When looking for the best sports medicine in Sydney, there are a number of different things to consider. You want to make sure that the clinic you choose is well equipped and that the doctors have the training and experience to diagnose and treat athletes of all levels. Also, you need to ensure that you find a clinic that is convenient and offers the same level of treatment for both minor and major injuries.
Dr Katherine Rae
Dr Katherine Rae is an Australian based health professional with a specialty in sports medicine. She has a particular interest in lower limb injuries and concussion management, which translates to more than a little time on the pitch. After graduating from the University of Sydney in 2001, she opted to take on a prestigious medical fellowship, which paved the way for her to become a sports medicine guru. Aside from her research and clinical expertise, Dr Rae is an active participant in the Blues and Gold Association (BGSA), a consortium of medical professionals devoted to the welfare of Australia’s elite sporting talent. Currently, she serves on the BGSA’s committee, and is also a member of the medical faculty at the University of Western Australia.
It’s no secret that Dr Rae has been in the industry since 1997, and it’s safe to say she knows a thing or two about the subject. Dr Rae is a fellow of the Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians (ACSEP), the world’s oldest organization dedicated to the study of sport and exercise medicine. The ACAEP boasts an impressive membership base, including a handful of renowned clinicians and researchers. In a career spanning almost a decade, Dr Rae has treated many of Australia’s top athletes. For instance, she has provided coverage for the Sydney University Football Club, which is no small feat in the sporting world.
Dr James Lawrence
Dr James Lawrence is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon. He is affiliated with the Adirondack Medical Center – Saranac Lake and The Bone & Joint Center. He has been in private practice for over 20 years. His practice includes musculoskeletal injuries, sports medicine, and orthopaedic surgery.
Dr Lawrence was awarded the College Medal for high achievement in Fellowship examinations in 2014. Dr Lawrence has also held positions with the Greater Western Sydney Giants AFL team, Australian Paralympic Winter Sport, and adventure travel companies.
He is currently practicing at The Bone & Joint Center. Patients can contact him directly, or at the numbers on his profile. Before making an appointment, it is recommended that you check with your health insurance provider. Depending on your plan, there are a number of different plans available.
His main clinical interests include knee and shoulder injuries, as well as overuse injuries of the upper limbs and lower limbs. In addition to these areas, he is experienced in treating sports injuries, workplace and paediatric injuries, and acute musculoskeletal injuries.
As a member of the Faculty of Pain Medicine, Dr. Katz has been an instructor in various courses across the country, and overseas. He is also a reviewer for multiple journals.
He has published over 60 papers. He has been a lecturer nationally, as well as a Scientific Convenor of the INS 14th World Congress in New Zealand.
Dr Sophie Armstrong
Dr Sophie Armstrong is one of the leading sports medicine practitioners in Sydney. She has a Masters Degree in Sport and Exercise Medicine from Bath University. With her local practices in St Leonards and Hills, she has a strong foothold in the local community. Her management approach is collaborative and a patient-first approach.
Sophie is also the Chief Medical Officer of the Sydney Football Club and a member of the Australian Medical Team at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast. In her spare time, she enjoys skiing and spending quality time with her family. As a former elite athlete, she understands the importance of staying active and is passionate about women in sport.
She is a member of the Academy of Sports Medicine and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Australian Institute of Sport. She is also the Head Doctor of the Giants Netball and continues to provide medical services to the NSW Institute of Sport.
There are many things that a Sport and Exercise Medicine practitioner can do for their patients, but the shortest list includes treating muscle strains, back pain, and concussions. Some of the most exciting treatments for athletes include Platelet Rich Plasma and Stem Cell Therapy.
The best part about a specialty like this is that they are not restricted to specific age groups. In fact, children as young as six may suffer from tendonopathies.
Dr Samantha Pomroy
Dr Samantha Pomroy is a certified Sport and Exercise Physician (SEP) with a specialty in the treatment of sports injuries. With over 20 years of experience in the field, she has treated hundreds of thousands of patients in her day. She is also a member of the Australasian College of SEP (ACCSP) and the Medical Group of Australia (MGA). Currently, she practices in St Leonards, Sydney and is a well regarded physician with a keen interest in sports medicine. In addition to her medical practice, she is the lead doctor for the Australian Athletics Team and is the chief medical officer for the Australian Women’s Volleyball Team.
Having a clear understanding of the complexities of sport, she is in a unique position to provide her patients with the best possible care. She provides a comprehensive range of sports medicine services from injury management to rehab and recovery. Some of her clients include the AFL and NRL. Other notable mentions include the Australian Institute of Sport, a Canberra marathon and a couple of high profile sporting events including the Australian PGA Tour and the upcoming World Championships in Doha, Qatar. For more information, or to book a consultation, you can visit her website.
Dr Stem Cell Doctors
Many athletes suffer from injuries and are looking for alternatives to surgery. Stem cell therapy is one of the options available. It can reduce inflammation and pain.
Several private clinics are offering stem cell treatments in Australia. Often, these clinics are run by sports medicine physicians, as well as other health professionals. The cost of treatment is not subsidized by the government. However, a few private insurers are now starting to cover adult stem cell therapies.
Dr Donald Kuah is an experienced sports physician. He has specialized in treating athletes and is the founding practitioner of Sydney Sportsmed Specialists. His main goal is to return patients to games as quickly as possible.
Sydney is a city of many great medical practitioners. Many of these physicians have also been involved in stem cell research.
Stem cells can be used to treat many conditions, including osteoarthritis, rotator cuff injury, and plantar fasciitis. However, these therapies are unproven. In addition, the cost is often prohibitive for many.
There are a number of other excellent sports medicine clinics in Sydney. Some of these clinics may be preferred by some patients. For instance, the Injury Clinic for Asylum Seekers and Refugees provides medical services to refugee communities.
Another option is the Pain Management Clinic. This facility is able to help find a doctor or surgeon who can provide stem cell treatments for patients.
Origins of Sydney Sports Medicine
A little-known fact is that Sydney Sports Medicine has been in the business of supporting sportspeople for over 20 years. The Sydney Sports Medicine Centre (SSM) is one of Australia’s largest multi-disciplinary sports medicine practices. SSM practitioners will be involved in pre-training and training sessions for the Carlile Swimming Team, along with supporting the athletes’ development in their chosen sport. In addition to this, they will provide meet support services for state and national level meets.
The origins of Sports Medicine in Australia date back to 1963 when the Australian Sports Medicine Federation was formed. Since then, SMA has grown to become the peak national umbrella body for sports medicine. Its membership includes sport, community and health professionals, and trainers.
One of the organisation’s flagship programs is the annual sports medicine conference. This is the largest sporting medicine conference in the country. Several state branches also operate.
The organisation publishes a range of resources on topics related to sports medicine. Some of these include a newsletter, a sport first aid guide, a journal and a fact sheet on the various aspects of the sport.
The organisation has also been responsible for conducting the Survey of Drug Use in Australian Sport, which was published in 1982. Another significant achievement is the establishment of the Australian Sports Commission scheme, which is a national body aimed at ensuring that all Australians who participate in physical activity are safe.