SPORT INJURIES & REHABILITATION
Sport Injuries,
Treatment & Rehabilitation
About sports injuries, treatment & rehabilitation at Balance Health.
At Balance Health we have an experienced team who are passionate about treating and managing sport injuries. We believe in getting you back to pain-free movement and activity as soon as possible, with a strong focus on hands-on therapy, exercise prescription and injury prevention.
The most common injuries associated with sports include ligament & muscle sprains, strains, tears, joint injuries and over-use injuries. After a thorough assessment of the injury, we will develop an evidence-based treatment and rehabilitation plan that is specific to your goals.
In-clinic treatment may include:
Soft/deep tissue massage
Myofascial release
Joint mobilisation
Joint manipulation
Stretching
Taping
Throughout your recovery our aim is to help you regain the strength, mobility, balance and co-ordination required to return to your sport and stay injury free in the future. In order to get the best results, we might include:
In-clinic and home exercise programs
Clinical Pilates or assisted gym exercises
Injury prevention strategies, including correction of movement and alignment (see our guide to running for tips).
Continue to browse our therapist profiles below to see how Physiotherapy, Osteopathy & Myotherapy can best assist you with your recovery & optimize your return to play. Please call to speak with our friendly team for assistance.
Our experienced Practitioners
Tim Tracy
Physiotherapist
With a background of long-distance running, adventure racing, kayaking, mountain biking, and rugby, Tim is passionate about treating sporting and running injuries. His enthusiasm for supporting athletes of all abilities return to their best, is evident in his ability to solve problems big and small. Tim still enjoys an active lifestyle and famously ran the 96km circumference of Phillip Island in early 2024.
Casey Cleeland
Senior Physiotherapist
Casey’s skill and interest in musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy extends to post-operative rehabilitation, the management of knee and ankle injuries, and is passionate about supporting mums to return to sport and exercise post-partum. Casey’s kind and friendly approach includes hands-on therapies, dry needling, strength and conditioning exercise, and education.
George Leonardos
Osteopath
George loves the holistic nature of osteopathy and believes that we all hold the power to improve our physical health/well-being when given the right tools. His involvement in sports includes power-lifting, basketball, swimming, football, soccer, and MMA/kickboxing. This personal experience has driven him to develop comprehensive treatment and management protocols aimed at facilitating recovery and minimising the risk of future injuries.
Kevin James
Advanced Sports Osteopath
As a former elite gymnast, Kevin's Olympic journey was cut short by a misdiagnosed fracture. This experience ignited his passion for osteopathy and better health care standards. He is industry recognised as an Advanced Sports Osteopath and is currently pursuing a Master of Research with renowned pain neuroscientists at the University of South Australia.
Christina Laws
Senior Physiotherapist
Over more than two decades working as a physiotherapist, Christina has experienced and treated a healthy array of sports injuries and contributed to the rehabilitation of many injuries. This includes being physiotherapist for AFL Sydney team throughout university days over four years, and treating members of the Italian Kayaking team for the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
Nicole Murphy
Myotherapist
Nicole's expertise in Myotherapy is an asset for injury treatment and management for many elite and amateur athletes. Her hands on approach is a go-to treatment for injuries from the field and high impact sports. Nicole has vast experience working in Football clubs for over a decade, providing pre- and post- game support.
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What should I bring/wear to my first appointment?Bring any relevant scans, X-rays, CT's or MRI, or any other Medical information that you think may be important. Make sure you wear loose comfortable clothes that will allow you to move around easily.
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Do I need a referral to see a Physiotherapist?No. You can make an appointment directly without a referral. A referral is generally not required to see an physiotherapist as a private patient. All WorkSafe and TAC clients can make an appointment without a referral, however, they must have an approved claim number for entitlement to physiotherapy services. The only time you will need a referral is if you wish to consult a physiotherapist under Medicare’s Enhanced Primary Care program or through Veterans' Affairs. A GP must assess your eligibility and complete a specific referral for Medicare or DVA funded Physiotherapy.
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Do you do dry needling?Kristine & Casey are both qualified in dry needling. Wondering what dry needling is? Read all about it here in our educational article.
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Is Physiotherapy covered by Private Health Insurance?Yes. Private health funds provide varying levels of cover for Physiotherapy. Please contact your health fund for details of your entitled benefits.
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Is Physiotherapy covered by Medicare?If you have had pain for longer than expected you can visit your doctor and request a Medicare plan referral. If you doctor deems you eligible they may print and fill out the Medicare Care Plan Referral form. For more information about eligability you can download this PDF. Please keep in mind that medicare rebates do NOT cover the full costs of treatment. You will be required to pay for the appointment in full. We complete the Medicare claim on your behalf and you will receive the rebate for your appointment within 48 hours.
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Does Balance Health accept TAC, Workcover and DVA patients?Yes! Additionally, TAC & DVA patients are bulk-billed, Worksafe patients may be required to pay a gap fee.