Sport & Exercise Physician

What is a Sport & Exercise Physician?

A Sport and Exercise Physician (SEP) is a specialist medical doctor with advanced training in diagnosing, treating, and managing musculoskeletal injuries and conditions that do not require surgery. Their focus is to help patients recover to their best possible pre-injury state, enhance physical performance, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

SEPs complete a minimum of five years of advanced training after medical school to achieve fellowship with the Australasian College of Sport & Exercise Physicians (ACSEP).

Contrary to common belief, Sport & Exercise Physicians do not only treat athletes. Dr Moses specialises in managing conditions across all age groups, including children, adults, and the elderly, whether caused by sports, work, accidents, daily activities, or inactivity.

How Does a Sport & Exercise Physician Fit into the Healthcare System?

Many patients begin their recovery journey with GPs, physiotherapists, chiropractors, surgeons, or osteopaths. While these healthcare providers play critical roles, a Sport & Exercise Physician offers specialised expertise in musculoskeletal conditions. They bridge gaps between providers to deliver a comprehensive, effective recovery process.

Dr Moses provides:

Specialist diagnosis and care as a medical doctor.
Rehabilitation coordination with physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals.
Surgical referrals only when necessary (90% of injuries do not require surgery).

Why Consult a Sport & Exercise Physician?

If you're struggling with pain or injury, you may have:

Seen a GP, who referred you to a physiotherapist or orthopedic surgeon.
Had X-rays or MRIs, assuming they’d reveal the cause of your pain.
Tried physiotherapy, chiropractic, or osteopathic care with limited success.

While these approaches are helpful in some cases, seeing a Sport & Exercise Physician ensures a precise diagnosis and tailored treatment plan from the start.

Dr Moses’s Role in Recovery

Dr Moses often sees patients who have struggled with injury and pain for months, seeking treatment from other professionals, such as physiotherapists. While their role is crucial in rehabilitation, sometimes the underlying cause of the issue hasn’t been addressed. An accurate diagnosis earlier in the process can make all the difference, allowing for more effective treatment and a quicker recovery. From there, Dr. Moses works closely with physiotherapists and other specialists to tailor a comprehensive plan that focuses on long-term recovery.

Dr Moses’s role is to provide

Accurate Diagnosis: Combining advanced clinical skills with diagnostic tools to identify the root cause of your pain.
Holistic Treatment Plans: Tailoring rehabilitation, exercise, and preventative care for long-term recovery.
Avoiding Unnecessary Surgery: Prioritizing non-surgical treatments and referring to surgeons only if absolutely necessary.
Measured Use of Imaging: Ordering and interpreting X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans only when essential, ensuring the right problem is addressed.

What Makes Sport & Exercise Physicians Different?

Some patients may confuse Sport & Exercise Physicians with physiotherapists, chiropractors, or osteopaths. While these practitioners play critical roles, Sport & Exercise Physicians are fully qualified medical doctors with specialised training in musculoskeletal and sports medicine.

Dr Moses provides comprehensive medical expertise that integrates clinical assessment, diagnostic imaging, and treatment planning.

Why Imaging Alone Isn’t the Answer

Relying solely on imaging like MRIs or X-rays can be misleading because:

Not all issues appear on scans: Problems like muscle imbalances or subtle biomechanical injuries might not show but can cause significant pain.
Imaging can mislead: For instance, bulging discs are common in asymptomatic adults but are often incorrectly blamed for back pain.

Dr Moses combines imaging and thorough clinical assessment to ensure an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Conditions Treated by Dr. Moses

Dr Moses specialises in managing a wide range of conditions, including:

Acute injuries: Sprains, fractures, and muscle tears.
Chronic pain: Tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and osteoarthritis.
Concussion and head injuries: Diagnosis, management, and safe return-to-play plans.
Exercise as medicine: Programs for managing chronic conditions like diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease.
Aging-related musculoskeletal issues: Joint pain, reduced mobility, and injury prevention in older adults.