Sports And Exercise Medicine

Sports and Exercise Medicine

Many health disciplines are involved in managing sport and exercise injuries, but Sport and Exercise Medicine Physicians (SEMPs) are experts in diagnosis- identifying exactly what the problem is. They start with the lead up to injury or pain, identify predisposing factors, take a thorough history and examination, and can order any tests that are indicated. They will create an individualised treatment plan, suggest strategies to prevent recurrence and if required, can refer you to the right health professional for any further care.

 

The evolution of Sports and Exercise Medicine began at the elite sports level, with dedicated athlete care translating into better individual or team performance. Specialist injury treatments backed by a wealth of sports science knowledge has enabled countless athletes to recover, train and play at peak levels, thus prolonging their careers and long term health. Today, Sports and Exercise Medicine utilises established medical science, alongside cutting-edge developments, to treat not only professional athletes, but recreational sports men and women, dancers, injured workers and those with musculoskeletal pain.

Sports and exercise medicine treatments

 

Additionally, existing medical conditions that impact exercise, such as asthma and diabetes are treated. Sports and Exercise Medicine Physicians are highly qualified and trained physicians with expertise in a wide range of concerns as they relate to exercise and health, including:

 

  • General Medicine
  • Orthopaedics
  • Nutrition
  • Biomechanics
  • Sports Psychology
  • Rehabilitation
  • Pain management
  • Exercise prescription

 

The active Australian sporting culture has facilitated the rise of Sports Medicine as a specialist medical field in this country. As leaders in the field, Australian Sports and Exercise Medicine Physicians are at the forefront of change, assisted by the latest advances in science. This dedicated approach to treating athletes and physically active people provides tremendous insight into the cause and treatment of injuries. This is especially noticeable in the keystone role of diagnosis – finding out exactly what the problem is.

Collaborative sports and exercise medicine

 

The multidisciplinary approach to medicine is highlighted in Sports and Exercise Medicine. A comprehensive overview of the patient assists specialists to accurately diagnose and treat injuries, while also identifying other medical factors that may cause or exacerbate the problem. Holistic strategies aim to treat the entire individual rather than simply masking injury or pain symptoms.

 

A consultation at North Sydney Sports Medicine can provide patients with a sound overview of their condition, plus suggest a range of health strategies moving forward. The consultation process may include:

 

  • Diagnosis of injury
  • A thorough clinical examination
  • Treatment of injury symptoms
  • Investigation recommendations
  • Management strategies related to the injury or ailment
  • Patient education to help avoid future injury occurrence
  • Assessment and treatment of chronic medical conditions
  • A personalised exercise and recovery program
  • Access to allied professional health services such as physiotherapy, podiatry and nutrition
  • Communication with your GP and existing or referring health and exercise professionals.

 

Dedicated sports medicine centres facilitate across-the-board treatment plans under one roof, providing treating doctors with convenient access to patient information and immediate and accurate professional advice from colleagues.

Exercise is Medicine

If physical activity were a pill, we would all be taking it!

 

Physical activity is of proven benefit in optimising health and preventing and treating chronic diseases such as depression, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, obesity and even some cancers.

 

As Sports and Exercise Medicine grows to facilitate the treatment needs of active people, exciting developments follow. Already acknowledged as a valuable adjunct to mainstream medicine, Sports and Exercise Medicine is also making inroads into health improvements for the general population. The value of exercise as medicine has long been appreciated, but only recently is it becoming fully understood.

 

Broader public health strategies aimed at the general population are spearheaded by Sports and Exercise Medicine Physicians. Programs designed to encourage a healthy population are sprouting up everywhere; from schools to the armed forces – even aged care facilities. Quality of life is a premium goal attainable by anyone regardless of age, and governments are also noticing the economic benefits of a fit and healthy population.

 

Scientific and technological advancements, dedicated sports medicine clinics and the recognition of Sports and Exercise Medicine as a bona-fide career pathway, have all led to some of our best and brightest doctors entering the field.

 

Sports and Exercise Medicine Physicians understand that everyone wants to lead an active and pain free life, no matter what level of physical participation they enjoy. From professional football and competition tennis to community touch football, walking or playing with the grandkids, our Sport and Exercise Physicians will work with you to get you back on your game!

Meet Our Sports Medicine Specialists

Our team provide expert diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal injuries, whether they be in athletes, work-related, or simply from everyday activities. The physicians also deal with other sports related problems such as respiratory problems, cardiology, environmental medicine, biomechanics, rehabilitation and problems of ageing such as osteoarthritis.

Dr Seamus Dalton Rehabilitation Physician And Sports Physician

Dr Seamus Dalton

Rehabilitation Physician and Sports Physician

Seamus Dalton is qualified as both a Rehabilitation Physician and a Sports Physician. He also spent a year as a Rheumatology Research fellow in Cambridge where he developed his clinical and research interest in the shoulder. Read more

Dr Louise Tulloh Sports Physician

Dr Louise Tulloh

Sports Physician

Louise has been practicing sport and exercise medicine for over 20 years. She values a holistic approach to patient care, understanding that people are complex and that each individual brings their own unique set of circumstances to each problem. Louise, tailors management plans in a bespoke fashion- for the elite, the recreational, the worker and the inactive. Read more

Dr James Lawrence Sports Physician

Dr James Lawrence

Sports Physician

Dr James Lawrence is a Sport and Exercise Medicine Physician, having completed his specialist training with the Australasian College of Sports Physicians. He was recipient of the College Medal for high achievement in the Fellowship examinations in 2014. Read more

Dr Sophie Armstrong

Dr Sophie Armstrong

Sports Physician

Dr Sophie Armstrong qualified with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB) from Cardiff University, UK in 2006. Subsequently over the next four years worked in General Medicine, Orthopaedics, and Emergency Medicine in both the UK & Australia. She completed a Masters Degree in Sport and Exercise Medicine from Bath University, UK in 2013. Read more

Dr Ben Weber

Dr Ben Weber

Sport & Exercise Medicine Registrar

Dr Ben Weber is a Sport and Exercise Medicine registrar. He completed his medical degree with Honours at the University of Notre Dame in Sydney, and holds a graduate diploma in anatomy by dissection from the University of New England.

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Dr Samantha Pomroy

Sports Physician

Dr Samantha Pomroy is a Sport & Exercise Medicine Physician, who became a Fellow of the Australasian College of Sports Physicians in 2020. Sam treats patients of all ages and activity levels. She has a keen interest in adolescent medicine and enjoys being a part of the development of junior athletes of all levels. Read more

Dr Nicole Sly

Sport & Exercise Medicine Physician

Dr Nicole Sly is a Sport and Exercise Physician with experience supporting elite Australian athletes in Cricket, Rugby Union, Sevens, Rowing and Triathlon.

(Nicole consults at Northern Beaches Hospital location only) Read more

Dr Jessica Watson

Dr Jessica Watson

Sport & Exercise Medicine Registrar

Jessica is a Sports and Exercise Medicine Registrar. She studied medicine at the University of Sydney and completed her GP training with the Royal Australian College of General Physicians in 2012. She worked in the Blue Mountains as a GP before moving to New Zealand for Sports and Exercise medicine training for 5 years.

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