Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a sport injury?

We define a sport injury as any injury or condition that prohibits you from participating in your regular sport, fitness or recreational activity. The injury may or may not have occurred while participating in your activity. This does not include work-related injuries or motor vehicle accidents.

2. Who can attend the Sport Medicine Clinic?

The Sport Medicine Clinic strives to keep active people active. Although many of our patients are elite athletes, the greatest number of patients are recreational enthusiasts in pursuit of general good health and fitness. Patients range in age from 6 - 86 and participate in a variety of activities from walking programs to more physically aggressive activities such as football and hockey. If your injury is impeding your ability to participate in your regular activity program then you are a candidate for the Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic.

3. What services are offered at the clinic?

4. If I need an appointment should I go my family physician first, or just call the clinic?

Orthopaedic Surgeon Appointment – 3M Centre, University of Western Ontario
The Clinic has four Orthopaedic Surgeons associated with it. You will require a referral from your family physician or another orthopaedic surgeon in order to be seen. Each of the Surgeons offices book their own appointments.

Primary Care Sport Medicine Appointment - offered at three locations:
3M Centre-University of Western Ontario
Fanshawe College
Galleria Mall

No, Patients are not required to have a referral to come to the Sport Medicine Clinic to see a Sport Medicine Physician. However, the Primary Care Physicians would like to encourage Patients and Family Physicians to use the referral process more often.

To make the most of the patients visit to the clinic we would like to encourage Family Physicians to use the referral process. We prefer not to treat patients in isolation of their Family Physician. Family Physicians have often done tests or have pertinent history that would be very helpful to have prior to the Patients visit. When patients are referred we then are able to coordinate results and recommendations with the Family Physician for the appropriate treatment plan. As well the Family Physician receives comprehensive note and results from any further diagnostic testing regarding the assessment and plan. Without the referral many patients undergo repeat testing and evaluations that may have already been done but we do not have the information nor will the Family Physician receive any information regarding the visit.

Physiotherapy Appointment - offered at three locations:
3M Centre-University of Western Ontario
Fanshawe College
Galleria Mall

Although you do not need a referral for Physiotherapy most extended benefit packages will require a referral by a Physician in order to have the treatment covered. You may have the referral faxed to our Clinic or call and book the appointment bringing the referral to the appointment.

5. How long is the waiting period at your clinic?

The waiting period may vary from season to season. All acute injuries will be seen within 48 hours. You can use the following guidelines for non-acute injuries. Primary Care Sport Medicine. Physician appointments - usually less than one week. Keep in mind though we strive to treat acute injuries within 48 hours of patient contact at the clinic. Physiotherapist - usually less than two weeks. Orthopaedic Surgeons - usually booked on an as needed basis

6. What is an acute injury?

An acute injury is an injury that has occurred within 24 hours. A Chronic injury is an injury that may have occurred weeks, months or years in the past. By quickly managing an injury in the acute stage, chronic complications can sometimes be avoided.

7. What is a primary care sport medicine physician?

A Primary Care Sport Medicine Physician is a physician who has a family medicine or emergency medicine background. In addition to their basic medical training they have displayed an interest in sport medicine and have completed a 1 or 2 year sport medicine fellowship and successfully completed the requirement for the Diploma in Sport Medicine offered by the Canadian Academy of Sport Medicine.

8. Are services at the clinic covered by my Ontario Health Card?

Most medical services at the Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic are covered by your Ontario Health Card. However, one service that is not covered is physiotherapy. Most physiotherapy clinics (other than hospital physiotherapy services) operate on a fee for service basis. Patients pay for the service and then submit their receipt to their Extended Health Insurance Plan. The procedure is similar to that used when purchasing prescription drugs.

9. How do I know if I am covered by extended health care?

Contact your Employee Benefits or Human Resource Department to determine what extended health care benefits are available to you. Ask specific questions to determine the extent of your coverage. Most plans include an annual deductible or co-payment amount that must be paid by the employee.

10. How can I make and appointment for physiotherapy?

Although patients can book an appointment directly with a physiotherapist, most insurance companies will not pay your extended health claim if you are not referred to physiotherapy by a physician. Therefore, your first appointment at our clinic is usually with a Primary Care Sport Medicine Physician. The Sport Medicine Physician will send you for x-rays or additional tests if necessary, diagnose your injury and refer you to physiotherapy if appropriate.

11. How long are the physiotherapy treatments?

Your initial physiotherapy treatment usually takes 45 to 60 minutes. Subsequent treatments can last between 30 to 45 minutes.

12. What should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Shorts should be worn for lower extremity injuries and tank tops are preferred for upper extremity injuries. Change rooms, lockers and shower facilities are available at the clinic. Please bring your own lock.

13. How many clinics do you operate in London?

The Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic operates three clinics in London. The main clinic is a 16,000 sq. ft. facility located in north central London on the University of Western Ontario Campus. A 2,400 sq. ft. facility is located in north east London at Fanshawe College and a 1,500 sq. ft. Facility is located at the GoodLife Club in the Galleria Mall in downtown London. All facilities are staffed by qualified health care professionals and offer comparable services.

14. Is it difficult to find parking at your facilities?

No. All facilities offer dedicated parking for patients in close proximity to the Clinic. The fee to park at the University clinic is is a flat rate of $4.00, and there is 2 hours free parking for patients at the Fanshawe Clinic and the GoodLife Clinic.

15. If my injury was caused my a motor vehicle accident or is a work related injury can I be seen at the clinic?

The Fowler Kennedy Sport Medicine Clinic caters to patients with activity related injuries and not work-related injuries or motor vehicle accidents. Orthopaedic surgeons however, will see non-activity related injuries if referred by community physicians. There are many clinics in London that specialize in the care of work related injuries and motor vehicle injuries. Please check your Bell yellow pages under rehabilitation or physiotherapy for more information.