Specialist Sportscare WA

08/06/2026

Sports cardiology has moved on.
The debate is no longer about whether an athlete has an ICD. Modern devices are highly reliable and complication rates are relatively low.
The focus today is on the underlying condition, individual risk assessment, and informed decision-making.
The biggest hurdle may not be medical — it may be public perception.

Christian Eriksen is "in good spirits" following his collapse against Ukraine and is expected to be discharged from hospital soon, says Denmark's national team doctor Morten Boesen.

21/05/2026

Interesting new research from Macao Polytechnic University challenges the long-standing belief that 150 minutes of weekly exercise is sufficient for meaningful cardiovascular protection.
Published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the 2026 study tracked more than 17,000 middle-aged adults, examining cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2 max) alongside major cardiovascular events including heart attacks, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and stroke.
The findings were striking:
• 150 minutes per week — the current WHO minimum guideline — appears to provide only modest protection, with an estimated 8–9% reduction in cardiovascular risk.
• Achieving a 20% reduction in risk required approximately 340–370 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise weekly.
• Optimal cardioprotection — defined as a 30% or greater reduction in cardiovascular risk — required 560–610 minutes per week, or roughly 1.5 hours daily.
The study reinforces an important distinction: minimum guidelines may represent a baseline for health, but not necessarily the threshold for optimal outcomes.
A timely reminder that consistency, volume, and long-term lifestyle habits still matter enormously when it comes to cardiovascular health.

22/09/2021

When is it safe for an athlete to return to sport (RTS) after an an acute lateral ankle sprain?
The medical team can use this framework (PAASS) to assist in the clinical decision-making process.
(Adapted from the BJSM June 2021).

06/09/2021

Cortisone shots are injections that can help relieve pain and inflammation and are a good treatment option.
They may offer relief that lasts for weeks when treating knee, shoulder or other joint inflammation.

The injections are extremely safe, but they do still have some risks.

To book an appointment or more information call 08) 9272 8222 or email [email protected]

27/08/2021

Do you have Achilles pain?
The two main causes of Achilles tendon pain are a tear or rupture to the tendon and tendinitis.
A tear or rupture is usually the result of excessive or repetitive stress on the ankle and feet. These types of injury are also more likely when a person first starts a new sport or returns to an activity after a prolonged break. Sudden increases in exercise intensity can also lead to Achilles tendon injuries.
If you are suffering from Achilles pain book an appointment now @ SSCWA on 08)9272 8222 or email us at [email protected]

26/08/2021

How amazing is the human body? These Australian athletes are at the Paralympics doing what they love despite their disabilities! So proud of them all! Well done 👍

After a 10-medal haul on day one, Australia’s wheelchair rugby team faces a crucial match against France while the women’s wheelchair basketball outfit is staring down an early exit after 0-2 start.

18/08/2021

Over the weekend our Medical Director Dr Arjun Rao, presented at the Advanced Clinical Education Manual Therapy Conference in Perth.

Dr Rao spoke on the ever so important topic of ACL injury in the knee.

The presentation was at the Rendezvous Hotel in Scarborough and there were over 60 attendees from various allied health disciplines .

Emphasis was placed on a thorough clinical assessment with emphasis on taking a good history as well as focusing on specific examination techniques with a practical demonstration. Management was also discussed with emphasis on prevention and in particular neuromuscular training programmes , such as the FIFA 11 +.
The principle of conservative rehabilitation was also discussed in detail with specific pointers towards a successful outcome.

A significant proportion of recreational athletes can mage the injury without the need for surgical intervention.

10/08/2021

Did you know that a significant proportion of ACL injuries do not require surgery?

“Copers” as opposed to “non-copers” (athletes whose knees give way recurrently or have associated injuries to the cartilage, medal ligament etc..) can stabilise the knee through an individualised neuromuscular training programme.
Don’t make the mistake of having surgery before trying the rehab approach - you may not need it.

To book an appointment contact us on 08) 9272 8222 or email [email protected]

03/08/2021

Congratulations to WAIS athlete Matt Wearn on securing an Olympic gold medal at the Games. It is Australia's third straight gold medal in the event, following the victories recorded by Tom Slingsby (2012) and Tom Burton (2016).
It is also the medal that tips the Tokyo team into the record books for the most successful single day for Australia in Olympic history.

In elite Olympic-class sailing, the incidence of injury is approximately 0.2 injuries/athlete/year, with the lumbar, thoracic spine and knee most commonly injured. The main cause of injury seems to be non-specific overuse, with joint and ligament sprains and tendinopathies being the most common.

20/07/2021

Congratulations to Mark Cavendish on securing the Green jersey and equalling Eddy Merckx's record of the highest number of Stage Tour wins. Let’s hope he can go one further next year.