This question has been posted in these health communities: Sports Injuries and Prevention
Q: Which health professional is best to diagnose a sports injury?
Answers
-
I am qualified as a PHYSIOTHERAPIST and ACCREDITED EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST. I primarily use the McKENZIE METHOD for assessment and management of musculoskeletal pain disorders. The ... View profileHi all sportspeople or exercise enthusiasts,
The best professions to diagnose a sports injury are a physiotherapist (specialising in musculoskeletal or sport injuries) and a sports and exercise medicine doctor (aka sports doctor).
Both of these professions specialise in the diagnosis and appropriate management of sports related injuries. Your first port of call would be the physiotherapist as most injuries are ‘simple’ and require some form of manual therapies (eg. massage) and exercise therapies. If the injury is more complex or not progressing as expected, your physiotherapist can refer you to a sports and exercise doctor who specialises in your type of injury.
Happy exercising!
Regards, Neil Reply to this post | Report -
We provide strategies for chronic and more complex function problems to help restore active lifestyles. Our approach is to combine the best available research evidence ... View profileIn addition to sports physiotherapists and sports medical practitioners who are able to diagnose sports injuries, quite a number of chiropractors have a keen interest in sports injury management, prevention and enhancing performance. While these sports chiropractors look after individual athletes and those who enjoy recreational sport, they may also work with various sports teams from local to elite level as part of the overall healthcare team. Reply to this post | Report
-
I am a McKenzie Method specialised physiotherapist. Using the McKenzie Method I predominantly treat low back and neck problems, although we do treat all parts ... View profileTypically these injuries are best assessed and treated by either a Sports Physician (a doctor trained specifically in musculoskeletal injuries) or someone like a physiotherapist or osteopath.
Generally seeing a physiotherapist for example would be ideal as opposed to going to a Sports Physician first.
This is as it is cheaper, and many such allied health professionals can confidently diagnose your problem and give you specific advice regarding treatment and management of your issue.
Sports Physicians for example are usually the next step, for people not responding who require further tests (like MRI/ultrasound) but usually a physiotherapist or similar health professional can refer you on as required.
The other advantage is that someone like a physiotherapist will give you the rehabilitation advice and treatment. The role of the sports Doc is less about these aspects and more about diagnosis should you fail to make progess or require more invasive options like surgery/injections. Reply to this post | Report
Find Health Professionals
Related Questions
- Q What are the main symptoms or signs of a sports injury?
- Q How can you tell if a foot related sports injury is serious?
- Q Who is good Physiotherapist in Melbourne for ACL knee reconstruction?
- Q Why do I get cramps in my left foot when I wear heels?
- Q Where should i seek medical help for an ongoing spraining of my ankle?
- Q I know you are meant to use RICER (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation and Referral) when you have a sports injury, but how much of each do you need to do??
- Q How can i prevent a sports injury?
- Q When should I see a physiotherapist if my ankles are swelling and bruised?
DISCLAIMER:
Healthshare is intended for Australian residents only. It is an information resource and not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment by a professional.
Healthshare is intended for Australian residents only. It is an information resource and not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment by a professional.
© 2012 Healthshare Pty Ltd