Sport & Exercise, Musculoskeletal Medicine Doctor

GP with Extended Role - Specialist care for athletes and active individuals in Derbyshire

Dr Rachel Hamilton-Cruse - Sport and Exercise Medicine Specialist

Expert Sports Medicine Care in Derbyshire

Dr Rachel Hamilton-Cruse is a Sport & Exercise, Musculoskeletal Medicine Doctor (GP with Extended Role) with over 10 years of clinical experience and specialist training in Sport and Exercise Medicine, Musculoskeletal Medicine, and Rheumatology. She brings her exceptional expertise to Belper Health Hub, serving athletes and active individuals throughout Derbyshire and the East Midlands.

Why Choose a Sport & Exercise Medicine Specialist?

While a standard GP can provide general medical care, a Sport and Exercise Medicine specialist offers a unique depth of expertise for athletes and active individuals. Dr Rachel's combination of specialist training in MSK medicine, rheumatology and general practice is uncommon in the UK, enabling her to diagnose and treat complex musculoskeletal conditions that might be missed or mismanaged in a general practice setting.

More importantly, as an elite athlete herself—competing at World Championship level in both road cycling and triathlon—Dr Rachel understands the physical and mental demands of sport from lived experience. She knows what it takes to train, compete, and recover because she does it herself. This insider perspective means she doesn't just treat your injury; she understands your goals, your training pressures, and the importance of getting back to performance as safely and quickly as possible.

Comprehensive Sports Medicine Services

Our sports medicine consultations provide thorough assessment and management of sports injuries, training-related issues, and performance optimisation. Services include medical certifications for sports participation, advanced cardiac screening with ECG, and specialist musculoskeletal consultations for both acute injuries and chronic conditions.

Conditions We Specialise In

  • Sports injuries
  • Overuse and training-related injuries
  • Tendinopathy and chronic tendon problems
  • Joint pain and inflammatory conditions
  • Chronic musculoskeletal conditions
  • Screening for rheumatological conditions affecting athletes
  • Return to sport assessments
  • Performance-related health concerns
  • Exercise prescription for medical conditions
  • Medical clearance and screening

What Makes Our Service Different

  • Rare combination of Sports Medicine, MSK, and Rheumatology expertise
  • World Championship-level athlete perspective
  • Understanding of training cycles, competition pressures, and performance demands
  • Evidence-based treatment combined with practical sporting experience
  • Comprehensive approach addressing both injury and performance
  • Advanced diagnostic capabilities including ECG screening
  • Collaborative care with our physiotherapy team
  • Serving Derbyshire and surrounding areas

Who Should See a Sport & Exercise Medicine Specialist?

Whether you're a professional athlete, weekend warrior, or simply someone who wants to stay active and healthy, specialist sports medicine care can help you achieve your goals. Our services are particularly valuable for athletes requiring medical certification, those with complex or persistent injuries, individuals looking to optimise their training and performance, or anyone seeking expert guidance on staying active with a chronic condition.

Dr Rachel Hamilton-Cruse

With a unique combination of over 10 years as a GP, specialist qualifications in three distinct areas of medicine, and personal experience as a World Championship-level athlete, Dr Rachel offers a depth of expertise that's exceptionally rare in sports medicine. Her approach bridges the gap between clinical excellence and real-world athletic experience, ensuring you receive care that truly understands your needs as an active individual.

Learn more about Dr Rachel →

Ready to Optimise Your Performance?

Book your sports medicine consultation with Dr Rachel Hamilton-Cruse and experience the difference specialist care can make.