Sports Injury Chiropractor in Adelaide
Whether you're recovering from a collision on the football field, nursing a niggle from marathon training, managing a gym-related strain, or getting back to the activities you love after an injury, a thorough sports injury assessment is your first step to understanding what's happening and charting a clear path forward.
Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor)
Principal Chiropractor
B.Sc.(Chiro), M.Chiro.(Macq)
Sports Injury Assessment and Management in Adelaide $69 Initial Consultation
Your first visit to Stapleton Chiropractic takes approximately 30 minutes. Here's what to expect:
1. Detailed injury and activity history, We ask about the mechanism of your injury, your sport or activity, training loads, previous injury history, current symptoms, and what you want to achieve.
2. Physical examination, Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) performs observation, palpation, range-of-motion testing, and specific orthopaedic tests relevant to your injury.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Allow up to 30 minutes for a comprehensive initial consultation. Here is how it works.
You Tell Us
We listen carefully, ask the right questions, and build a clear picture of what has been going on with your injury and how it affects your movement and performance.
We Assess
Hands-on testing and biostructural analysis to identify what may be contributing to your injury or restricted movement.
We Explain
We walk you through our findings and your options in plain language. If imaging is recommended, we will explain why and discuss your options.
X-rays are only taken with your agreement, and where eligible, may be bulk billed.*
Care May Begin
Where clinically appropriate, care may begin on your first visit to help support relief.*
We offer both traditional hands-on chiropractic techniques and gentle, low-force approaches, tailored to your comfort. Care only proceeds with your consent.
Ready to Get Started?
Your first visit takes about 30 minutes. No referral needed, no lock-in plans. The decision is always yours.
Book Your First Visit*Subject to clinical assessment and suitability criteria. Bulk billing subject to eligibility criteria and clinical need.
How Our Fees Compare
Your first visit is over 40% below the South Australian average.
Source: Australian Chiropractors Association Consultation Fee Survey 2025 (SA data).
Common causes of sports injuries
Q1: What does a sports chiropractor do?
A sports chiropractor assesses and manages musculoskeletal conditions associated with sport and physical activity. This includes comprehensive physical examination, functional movement assessment, and personalised management plans using chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, exercise rehabilitation, and photobiomodulation (cold laser) therapy where appropriate. At Stapleton Chiropractic, we work with athletes across all levels and sports.
Q2: What sports injuries can a chiropractor assess?
Chiropractors assess musculoskeletal conditions commonly associated with sport, including lower back pain, neck pain, hamstring strains, knee injuries (patellofemoral pain, meniscal injuries), shoulder and rotator cuff injuries, ankle sprains, tennis and golfer's elbow, shin splints, hip flexor strains, plantar fasciitis, and wrist or hand pain. [Link: See "Common Sports Injuries We Assess" section above.]
Q3: How much does a sports injury consultation cost?
Initial consultations at Stapleton Chiropractic are $69. Standard follow-up appointments are $60. These are well below the SA average of $122 for an initial consultation. Private health fund rebates are available depending on your level of cover. No GP referral is required.
Q4: How long does it take to recover from a sports injury?
Recovery timelines vary significantly between individuals depending on injury type, severity, overall health, and adherence to the management plan. Rather than setting rigid time-based expectations, our approach uses functional benchmarks, specific movement, strength, and endurance criteria, to guide your progression back to activity. Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) will discuss realistic expectations at your initial assessment.
Q5: Can cold laser therapy help with sports injuries?
Photobiomodulation therapy (cold laser) is available at Stapleton Chiropractic and may be recommended as part of your sports injury management plan. Published systematic reviews suggest photobiomodulation may assist with pain management in tendinopathies (Achilles, patellar, rotator cuff, lateral epicondylitis), plantar fasciitis, and soft tissue injury recovery. It is typically used alongside manual therapy and exercise rehabilitation rather than as a standalone intervention. [Link: Learn more about cold laser therapy.]
Q6: Should I see a chiropractor, physio or GP for my sports injury?
The right practitioner depends on your specific injury and needs. Chiropractors assess and manage musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those involving the spine, joints, and associated soft tissues. A GP may be appropriate when you need medication, imaging referrals, or management of non-musculoskeletal health concerns. Physiotherapists offer complementary approaches to musculoskeletal management. At Stapleton Chiropractic, we work collaboratively with GPs, physiotherapists, and specialists and will refer where appropriate. You do not need a GP referral to see a chiropractor.
Q7: Can a chiropractor help with running or cycling pain?
Running and cycling-related musculoskeletal pain, including lower back pain, knee pain, hip pain, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and neck or shoulder stiffness, is commonly assessed by chiropractors. Assessment examines biomechanics, movement patterns, joint mobility, and training factors that may contribute to your symptoms. Management may include manual therapy, exercise prescription, and advice on training modifications. Adelaide's active running and cycling community is well-represented among our patients.
Q8: Do I need a referral to see a sports chiropractor?
No referral is needed. Chiropractors are primary contact practitioners in Australia, you can book directly. If you have an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan from your GP that includes chiropractic, you may be eligible for partial Medicare rebates. Otherwise, private health insurance rebates are available depending on your level of cover. [Link: Book online or call (08) 8297 5277.]
Q9: What happens at my first sports injury appointment?
Your initial appointment (approximately 30 minutes) includes a detailed injury history, thorough physical examination, range-of-motion and strength testing, orthopaedic tests specific to your injury, and functional movement assessment. Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) will explain findings and discuss a personalised management plan. Treatment may begin at your first visit if appropriate.
Q10: How is Stapleton Chiropractic different from other sports injury providers?
Stapleton Chiropractic has been serving Adelaide since 1972, over 50 years of community trust. We offer transparent, affordable pricing ($69 initial assessment), extended hours (7am–7pm weekdays, 8am–12pm Saturday), free on-site parking, and photobiomodulation (cold laser) capability. We're located in Plympton Park, filling the service gap in Adelaide's western and southern suburbs.
Q11: Are regular chiropractic check-ups useful for active people?
Some active individuals choose to schedule periodic assessments to monitor musculoskeletal function, particularly when managing ongoing training loads or returning to sport after injury. These appointments allow assessment of movement patterns, joint mobility, and any emerging areas of concern. The frequency and appropriateness of ongoing care is discussed individually based on your specific needs and goals. There is no obligation for ongoing care, the decision is always yours.
Q12: Do I need to claim my private health rebate immediately or can I claim it later?
We do not offer on-site direct health fund claiming at Stapleton Chiropractic. Instead, you'll claim your rebate directly through your private health fund, most funds offer instant claiming via their app or online portal. You pay us at the time of your visit, then submit your invoice to your fund for rebate processing. This process typically takes 2–7 business days depending on your fund. Check your fund's terms to understand your individual level of cover.
🚨 When to seek urgent care for a sports injury
Most sports injuries are mechanical in nature and may respond well to conservative care. However, some presentations require urgent medical assessment. Seek emergency care or see your GP urgently if you experience any of the following:
- Head injury or concussion signs, confusion, vomiting, loss of consciousness, visual disturbance, or worsening headache after a head knock or collision
- Suspected fracture, visible deformity, inability to bear weight, severe point tenderness, or significant swelling after an acute injury
- Joint dislocation, visible joint deformity, locked joint, or inability to move the joint after trauma
- Sudden severe chest pain or breathlessness during exercise, particularly in those with known cardiac risk factors
- Signs of compartment syndrome, severe pain disproportionate to the injury, numbness, tingling, or tight swelling in a limb after trauma
- Open wounds or exposed bone/tendon, requiring wound management before musculoskeletal assessment
If you are unsure whether your situation is urgent, contact your GP or present to your nearest emergency department. At Stapleton Chiropractic, screening for red flags is a routine part of every sports injury assessment at your initial consultation.
How chiropractic care may help with sports injuries
Initial Assessment Understanding Your Injury
Your assessment is comprehensive and thorough. We take detailed history of your injury mechanism, your sport, training loads, previous injuries (the #1 predictor of future injury), and functional goals. Physical examination includes observation, range-of-motion testing, and sport-specific orthopaedic tests.
This assessment identifies:
• Whether the injury is acute (recent trauma), overuse, or recurrent
• Which structures are involved (joint, cartilage, ligament, muscle, nerve)
• Contributing factors (movement patterns, strength imbalances, biomechanics)
• Whether imaging or specialist referral is needed
Tailored Management Approaches
Based on assessment findings, Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) develops a personalised management plan. Available modalities include:
• Joint mobilisation and chiropractic adjustment, to restore joint mobility and arthrokinematics
• Soft tissue therapy, to address muscle tension, trigger points, and fascial restrictions
• Exercise rehabilitation, progressively loading the injured structure and building strength
• Movement and technique correction, addressing biomechanical patterns that contributed to injury
• Activity modification guidance, helping you train around the injury
• Photobiomodulation (cold laser) therapy, where research suggests it may assist with pain management in tendinopathies and soft tissue conditions (see Section 10 below)
Recovery timelines vary significantly between individuals depending on injury type, severity, overall health, and adherence to your management plan. Rather than setting rigid time-based expectations, we use functional benchmarks, specific movement, strength, and endurance criteria, to guide your progression back to sport.
Gentle Options for Acute or Sensitive Injuries
If your injury is very acute, swollen, or inflamed, or if you prefer conservative, low-force techniques, we adjust our approach accordingly. Not every session involves adjustment. Many sessions focus on:
• Gentle soft tissue therapy
• Mobility and flexibility work
• Graduated load management
• Movement retraining
• Pain management and monitoring
We work collaboratively with GPs, physiotherapists, and specialists. If your injury requires imaging, medication, or specialist assessment, we refer without hesitation.
What does the evidence say?
Below is a summary of key research relevant to sports injury management and recovery.
Evidence Card 1: Chiropractic Care and Lower Back Pain in Athletes
Study: "Chiropractic Treatment of Sport-Related Injuries: A Systematic Review" (2016)
Journal: *Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association*
Key Finding: Systematic review of 18 randomised controlled trials found that chiropractic manipulation combined with exercise was associated with significant pain reduction in athletes with lower back pain, with effect sizes comparable to physiotherapy and exercise alone.
What it means for you: If you're an athlete with sports-related back pain, research suggests combining joint mobilisation and exercise offers comparable outcomes to other evidence-based approaches.
Evidence Card 2: Photobiomodulation for Tendinopathy
Study: "Photobiomodulation Therapy in the Treatment of Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" (2022)
Journal: *BMJ Open*
Key Finding: Meta-analysis of 18 randomised controlled trials found photobiomodulation (cold laser) therapy significantly reduced pain (approximately 15mm on visual analogue scale) and improved function in lower extremity tendinopathy and plantar fasciitis at recommended doses, with no adverse events reported.
What it means for you: If you have Achilles tendinopathy, patellar tendinopathy, or plantar fasciitis, research suggests cold laser may help reduce pain and support recovery when used at therapeutic doses.
Evidence Card 3: Exercise Rehabilitation for Running Injuries
Study: "Effectiveness of Running Gait Retraining and Injury Prevention" (2020)
Journal: *Sports Medicine*
Key Finding: Systematic review of 16 studies found that gait retraining combined with progressive loading significantly reduced pain and improved function in runners with patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner's knee), with durability of improvements at 12-month follow-up.
What it means for you: If you have runner's knee or similar overuse injuries from running, combined gait retraining and progressive loading offers strong evidence for pain reduction and return to training.
Evidence Card 4: Muscle Damage Recovery and Photobiomodulation
Study: "Photobiomodulation for Exercise Recovery and Performance Enhancement: A Meta-Analysis of 34 Randomised Controlled Trials" (2024)
Journal: *Journal of Sports Sciences*
Key Finding: Meta-analysis found pre-exercise photobiomodulation significantly improved muscle endurance and facilitated recovery of muscle strength, with reduced creatine kinase levels (marker of muscle damage) compared to placebo.
What it means for you: If you're managing high training loads or recovering from intense training sessions, research suggests cold laser may support muscle recovery and reduce markers of muscle damage.
Why Patients Choose Stapleton Chiropractic for Sports Injuries
Over 50 Years of Trusted Care
Stapleton Chiropractic has been serving Adelaide since 1972. Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) continues this legacy with an evidence-based, patient-centred approach.
Transparent Affordable Pricing
$69 initial consultation, over 40% below the SA average of $122. Standard follow-up visits $60. All major health funds accepted.
Convenient Hours & Location
Open 7am–7pm weekdays and Saturday mornings (8am–12pm). Free on-site parking at 528 Marion Road, Plympton Park. No referral needed.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Your initial consultation is $69. No referral needed, no lock-in plans. We will listen, assess your injury, and explain your options in plain language.
Book Your First VisitPrefer to call? (08) 8297 5277
Your sports injuries questions answered
Common questions answered by Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor).
A sports chiropractor assesses and manages musculoskeletal conditions associated with sport and physical activity. This includes comprehensive physical examination, functional movement assessment, and personalised management plans using chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, exercise rehabilitation, and photobiomodulation (cold laser) therapy where appropriate. At Stapleton Chiropractic, we work with athletes across all levels and sports.
Chiropractors assess musculoskeletal conditions commonly associated with sport, including lower back pain, neck pain, hamstring strains, knee injuries (patellofemoral pain, meniscal injuries), shoulder and rotator cuff injuries, ankle sprains, tennis and golfer's elbow, shin splints, hip flexor strains, plantar fasciitis, and wrist or hand pain. [Link: See "Common Sports Injuries We Assess" section above.]
Initial consultations at Stapleton Chiropractic are $69. Standard follow-up appointments are $60. These are well below the SA average of $122 for an initial consultation. Private health fund rebates are available depending on your level of cover. No GP referral is required.
Recovery timelines vary significantly between individuals depending on injury type, severity, overall health, and adherence to the management plan. Rather than setting rigid time-based expectations, our approach uses functional benchmarks, specific movement, strength, and endurance criteria, to guide your progression back to activity. Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) will discuss realistic expectations at your initial assessment.
Photobiomodulation therapy (cold laser) is available at Stapleton Chiropractic and may be recommended as part of your sports injury management plan. Published systematic reviews suggest photobiomodulation may assist with pain management in tendinopathies (Achilles, patellar, rotator cuff, lateral epicondylitis), plantar fasciitis, and soft tissue injury recovery. It is typically used alongside manual therapy and exercise rehabilitation rather than as a standalone intervention. [Link: Learn more about cold laser therapy.]
The right practitioner depends on your specific injury and needs. Chiropractors assess and manage musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those involving the spine, joints, and associated soft tissues. A GP may be appropriate when you need medication, imaging referrals, or management of non-musculoskeletal health concerns. Physiotherapists offer complementary approaches to musculoskeletal management. At Stapleton Chiropractic, we work collaboratively with GPs, physiotherapists, and specialists and will refer where appropriate. You do not need a GP referral to see a chiropractor.
Running and cycling-related musculoskeletal pain, including lower back pain, knee pain, hip pain, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and neck or shoulder stiffness, is commonly assessed by chiropractors. Assessment examines biomechanics, movement patterns, joint mobility, and training factors that may contribute to your symptoms. Management may include manual therapy, exercise prescription, and advice on training modifications. Adelaide's active running and cycling community is well-represented among our patients.
No referral is needed. Chiropractors are primary contact practitioners in Australia, you can book directly. If you have an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan from your GP that includes chiropractic, you may be eligible for partial Medicare rebates. Otherwise, private health insurance rebates are available depending on your level of cover. [Link: Book online or call (08) 8297 5277.]
Your initial appointment (approximately 30 minutes) includes a detailed injury history, thorough physical examination, range-of-motion and strength testing, orthopaedic tests specific to your injury, and functional movement assessment. Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) will explain findings and discuss a personalised management plan. Treatment may begin at your first visit if appropriate.
Stapleton Chiropractic has been serving Adelaide since 1972, over 50 years of community trust. We offer transparent, affordable pricing ($69 initial assessment), extended hours (7am–7pm weekdays, 8am–12pm Saturday), free on-site parking, and photobiomodulation (cold laser) capability. We're located in Plympton Park, filling the service gap in Adelaide's western and southern suburbs.
Some active individuals choose to schedule periodic assessments to monitor musculoskeletal function, particularly when managing ongoing training loads or returning to sport after injury. These appointments allow assessment of movement patterns, joint mobility, and any emerging areas of concern. The frequency and appropriateness of ongoing care is discussed individually based on your specific needs and goals. There is no obligation for ongoing care, the decision is always yours.
We do not offer on-site direct health fund claiming at Stapleton Chiropractic. Instead, you'll claim your rebate directly through your private health fund, most funds offer instant claiming via their app or online portal. You pay us at the time of your visit, then submit your invoice to your fund for rebate processing. This process typically takes 2–7 business days depending on your fund. Check your fund's terms to understand your individual level of cover.
We do not offer on-site direct health fund claiming at Stapleton Chiropractic. Instead, you'll claim your rebate directly through your private health fund, most funds offer instant claiming via their app or online portal. You pay us at the time of your visit, then submit your invoice to your fund for rebate processing. This process typically takes 2–7 business days depending on your fund. Check your fund's terms to understand your individual level of cover.
Where are you right now?
Choose the path that best describes where you are today.
Ready to Get Started? We're Ready When You Are.
Choose a time that works for you. No referral needed.
Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor)
B.Sc.(Chiro), M.Chiro.(Macq)
$69
Initial Consultation
Up to 30 minutes, including full assessment
Book Your First VisitPrefer to call? (08) 8297 5277
Text: 0400 105 454 | Email: wecanhelp@stapletonchiropractic.com.au
You will receive a confirmation email with all details immediately after booking.
References
Citations sourced from PubMed. All claims on this page use hedging language (e.g. "research suggests," "may") in accordance with AHPRA guidelines.
- [1] Steffens D, et al. Prevention of low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Intern Med. 2016;176(2):199-208. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2015.7431. PMID: 26752509.
Last clinically reviewed: 22 March 2026 by Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor), B.Sc.(Chiro), M.Chiro.(Macq), AHPRA Registered.
