Sports Imaging

What is Sports Imaging?

Sports Imaging is the branch of radiology which caters for athletes of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic competitor, national footballer, serious marathon runner, recreational jogger and people who simply wish to improve their general fitness. Sports Imaging focuses on Musculoskeletal Imaging and interventional techniques.​

Sports Imaging at Coolum Radiology

Coolum Radiology have radiologists that are experts in this field. Expertise includes musculoskeletal ultrasound, musculoskeletal MRI and pain management interventional techniques.​

Sporting injuries are generally divided into two main groups:​

  • Those which are due to overuse such as repetitive action, such as tendinosis, arthritis and stress fractures​
  • Those which are traumatic, such as a shoulder dislocation, or fracture​

Coolum Radiology combines state of the art technology and experience to deliver images and protocols giving each patient and their referrer the best possible imaging and diagnosis in this specialised field. We offer comprehensive sports imaging services, including general X-rays, CT scans, MRI, ultrasound, and interventional procedures, to diagnose and manage acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries and conditions.​

Preparing for your examination

Please be aware that all imaging examinations require an appointment. Please call us to arrange a time.​

What to bring:​

  • You will need to have a referral from your GP or specialist to have any procedure​
  • Medicare card​
  • Pension/concession card​

​Please tell us if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.​

You may be required to have a consultation prior to the examination. Sports Imaging preparations vary for each examination which can include, fasting and being well hydrated. Our staff will make you aware of all preparation when booking your appointment.​

Reasons for Sports Imaging

Sports imaging is essential for diagnosing, managing, and monitoring acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries to optimise treatment plans, and guiding interventions to support recovery and performance. After a diagnosis is established, imaging-guided treatments, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for muscle tears or cortisone injections for inflamed joints, may be recommended.​

What to expect

On arrival, our reception staff will ask you to read and sign a consent form that relates to the procedure you are having. You may be asked to change into a gown and remove any metal objects or jewellery.​​

There are many types of sports imaging procedures available at Noosa Radiology, each procedure varies . Our team will explain your procedure to you on the day. Our highly trained staff will be available to answer any questions you may have prior to or after the procedure.​​

More information for your specific procedure see the ‘Related information’ in this section.​

When can you get your results?

The images obtained are digitally recorded. At Coolum Radiology our highly trained and qualified radiologists interpret the images and provide a report for your doctor and/or referring health care provider usually within 24 hours, although depending on the complexity of the scan this may take a little longer.​​

You will need to make a follow up appointment to discuss the results with your referring practitioner. Your doctor can access your report and images electronically via a secure portal and you will be able to access your images via our patient portal.​

Upcoming closure:

Please note that this clinic will be closed on Friday, 13 June for the Nambour Show public holiday.

Normal hours will resume on Monday, 16 June.

Thank you for your understanding and we wish you a safe and relaxing holiday!