A physio team built on experience
When you call Sportscare Caloundra you are booking into a clinic that has operated in Caloundra since 1992, not a franchise rotating new graduates through. The practice is led by principal physiotherapist Russell Smallwood, practising since 1986 and lead physiotherapist to the Australian swimming team at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and every physiotherapist on the team is registered with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia. You can confirm any of our practitioners' registration on the Ahpra public register at any time.
Our physiotherapists each bring a different special interest, which means your injury is treated by someone who manages that exact problem week in and week out: surf and board-sport injuries, golf injuries and swing screening, non-surgical ACL management, rehabilitation after orthopaedic surgery, and the neck, back and shoulder problems that fill every physio's week.
What we treat
Sports physiotherapy
Assessment, rehab and return-to-sport planning for athletes of all levels.
Back pain
Acute episodes, disc injuries, sciatica and long-running stiffness.
Neck pain and headaches
Desk necks, whiplash and cervicogenic headaches.
Shoulder pain
Impingement, frozen shoulder and overhead athlete problems.
Rotator cuff injuries
Tears, tendinopathy and post-repair rehabilitation.
Knee pain
Patellofemoral pain, meniscus injuries and arthritic knees.
ACL rehabilitation
Surgical and non-surgical pathways, through to return to sport.
Ankle and foot
Sprains, Achilles problems and plantar heel pain.
Post-surgery rehab
Knee and hip replacements, shoulder repairs and spinal surgery.
Surf injuries
Paddling shoulders, wrenched knees and wipeout injuries, treated in a surf town.
Swimming injuries
Swimmer's shoulder and stroke-related overuse problems.
CrossFit injuries
Lifting, gymnastics and programming-related overload injuries.
Experience you can check
Health advertising rules in Australia stop clinics from publishing testimonials, so we will simply point you to the facts. The clinic has operated in Caloundra since 1992, the principal has practised for 40 years including two Olympic campaigns with Australian swimming, and the team's combined clinical experience is close to 100 years. Our practitioners' registration, qualifications and any conditions on their practice are published on the Ahpra register. Our reviews are on our Google profile, where we cannot edit them. We think that is how it should be.
Fees, Medicare and WorkCover
You do not need a referral to see a physiotherapist privately. If you have a chronic condition, your GP may refer you under a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan for Medicare-rebated visits, and we treat injured workers under accepted WorkCover Queensland claims. Details, current gaps and rebate options are on our fees page.
Book with Caloundra's long-serving physio team
One phone call and our reception team will match you with the physiotherapist whose special interest fits your injury.
Call (07) 5221 5254Visiting us
The clinic is at Unit 1, 28 Knox Avenue, a few minutes from the Bulcock Street shops with parking at the door. We see patients from across the southern Sunshine Coast, including Golden Beach and Pelican Waters, Currimundi, Dicky Beach and Moffat Beach, and the growing Caloundra West, Baringa and Aura corridor.
Do I need a doctor's referral to book?
No. Physiotherapists are first-contact practitioners in Australia, so you can book directly for private appointments. You only need a GP referral for Medicare-rebated visits under a chronic condition plan, or a work capacity certificate for WorkCover treatment.
How quickly can I be seen?
Call the clinic on (07) 5221 5254 and reception will find the earliest appointment with the physiotherapist best matched to your problem. Acute injuries are prioritised.
Which physio will I see?
That depends on your injury. Our team's special interests include surf and sports injuries, golf, non-surgical ACL management, post-operative rehabilitation and spinal pain, and reception will book you accordingly.