such as X-Rays and MRIs. Once an exact diagnosis is made, treatment will be specific to the nature of the injury. Treatment may involve rehabilitation, modification of activities, specific medication and in some cases surgery.

The Injury Clinic operates as a book in service on Monday. This is to prioritise any injuries sustained over the weekend which may require urgent attention. Initially an assessment is made here in the clinic to determine the type of injury sustained. On occasions, additional imaging such as X-Rays and MRIs may be required to confirm the injury. Head injuries sustained may also need assessment for a potential concussion which is also managed here in the Injury Clinic.

In order to book into the Injury Clinic please chat to our friendly reception staff and urgent injuries will be triaged accordingly. Dr SJ will make his best effort to attend to those injuries which may require urgent assessment and treatment.

A concussion is a transient brain injury usually as a result of head trauma. This form of injury is quite common in contact sports. Concussions are sometimes obvious however some concussions can be less apparent and require thorough assessment for diagnosis. It is important to note not all concussions require loss of consciousness, in fact most concussions seen don’t involve this feature. Although most concussions self-resolve, necessary steps must be taken to maximise the chance of a full and prompt recovery.

Each sporting code have their own unique concussion protocols to follow to ensure a safe return to training and play. As the recovery from a concussion greatly benefits from early diagnosis and treatment, patients and athletes who have sustained a possible concussion will be prioritised to be seen as soon as possible here in the clinic.

Dr SJ can provide assistance with Work Cover Injuries and Claims. This includes acute injuries, overuse injuries and psychological stress sustained in the workplace. An initial in-office assessment of the injury will help determine an accurate diagnosis and categorise the severity of the injury.

Further investigations such as imaging may be organised if deemed appropriate. Management of the injury will be discussed with the employee and liaised with a workplace supervisor and/or case manager. Management usually involves determining a suitable return to work timeline which may include approved suitable duties prior to returning to a full preinjury role.

An Ultrasound is an imaging device which uses soundwaves to generate a real time image of the body part being scanned. There is no radiation involved with receiving an Ultrasound. The Ultrasound device used here in the clinic is specifically set up for musculoskeletal imaging. Ultrasound is also used to assist with certain injections to aid needle guidance and improve accuracy of needle placement. These injections include Cortisone, Plasma (PRP) and Synvisc.

Following an initial assessment of the injury, if indicated, an Ultrasound can be performed during the same consultation. This service is included in the consultation fee and usually doesn’t attract any additional out of pocket expense.

Dr SJ can provide medical coverage for sporting teams and events. His experience ranges across many different sporting codes including contact sports such as Rugby, Soccer, AFL and Boxing to endurance events such as Triathlons and Cross Country. He has covered all levels from high school and club sports up to elite and professional teams. Please chat to our friendly reception staff if this service is required.