Dr SJ consults for all musculoskeletal injuries which includes sporting and non-sporting related injuries, as well as acute and chronic injuries. Initially an assessment is made here in the clinic to determine the type of injury sustained. Additional imaging such as X-Rays and MRIs may be required to confirm the injury. Those injuries that may require more urgent assessment and treatment will be prioritised. For injuries that require more urgent attention, please chat to our friendly reception staff for a booking.

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 Hyaluronic Acid.

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 medications and in some cases surgery.

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.