Graded Return to Play Protocols Post Injury

At Sydney West Sports Medicine, we understand that the journey back to peak performance after an injury is a critical and delicate process. Our Graded Return to Play Protocols are meticulously crafted to guide athletes through a safe and structured path, ensuring a gradual and sustainable return to the game they love.

What Are Graded Return to Play Protocols?

Graded Return to Play (GRTP) Protocols are a series of systematic steps designed to reintegrate athletes into their sport following an injury. These protocols provide a framework that carefully manages the progression of physical activity, allowing the body to heal effectively while minimising the risk of re-injury.

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Key Components of Our GRTP Protocols

Individualised Assessment: Our experienced team at Sydney West Sports Medicine conducts a thorough assessment to understand the nature and extent of the injury. Based on this assessment, we tailor a personalised GRTP plan that considers the athlete's specific needs, fitness level, and the nature of the sport.
Gradual Progression: The journey back to play is approached with caution and precision. The protocols involve a step-by-step progression of activities, gradually increasing in intensity and complexity. This phased approach ensures a safe and effective return to full participation.
Monitoring and Adjustments: Throughout the GRTP process, our team closely monitors the athlete's response to each stage. Regular assessments allow us to make informed decisions and, if necessary, make adjustments to the protocol to accommodate the individual's progress.
Communication and Education: Clear communication is key. At Sydney West Sports Medicine, we work closely with athletes, coaches, and support staff to ensure everyone involved is informed about the progress and expectations. Education on injury prevention and self-management is an integral part of our approach.

Why Choose Sydney West Sports Medicine for GRTP Protocols?

At Sydney West Sports Medicine, we are committed to excellence in sports injury management. Our GRTP Protocols are designed not just to facilitate a return to play but to empower athletes with the knowledge and support needed for long-term success. Trust us to guide you through a structured and evidence-based path towards reclaiming your place on the field.
Embark on your journey to recovery and resurgence with confidence. Choose Sydney West Sports Medicine for Graded Return to Play Protocols that prioritise your well-being and future success.

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For any queries or for further information on our range of Sports Performance & Testing services please contact Sydney West Sports Medicine on 1300 13 SWSM.

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Your Sports Physiotherapists

Sydney West Sports Medicine is owned and operated by a team of high profile sports medicine professionals. Our practitioners at Sydney West Sports Medicine are recognised as leaders in their field across many different sports. The team possesses an extensive client network at an elite and amateur sporting level, while also working with the general community on their health, disability, chronic conditions, and rehabilitation.

Kingsley Gibson

Director & APA Titled Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist

Kingsley Gibson is an experienced Sports Physiotherapist who has been an NSW Institute of Sport Physiotherapy Consultant for the past twelve years and worked with the state’s top 750 elite athletes, coaches and managers.

Kingsley has had extensive experience with elite national teams. He has been involved with the Australian Indoor Soccer, Triathlon and Hockey teams. At a state level, he has been involved with NSW Gymnastics and Hockey teams. In 2001 and 2002 he was the head Physiotherapist and Medical Coordinator for the Sydney Kings Basketball team and the 2007 West Sydney Razorbacks.

In 2000, he was the Assistant Physiotherapist to the Sydney Olympic Games Polyclinic. Kingsley travelled with the Australian Women’s Hockey team to the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester and 2004 Olympics in Athens. From 2005 to 2008, he travelled extensively with the Australian Men’s Hockey team, the Kookaburras. Kingsley was a member of the Australian medical headquarters staff at the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games, working with eight sports and also filled the same position at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2012 London Olympics with 4 sports including Hockey, Diving, Synchronised Swimming and Shooting. In 2016 he attended the Rio Olympics with the Australian Olympic team working with beach volleyball, road cycling, open water swimming and diving. For his services and experience with Gymnastics, in the year 2000, the Commonwealth awarded Kingsley with a Sports Service Medal.

Kingsley has a keen interest in biomechanics and its relation to injuries, rehabilitation and the way in which Physiotherapy and various physio exercises can assist in the return to sport and/or work. He has particular expertise in shoulder, foot, ankle and knee injuries and is currently doing extensive work in the area of the lumbar spine and pelvic stability. Kingsley has also lectured extensively to many university graduates, Sports Physicians, GP’s and Massage Therapists, further demonstrating his vast expertise in Physiotherapy.

Kingsley Gibson

Brent Kirkbride

Director & APA Titled Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist

Brent Kirkbride is an experienced APA titled Sports Physiotherapist. He has been the NSW Institute of Sports Physiotherapy Consultant for the past six years, working with the state’s top 750 elite athletes, coaches and managers. He has also been the Medical Coordinator for Athletics Australia since 2001 and was a previous member of the NSW Sports Physiotherapy group committee.

Brent has gained extensive experience with many elite national and state teams in a variety of sports, including working with the Sydney Kings Basketball, GWS AFL, National Men’s and Women’s Water Polo teams, Athletics and more. He has also worked as a Physiotherapist at major sporting events including the Olympic and Commonwealth Games providing Physiotherapy services to treat pain or injuries and ensure the athletes were continually performing their best. This experience allows Brent to bring a vast range of practical knowledge to our patients at Sydney West Sports Medicine.

Brent also has a keen interest in biomechanics and its relation to injuries. He is also interested in the ways in which Physiotherapy and rehabilitation can aid the return to sport and/or work. As a result of his experience with aquatic sports, Brent has developed a particular interest in shoulder problems, while his experience in athletics provides him with great knowledge in all running related injuries, especially overuse and tendon injuries involving the lower limb and pelvis.

Brent has lectured extensively to Sports Physicians, Physiotherapists, coaches and athletes on a variety of topics relating to injuries and effective management. He has been involved in studies that have been published in international medical journals.

Through his vast range of experience and knowledge, Brent is passionate about providing the highest quality of care for all patients. This ensures Sydney West Sports Medicine maintains its reputation as one of the premier centres for effective management of all types of musculoskeletal injuries in NSW.

Brent Kirkbride

Matthew Hicks

Clinical Manager & Physiotherapist

Matt has been working in private practice and sports physiotherapy since 2013. He has worked as Clinical Manager and Senior Physiotherapist at Sydney West Sports Medicine for the past 8 years.

Matt enjoys working with youth athletes and has extensive experience across gymnastics and football. He has attended multiple Australian Gymnastics Championships (Gymnastics NSW) and is part of the Gymnastics Australia Physiotherapy Network.

In football Matt has been a physiotherapist in the Future Matildas Program (2023) and Sydney FC Women's (2017/18). He works closely with NPL Football Clubs Mount Druitt Town Rangers and Blacktown Spartans with their youth and senior programs.

Matt is also very experienced with Workplace Injury Management and works closely with numerous National businesses, managing claims, early intervention and injury prevention programs. He works closely with Occupational Physicians(IMMEX), Rehabilitation Consultants and the workplace to optimise the care of injured workers.

Matt is a Clinical Physiotherapy Educator for Australian Catholic University (ACU), Macquarie University and University of Sydney. He is on the ACU External Physiotherapy Committee to optimise student placements in private practice.

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Matthew Hicks

Kaitlyn Castillo

APA Titled Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist

Kaitlyn is a Titled APA Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist and Senior Physiotherapist at Sydney West Sports Medicine. She has extensive experience across various sports and organisations including Rugby League, NPL Football, Hockey, Athletics NSW, and Gymnastics NSW. Kaitlyn currently serves as the physiotherapist for the triathlon and canoe sprint programs at the NSW Institute of Sport.

Kaitlyn's background includes previous work as a swimming instructor, where she developed a keen understanding of swimming athletes. Kaitlyn’s patient care also draws from her own experience competing at National level Athletics and Surf Life Saving competitions and she remains active in running and gym workouts. Outside of her professional pursuits, Kaitlyn treasures time spent with her husband and young daughter.

Her specialisation in running biomechanics and its impact on injury is a particular interest, guiding her in conducting running assessments and screenings for her patients. As a senior physiotherapist in the clinic, Kaitlyn is dedicated to ongoing education, supervising physiotherapy students on placement and leading regular professional development sessions.

Kaitlyn finds fulfillment in tailoring rehabilitation programs that address diverse workplace and sports-related demands, assisting individuals in returning to their chosen activities with personalised care.

Kaitlyn Castillo

Caitlan Skillicorn

APA Titled Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist

Caitlan is an APA Titled Exercise and Sports Physiotherapist at Sydney West Sports Medicine with a passion for helping athletes reach their peak performance. She is also the Head Physiotherapist for the Central Coast Mariners A-League Womens Team. Being personally frustrated by spending many seasons sidelined due to injury, Caitlan became a physiotherapist to better manage athletes back onto the pitch so they can spend more time playing. Caitlan has worked with a wide range of sports and teams from grassroots through to professional level, primarily based in football as well as rugby.

Caitlan has a keen interest in knee injuries, especially ACL rehabilitation and enjoys the challenge of helping athletes confidently return to the pitch stronger and more robust then they were before. She has a thorough understanding of the physical demands of football which enables her to design effective strength and conditioning programs that optimise performance while minimising injury risk.

Caitlan is passionate about empowering athletes to take control of their health and performance through education and personalised care. Whether on the field or in the clinic, she is driven by the desire to see her clients succeed and achieve their full potential. She is always looking to learn more and is a big advocate for continuing professional development to give her clients the best possible care.

Caitlan Skillicorn

Michael Wahlen

Physiotherapist

Michael graduated from Western Sydney University with a Bachelors of Sport and Exercise Science before going on to complete his Masters of Physiotherapy at the University of Sydney. Michael's passion for Physiotherapy has developed through his own background in sport particularly in soccer and cricket.

Michael has gained a wide range of experience from working in numerous high level sports settings including with Prospect United SC, Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC, Newington College Soccer, Athletics NSW, Netball NSW and Softball NSW.

Through his experience, Michael has gained a keen interest in the management of acute and chronic sporting and work injuries and enjoys working with clients in the rehabilitation process to ensure their return to work or high-performance sport. Michael looks to achieve this through the implementation of a combination of evidence-based treatment techniques including exercise prescription and manual therapy. Michael is also a strong advocate of continual professional development and lifelong learning.

Michael Wahlen

Joel Atkins

Physiotherapist

Joel graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelors of Exercise and Sports Science before continuing on to complete his Masters of Physiotherapy. His passion for physiotherapy arose from his involvement in soccer and touch football from a young age. You could still encounter him on the soccer pitch, but more likely to find him climbing outdoors in his time away from work.

Joel has worked with a variety of elite sporting populations including the FFA Future Matilda's program, NSW Blues and Cricket NSW pathways systems, Gymnastics NSW and Prospect United SC. He also has a keen interest in ACL rehabilitation, developing and implementing the High Performance ACL program run at Sydney West Sports Medicine.

Joel takes pride in developing sporting/workplace injury frameworks and values the importance of key communication within the sporting team. He has a keen interest in acute injury management and the process of optimising injury recovery and performance throughout an athlete's recovery period.

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Joel Atkins

Michael Illett

Physiotherapist

Michael Illett

Joe Gillespie

Physiotherapist

Joe Gillespie

Boris Saric

Physiotherapist

Boris completed his Masters in Physiotherapy at The University of Sydney preceded by a Bachelor in Health Science (Sport & Exercise Science) at Western Sydney University. Boris' passion for physiotherapy developed from his initial interest in improving his own fitness and health, as well as experiences with his own injuries in his sporting endeavors involving soccer and martial arts.

Boris enjoys working with a broad range of people, from high level athletes to weekend warriors. Boris has gained experiencing in sporting environments through working with UNSW Rugby and Gymnastics NSW.

Boris has an interest in rehabilitation of lower back pain, using evidence based treatments to assist people suffering from lower back pain to improve their quality of life, and return to the activities that matter to them.

Boris strives for excellent communication and satisfaction with patients, providing solutions that are easy to understand, and a plan moving forward to help you achieve your goals in recovery from injury, implementing both manual therapy as well as exercise-based therapy to achieved this, individualised to your unique needs.

Boris Saric

Hugh Melchior

Physiotherapist

Hugh Melchior

Brij Patel

Physiotherapist

Brij Patel

Sam Richardson

Exercise Physiologist

Sam Richardson

Blake Ford

Exercise Physiologist

Blake is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) and anAccredited Exercise Scientist (AES) with Sydney West Sports Medicine. Blakegraduated from Western Sydney University with a Bachelor of Health Science(Sport and Exercise Science) and Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology fromAustralian Catholic University.

Blake is passionate about sport, health and exercise which has guided him to pursue a career working in rehabilitation as an Exercise Physiologist. He utilises evidence-based practice and research to support his clinical reasoning and exercise prescription to treat acute, chronic and complex diseases and injuries. Blake actively encourages positive lifestyle behaviours and prescribes exercises that are tailored to the client’s desired goals and needs.

Blake has a strong interest in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, athletic development and sport-related injuries through his passion for soccer, having previously played at a semi-professional level for six years during his youth. He has developed a great understanding of load management strategies to optimise health outcomes and improve quality of life.

Outside of the clinic, Blake continues to play soccer competitively and is a fan of all sports. He also enjoys playing golf, exploring the outdoors and values spending quality time with family and friends.

Blake Ford

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