Sports Medicine Centre, Sports Doctor Melbourne

Do I need a referral?

Do I have to be a Sportsperson to attend the clinic?
Should I see a Doctor, Physiotherapist, Podiatrist or Massage Therapist?
What is the difference between a Doctor and a Sports Doctor?
Will my appointment be covered by Medicare or Private Health Insurance?
Who can provide me with a Medical Certificate and an Attendance Certificate?
Do you see worker’s compensation or motor vehicle accident clients?
What tests can a Physiotherapist prescribe?
Can a Physiotherapist prescribe medication?
What is the difference between Acupuncture and Dry Needling?
What is the difference between a Myotherapist and Massage Therapist?
What is the difference between an Accredited Practising Dietitian and a Nutritionist?

No referral is required to see any of our health professionals at this clinic.

No. However our clinic does emphasise a Sports Medicine approach to injury and pain management which has been found to be the most effective way to treat any musculoskeletal condition. All of our practitioners are qualified to treat elite athletes, recreational athletes and less active members of the population.

If you are unsure which health professional would be most suitable, please contact the clinic for advice.

A General Practitioner is trained in all areas of medicine with good knowledge and ability to deal with general injuries. A Sports Medicine Doctor has undergone additional postgraduate training to accurately diagnose and coordinate management of acute or chronic musculoskeletal or sports injuries. These injuries can involve muscles, bones, joint, ligaments, cartilage and nerves in any area of the body.

Your doctor's appointment will be partially covered by Medicare. All other appointments at this clinic are covered by private health insurance depending on your level of ancillary cover. It is best to contact your insurer directly to determine what your rebate will be for a particular service.

A General Practitioner, Sports Doctor or Physiotherapist can provide you with a Medical Certificate if ti is deemed appropriate. Any of our Practitioners can provide you with an Attendance Certificate. Attendance Certificates cannot be provided by reception staff.

The Melbourne Sports Medicine Centre is a private billing clinic and all appointments must be paid for on the day of consultation. If you are covered by Workcover or TAC, you are still welcome to attend the Clinic, however you will be expected to pay for your consultation and seek reimbursement yourself from your compensable body. There may be a gap between our fees and the amount you will be reimbursed. Please check this with your insurer before attending for your appointment.

Physiotherapists at The Melbourne Sports Medicine Centre can arrange an x-ray or MRI if required. Follow up on any investigations are done by a Sports Doctor within the clinic. This enable optimal management of any injury.

No. A Physiotherapist cannot prescribe any prescription medications. You will need to see a General Practitioner or a Sports Doctor which can be arranged for you at this clinic.

Acupuncture is a form of Chinese Medicine which is based on energy lines within the body and 'chi'. Training in Chinese Medicine is necessary to perform this type of treatment. This insertion points of the fine needles can vary depending on the condition being treated and are not always in close proximity to the area of pain.

Dry Needling uses the same needles as Acupuncture, however focuses on particular trigger points or knots within the muscles. It is very beneficial for treating tight muscles or can give relief when experiencing high levels of pain. The needles are usually inserted very close to the site of pain.

Coming soon...

An Accredited Practising Dietitian has done a Masters or Post Graduate training studying the application of Nutrition to specific medical conditions. Accredited Practising Dietitians must also undertake training each year to ensure their knowledge is up to date. A Nutritionist is someone who has studied Nutrition but not necessarily its application to medical conditions and does not have to undertake training each year.

All of our Dietitians at The Melbourne Sports Medicine Centre are Accredited Practising Dietitians.