FAQs

Part 1 - Sports & Exercise Medicine

1. Do you only see female athletes?

Not, at all. While I have a specialised background working with female athletes, my practice is open to everyone regardless of gender or athletic ability. Whether you’re dealing with an injury, seeking to improve your fitness, or just want to stay healthy and active, I’m here to help.

My approach is personalised to meet your unique needs, no matter where you are on your health journey.

2. Why come and see a Sports & Exercise Medicine GP, as a female athlete?

I offer specialised care that extends far beyond what other professionals with limited scope can provide.

A GP with a Diploma in Sport and Exercise Medicine is medically trained to understand the unique physiology of female athletes, considering hormonal influences on performance, injury risk, and overall health at any stage of life. They can diagnose and treat complex conditions, help adapt training plans to your needs, and provide comprehensive management for injuries and health issues specific to women. Additionally, they have the ability to prescribe medications and treatments when necessary, ensuring a holistic, medically-informed approach that optimises your health and performance. This level of expertise and medical authority ensures you receive the most comprehensive care available, tailored specifically to female athletes.

3. What if I already have a pre-existing medical condition and want to get active?

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it’s natural to feel cautious about becoming more active. However, staying active is often key to managing your health. As a GP with special interest in sports, I understand the complexities of various medical conditions and can create an exercise prescription tailored to your unique needs.

Together, we’ll develop a safe, effective plan that respects your condition, so you can confidently improve your overall well-being.

4. I'm stuck with my rehab and want to get back to running/biking/sport. Are you the right person to help?

It's not uncommon for progress to stall when initial treatments don't fully address the underlying issues or when rehab plans lack the specificity needed for recovery/performance. I understand how crucial the right diagnosis and rehab plans are for everyone and can bring a fresh perspective with lateral thinking to reassess your situation, refine your diagnosis, and tailor a rehab plan that's aligned with your competitive goals. Together, we'll work to overcome these hurdles so you can return to your sport with confidence and optimal performance.

5. How are you different from other health-care providers?

A Sports Medicine Doctor, Physiotherapist, and Personal Trainer all play unique yet complementary roles in supporting health and fitness, especially for those recovering from injuries or looking to enhance performance.

1. Sports Medicine Doctor: A sports medicine doctor, like Dr. Louisa Barter, is a medical professional with advanced training in sports-related injuries and physical performance. They assess, diagnose, and treat injuries and can prescribe medications, order imaging, and develop medical treatment plans. They’re also skilled in addressing long-term conditions impacting exercise, such as osteoarthritis, and can provide specialised care for managing symptoms of hormonal changes (such as in menopause) that affect physical activity.

2. Physiotherapist: Physiotherapists focus on restoring and improving physical function after an injury or surgery through tailored therapeutic exercises and techniques. Their work often overlaps with sports medicine, particularly in rehabilitating injuries or chronic pain and helping patients regain strength and mobility. They don’t prescribe medications but offer hands-on treatments, such as joint mobilisations, soft tissue therapy, and specific exercise programs to address musculoskeletal issues. While sports medicine doctors provide the medical diagnosis and overarching treatment plan, physiotherapists focus on implementing the physical rehabilitation component.

3. Trainer / Coach: Personal trainers are fitness professionals who work with individuals to set and achieve fitness and wellness goals. They create exercise programs, monitor progress, and help with motivation and technique. Unlike sports medicine doctors and physiotherapists, they don’t provide injury diagnoses or treatment for medical conditions. However, they can collaborate with a physiotherapist or sports doctor by modifying exercises based on injury status or physical limitations.

All three can collaborate closely to support a person’s physical goals. For example, a patient recovering from a knee injury might be assessed by a sports doctor, receive a tailored rehabilitation plan from a physiotherapist, and eventually work with a personal trainer to safely rebuild fitness and strength.

6. Do I need a referral to you?

No referral is required to see me at my clinic. However, if you've been working with a physiotherapist, osteopath, or GP, having a referral can provide valuable insights into your medical history and current treatments, helping me to better tailor your care.

Please note that as we are a private clinic, charges apply according to the details provided on our Contact page. This ensures you receive personalised and direct care without delays. ACC Accredited.

Part 2 - Peri/menopause

1. What is peri/menopause and how long does it last?

Perimenopause is the phase/time in a woman's life leading up to their last menstrual period. It is a time of hormonal fluctuation. Numerous sensations, emotions, changes in your menstrual period, mood and physical symptoms occur. This phase lasts on average 4-5 years. First signs can be hot flushes and a change in periods.

Menopause is your final menstruation period. The average age in New Zealand is 51 years.

Post menopause is the time 12 months after your final menstrual period and beyond.

2. How do I know if my symptoms are perimenopause?

Recognising perimenopause can be challenging as it shares symptoms with other health issues. Typically, if you're experiencing changes in your menstrual cycle, such as irregular periods, along with symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, disturbed sleep or mood swings, you might be entering or already in perimenopause.

These symptoms result from fluctuating hormone levels as your body transitions toward menopause (when menstruation ceases). If you're in your 50s, 40s or even sometimes late 30s and begin noticing these changes, it’s a good indication that you might be experiencing perimenopause.

3. What are some less obvious symptoms of perimenopause?

There are several less obvious symptoms associated with perimenopause. These may include:

• Joint Pains and Muscle Pains: Aches in the joints and muscles that aren't related to physical activity or injury.

• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest.

• Brain Fog: Experiencing confusion, forgetfulness, or difficulty concentrating.

• Itchy Skin: Unexplained changes in skin sensation, often feeling itchy or overly sensitive without a visible rash.

• Low Libido: A decrease in sexual desire which can be distressing.

• Lightheadedness: Episodes of feeling dizzy or unsteady which are not related to any known medical condition.

• Back Ache: Persistent or intermittent pain in the lower or upper back.

• Irritability: Mood swings or feeling unusually irritable without a clear cause.

• Vaginal Changes: Discomfort, dryness, pain or prolapse in the vaginal area that isn't related to an infection or injury.

I have years of experience in female health care and can help you recognise these signs and help you live your best life!

4. Why consult Dr Louisa about perimenopause?

Consulting Louisa about perimenopause is invaluable because of her extensive experience and deep understanding of female health. Louisa specialises in recognising the complex symptoms of perimenopause, many of which are often dismissed or misunderstood. She offers personalised care that includes lifestyle advice, nutritional support, and exercise recommendations to help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being during perimenopause. Additionally, her ability to prescribe medications enables her to offer comprehensive treatment plans that are tailored to your specific needs.

5. Can exercise help with perimenopause symptoms?

Absolutely. Regular, evidence based exercise can help manage weight, improve mood, and reduce the frequency of hot flashes and reduce some of the symptoms above. A tailored exercise prescription can be particularly beneficial during perimenopause. Book an appointment with me, and we can discuss what’s best for you.

Part 3 - General Questions

1. Can I bring someone with me, to my appointment?

Yes, you are welcome to bring a support person to your appointment. This can be a friend, whanau member, or partner to provide support or help you process information discussed during the consultation.

2. How long are your consults?

Consultation times are tailored to provide thorough and personalised care. Initial consultations typically last up to 45 minutes, allowing time to discuss your medical history, current concerns, and treatment goals. Follow-up appointments are usually 20 minutes, depending on your needs.

If your situation is more complex or you’d like to address multiple issues, let us know when booking so we can allocate enough time for your appointment.

3. What are your fees and what do they cover?

The fee for a consultation covers:

• The consultation itself.

• A written prescription issued during the consultation (note: the cost of medication itself is not included and typically a pharmacy will charge $15 per item).

• A summary letter by email provided to you, with a copy sent to your General Practitioner upon your consent.

Additional Fees

• Prescriptions requested outside of a consultation (new or repeat): $25.

• Extra letters or correspondence requested outside of a consultation: $25.

Consultation Fees

• Initial Consultation: $285

• Follow-up Consultation: $135