Steve and Eddie head up the team of physiotherapists who have been leading the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the NRL for the past ten years. They have decided to take their unique skill to the wider community by setting up a brand new clinic in the heart of Redfern.
But their strong ties to their local community go well beyond their connection to the Rabbitohs. Steve Velovski resides in the heart of Redfern since purchasing an apartment in the area three years ago. Eddie was born and raised in Redfern before relocating further west with his family.
“My first memories as a child are of the red and green seats at Redfern Oval from the days when games were still played there. I will never forget the excitement and atmosphere of going along to these games with my dad and brothers,” Eddie says.
Having these strong connections to the area, and fuelled by a constant demand from friends and colleagues to rehabilitate their injuries, Steve and Eddie decided it was a great opportunity as well as ideal timing to set up their own clinic.
The boys behind the clinic have been working hard to build relationships and networks in the local community. Their aim is to partner with local groups and businesses to not only provide a standout service but help improve health in the area. They have already established strong ties with the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence by offering free services onsite and are excited to be involved in a great initiative by one.five.six gym, which is hosting a 12-hour treadmill challenge to raise money for pancreatic cancer research, see www.facebook.com/events/1096622343758459/.
“We are really focussed on having a strong community involvement and to continue to be involved in initiatives such as the 12-hour treadmill run,” Eddie says.
Redfern Physiotherapy & Sports Medicine is a multidisciplinary health and injury clinic. As well as experienced physiotherapists, the team includes a dietitian – Chloe McCleod – and a great group of sports and remedial massage therapists. If this isn’t enough, Farah and Velovski have plans to expand their services to include podiatry and a sports physician in the New Year.
Both Steve and Eddie have played a huge part in the turnaround and success of the Rabbitohs over the past decade, which culminated in the 2014 grand final victory. Having come on board in 2007 after Russell Crowe took over the club, they were involved in the huge advancement towards the elite training and rehabilitation services now available at the club.
The demands and pressure of professional sport continue to grow with every single season. Sports medicine providers have to be at the cutting edge of sports science and rehabilitation. Quite often, the ability to keep the players on the field results in the difference between winning and losing. Critical to the success of the Rabbitohs is the ability of Eddie and Steve to meet these demands and excel in this environment.
“The pressure of having to get a player back on the field following an injury is a challenge that we really enjoy. It involves us not only providing regular treatment for our players but also taking them through a specific and individually tailored exercise program,” explains Steve.
“The exercise component is really the key – this ensures that not only are the players ready to get back onto the field but that they are ready to compete at the highest level and help the team to win.”
But the boys also know it’s not just about winning; elite sports and competitiveness aside, their main focus is the long-term wellbeing of their patients.
“We want to ensure that our players don’t have a relapse or recurrence of their symptoms. This is one of the key determinants of the success of our rehabilitation programs,” Steve says.
This ability to assist people with their injuries and follow them on their rehabilitation journey is what makes Redfern Physiotherapy unique. The focus is fully on getting patients back to what they love most – whether it be walking, swimming, netball, tennis, playing with the kids, yoga or even their daily work and demands.
So many people suffer from chronic pain. But Redfern Physiotherapy doesn’t just treat the pain, they educate you: long-term success is about constant management. In addition to prescribing a detailed home exercise and management program, the clinic has a fully equipped rehabilitation gym, which is always available to any of their patients.
As well as advanced skills and knowledge in sports rehabilitation their services also cater to a wide range of musculoskeletal and orthopaedic complaints and to people of all ages.
