Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. All our clinics have this service available to you.

As we provide a premium service which includes a 60 minute Initial Consultation unfortunately we do not bulk bill for GP Management Plans (GPMP) and/or Team Care Arrangements (TCAs). Each clinic will charge an Initial Consultation fee in which the patient is required to pay upfront, from this consultation fee the care plan benefit amount will be reimbursed to the client via Medicare. Please contact Medicare for further details regarding care plan reimbursement.

At Hills Sports Medicine parking is available in front of the clinic and at Norwest Market Town shopping centre.

For Sydney University, some parking is available on campus, with 5 parking spots directly in front of the clinic. Please attend front desk for a parking voucher, which will allow you to park free of charge on Campus for your visit.

Hills Sports Medicine is located in Norwest Business Park. A reliable bus network services the park from Castle Hill, Parramatta, Rouse Hill and Blacktown. If you depart the bus on Norwest Blvd at the Market Town it is a short 2 minute walk to the clinic.

It is advisable that you wear loose comfortable clothing that is adequate to exercise in and does not restrict movement. Comfortable footwear is also recommended. Spare shorts are available at each clinic for patients and clients to borrow if necessary.

Your initial consultation runs for 60 minutes and includes medical history, a functional assessment, discussion of your goals, and the start of your individualised program. If your treatment involves referrers (GP, specialist, insurer), we handle the reporting side for you.

Follow-up sessions are typically 30 to 45 minutes depending on the service. Your exercise physiologist will confirm the session length appropriate for your program at your initial consultation.

The best sitting posture keeps your feet flat on the floor, hips slightly higher than your knees, back supported by the chair, shoulders relaxed, and monitor at eye level. Even good posture becomes damaging if you sit still for hours, so build in movement breaks every 30 to 45 minutes.

Postural change is a training adaptation, not a quick fix. Most clients notice awareness and comfort improvements within 2 to 4 weeks. Meaningful structural change from strength and mobility work typically takes 8 to 12 weeks of consistent practice.

VO2 max is a lab-based test that measures the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use during exercise. It is the gold standard for endurance capacity. SSEP performs VO2 max testing at Norwest for competitive athletes, recreational endurance athletes, and clients tracking cardiovascular health over time.

VO2 max measures peak aerobic capacity (your ceiling). Lactate threshold testing identifies the intensity at which your body starts accumulating lactate, which is a more useful pacing benchmark for training. Many endurance athletes benefit from both.

Full ACL rehab typically takes 9 to 12 months, though this depends on your surgery, your baseline fitness, and your sport. Return-to-sport readiness is assessed on functional criteria (strength, hop tests, movement quality) rather than time alone.

Return to full training is usually cleared once you pass a battery of functional tests including single-leg strength symmetry, hop testing, and movement quality. Rushing back before passing these tests significantly increases the risk of re-injury.

Hydrotherapy is well suited to chronic pain, arthritis, post-surgery rehab, deconditioning, and clients who need to reduce joint loading while building strength and mobility. Programs are prescribed and supervised by an accredited exercise physiologist.

No. Hydrotherapy takes place in a chest-deep pool and is not a swimming activity. Sessions focus on structured exercises performed standing, walking, or using flotation aids. Comfort in water is helpful but swimming ability is not required.