Hurt your knee skiing in Hakuba? Rehab back in Sydney
SportsFit Health & Rehab has partnered with Peak Sports Physio Hakuba, an Australian-run physiotherapy clinic in the Japanese ski town of Hakuba. If you injure your knee skiing or snowboarding there, Peak's team looks after you on the mountain, then refers you to our physios in Five Dock or Gladesville to carry on your rehab once you land back in Sydney.
Hakuba is one of the most popular snow destinations for Australians, and Peak sees a steady stream of Sydney skiers and riders every season. Many of them come in with knee ligament injuries. Treatment in Hakuba only lasts as long as the holiday does, so the rest of the rehab has to happen at home. This partnership gives those people a clear next step instead of a search for a physio from the airport.
Why are knee injuries so common on the snow?
A review of alpine skiing injury research found the knee is the most commonly injured part of the body in recreational skiers, and the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are the ligaments most often hurt (Davey et al., Alpine Skiing Injuries, Sports Health, 2019). The usual mechanisms are a twisting fall with the ski acting as a long lever on the knee, or a backward fall where the boot drives the shin forward.
Snowboarders tend to injure their wrists and shoulders more than their knees, but knee injuries still happen, especially on landings.
What happens if I hurt my knee in Hakuba?
You see the Peak team in Hakuba first. They assess the injury, start early management and help you plan for the trip home.
Before you leave, Peak refers you to us. Bring any notes, reports or scan results from Hakuba to your first appointment, so your Sydney physio can see what was found and what has been done so far.
What does ACL rehab look like once I'm back in Sydney?
Your first appointment with us is a full assessment: how the knee moves, how much swelling there is, how it takes load, and what you need to get back to. From there we build a plan around your injury and your goals, whether that is next season on the slopes or getting back to footy, netball or running.
ACL rehab is progressed by criteria rather than by the calendar. You move to the next stage when the knee shows it is ready, measured with strength and hop testing, not when a set number of weeks has passed. Recovery times vary a lot between people and between injuries. If surgery is on the table, we can work with your surgeon before and after the operation. We also work with people who are managing an ACL tear without surgery.
We measure strength with testing equipment at both clinics, and Five Dock has a gym and an anti-gravity treadmill for loading the knee gradually.
Do I need a referral from Peak to see SportsFit?
No. A referral from Peak helps us pick up where they left off, but you can book directly with either clinic without one. If you were treated somewhere else overseas, bring along any reports or scan results you have.
Frequently asked questions
Can I book before I fly home from Japan?
Yes. You can book online from Japan, and many people like to have their first appointment locked in for the week they get back. Book with Five Dock or Gladesville, whichever is closer to home or work.
Should I fly with a knee injury?
Ask the doctor or physio treating you in Hakuba before you fly. A lower-limb injury, a brace and a long flight can raise the risk of blood clots for some people, and the advice depends on your injury and your health. Peak can help you plan this before you leave.
Do I need a scan before I see a physio in Sydney?
Not always. Your physio will assess the knee first and arrange a referral for imaging if it is needed. If you already had a scan in Japan, bring the report and the images with you.
Can I claim physio with private health insurance?
If your extras cover includes physiotherapy, you can usually claim part of the fee. How much you get back depends on your fund and your level of cover, so check with your insurer.
What should I do next?
If you have come home from the snow with a knee injury, book a free phone call with one of our physios below. We will talk through where you are up to and help you book the right first appointment at Five Dock or Gladesville.
Written by the SportsFit Health & Rehab team, Five Dock and Gladesville, Sydney. This article is general information only and is not a substitute for an individual assessment. Outcomes vary from person to person. If you have an injury, see a health professional for advice about your situation.