What sports injuries we help with
Chiropractic care isn’t just for backs. Many sports injuries involve joints, muscles, tendons and nerves throughout the body, and we’re trained to assess and treat all of them, from ankle sprains, hamstring and calf strains and knee pain to rotator cuff irritation, tennis and golfer’s elbow, Achilles pain, and hip and groin strains.
The Peninsula has a strong sporting culture across all ages, footy and netball players, cricketers and tennis players, trail runners around Red Hill and Merricks, cyclists, swimmers, and a lot of golfers. Overuse injuries are just as common as contact injuries, and both can respond well to the right care.
Both acute injuries and overuse problems that build up over time respond well when the actual driver is found. That’s why the assessment matters as much as the treatment, sometimes the pain is in one place and the problem is somewhere else.
Injuries we commonly see
- Ankle sprains and instability
- Hamstring and calf strains
- Knee pain, including runner’s knee
- Shoulder and rotator cuff irritation
- Tennis and golfer’s elbow
- Lower back, hip and groin strains
How we assess and treat
What to expect at your first visit
Dr Marcello will ask about your injury, sporting history, training load and general health, then carry out a physical examination to assess movement, strength, joint function and any referred symptoms.
He’ll explain what he’s found and what he thinks is driving the problem. If treatment is appropriate the same day, he’ll get started; if chiropractic isn’t the right fit, he’ll refer you on. New patients are seen from $78, covering the full consultation and assessment.
Every care plan is tailored to you. By addressing areas of spinal and nervous system stress, chiropractic care aims to support your body’s natural ability to function, move and feel its best. If you have any questions, we’re always happy to talk through whether care is right for you.
Common questions.
Can a chiropractor help with sports injuries?
Yes. Chiropractors are trained to assess and treat musculoskeletal injuries throughout the body, not just the spine, injuries involving joints, muscles, tendons and nerves all fall within scope. The right approach depends on what’s driving the problem, which is why a thorough assessment comes first.
How soon after an injury should I come in?
Usually sooner is better, an accurate assessment early helps establish what’s been injured and how to manage it. If there’s significant swelling, bruising or you can’t bear weight, it’s worth ruling out a fracture first via your GP or emergency department.
Can chiropractic help overuse injuries, not just acute ones?
Yes. Overuse injuries like Achilles pain, tennis elbow, runner’s knee and repetitive back strain are some of the most common presentations we see, and they respond well to care that addresses both the local tissue and the load factors behind it.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book directly, chiropractors are primary healthcare practitioners who assess and diagnose independently. If a referral elsewhere is needed, we can organise that.
How many sessions before I notice improvement?
It depends on the injury. Acute injuries often respond quickly, sometimes within two or three visits; chronic or overuse problems usually take longer. After your assessment Dr Marcello gives a realistic picture and won’t recommend more than your injury warrants.
Can chiropractic help an old injury that never fully healed?
Yes, a very common presentation. Old injuries often leave joint restrictions, scar tissue and movement compensations that linger long after the original pain. Assessing what’s still not working well can make a real difference, even years later.