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Important Information

Do I need a referral?
As a private patient you do not need a referral for treatment or to claim from your private health fund.

Referrals are required for patients covered by

* workcover
* third party
* medicare
* veterans affairs

How long does a treatment take?
Your first consult generally takes 30-60 minutes with subsequent consults requiring 30-45 minutes.

What should I wear?
Physio assessment and treatment requires us to observe the postures and movements in the area of pain so some clothing may need to be removed. We suggest that you wear loose, comfortable separates that can be pulled up to expose the area in question. Patient gowns/shorts are available and can be requested during treatment if you desire. We want you to feel comfortable at all times...if uncomfortable please let your therapist know so that extra drapes can be supplied.

What do I need to bring with me?
Referral if you have one, scans ,X-rays or imaging results, health fund card, credit/eftpos card, details of insurance/workcover claim, veterans affairs card.

EMERGENCY FACILITIES:

For treatment outside of these hours EMERGENCY facilities are available at:

627 Rode Rd, Chermside.

Holy Spirit Northside
(private): 33263320

Prince Charles Hospital
(public): 31394000

Netball Injury Prevention

Netball is one of the most popular team sports in Australia, with participants of all ages and skill levels taking part.  Netball is a unique sport in that it places many and varied demands on the body. Frequent stopping and starting, twisting, pivoting, and jumping combined with a hard, often slippery surface, places high stresses on the legs and feet, often causing injury.

  

Due to the high physical and technical demands placed on participants the MOST COMMON Netball injuries predominantly tend to be ankle, knees, wrists, hands, fingers, and shoulders.  Commonly these injuries are sprains/strains, bruising, fractures and dislocations.

  

Common causes of injuries:

  • Awkward landings, slips/falls
  • Player contact/collision
  • Over-exertion and overuse
  • Ball impacts

  

Netball injury prevention tips:

  

  • Preparation, Practice and training is important
  • Always warm up, stretch and cool down. A recent netball study found that not warming up before a game increases the risk of injury by almost 50%.
  • Proper training prior to competition ensures readiness to play – both physically and technically.  A suitable fitness program will help to develop aerobic fitness, strength, balance, coordination and flexibility.
  • Poor balance may increase the risk of injury, so training programs aimed at improving balance is very important (E.g. Using Wobble boards).
  • Learn correct passing, catching and landing techniques. Incorrect landing may increase the risk of injury to the knee and ankle.
  • Drink water/hydrate before, during and after play – this is extremely important in our climate.
  • Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen and a hat when playing outdoors.  
  • Have the right equipment

Wear appropriate footwear – Netball shoes are designed specifically for the rigors of the sport.  Seeking professional advice on footwear is important for such a demanding sport.

Consider preventive ankle taping or bracing to reduce injury risks, especially after recent injury.  An ankle brace may need to be worn after a serious ankle injury in order to prevent further injury and allow for full rehabilitation.  Your Action Physiotherapist can assist you with professional advice as to what you may require.  

  • Check the Netball courts for hazards

E.g. loose gravel.

Provide adequate run-off area around the court, for both players and umpires.

Goal posts should be padded and secured firmly to the ground with no part posing a tripping risk (E.g. post attachments behind the court).

Remove courtside hazards (E.g. Ball bags and drink containers).  

  

If an injury occurs:

Players should seek prompt attention from a Physiotherapist or qualified first aider at the courts.

Players should seek professional advice if an injury occurs, this may be a Medical Practitioner, or one of our Action Physiotherapists.

Ensure players are fully rehabilitated before returning to play after injuries (so that players are not re-injured, or sustain further injuries).

  

HOW TO CHOOSE A NETBALL SHOE:  

Choosing the correct netball shoe is imperative in preventing injury, and also in aiding performance. The following are a few simple guidelines you can follow in choosing the correct netball shoe.

  

  • Firm Heel Counter - E.g. Place pressure down on the back of the shoe, it should not fold. 
  • Firm Shank/Midsole - Excessive flexibility in the middle portion of the shoe should not be present.
  • Arch-Midsole of the Shoe - This is a difficult area to assess as an individual, and therefore you should consult your Action Podiatrist accordingly (E.g. determined by whether you pronate or supinate). 
  • Breathability - The shoe should breathe. Adequate ventilation minimises the accumulation of perspiration.. Leather or combination leather/synthetic uppers provide such ventilation.
  • The Outsole - The outsole of the shoe must offer good traction. Gum Rubber or Rubber based materials with durable pivot point inserts for those sudden movements are best. Polyurethane is lighter but offers less traction. Also, since netball players hit the court sometimes at a force up to 4-5 times body weight, shoes must have extra midsole cushioning and shock absorption in the heel and forefoot.

  

Please remember however that individual shoe needs may vary to the afore-mentioned criteria. Any specific footwear needs can be addressed by one of the Action Podiatrists.