About acute injury management
Despite the best planning and preparation, sometimes life happens and injuries occur. As a Sports and Exercise Physician we are often the first ones to assess an athlete and develop an early management plan to ensure a safe and quick recovery to not only get back in the game, but to prevent recurrence.
We recognise the importance of early and accurate diagnosis, and therefore offer emergency appointments daily. If no appointments are available online, please call or email us, and we will do our best to see you the same day.
We can also arrange additional imaging if needed, including on-site ultrasound or MRI scans, as appropriate. This can help determine the nature of injury, grade, if muscle or tendon is involved, and ensure your rehab plan is the correct path.
ACL Injuries
The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is critical for maintaining the rotational stability of the knee. In the past, it was considered essential to undergo reconstruction of this ligament in order to return to sports or activities. However, there is significant evidence indicating that the ligament has the capacity to heal under the right conditions, and many people depending on age and sporting demands can cope well regardless of an intact ACL or not. If no major other associated injury (i.e. cartilage, meniscus), you may be eligible to consider non-surgical alternatives.
Regardless of whether an ACL tear is left completely alone, a bracing protocol to aim for non-surgical healing is employed, or traditional surgical ACL reconstruction is undertaken, appropriate strength and conditioning always forms a necessary part of the treatment plan.
Suspected knee injuries, especially in cases of ACL tears, are always stressful events however. And regardless of the injury and path taken to return to activity, we try to educate you around the options available to you to enable you to make the best choice.
Concussion
We can help diagnose any suspected concussion, and if confirmed, help guide you through the rehabilitation required. Visit our concussion page for further information.