If you've sustained a workplace injury in New South Wales, you may be entitled to funded exercise physiology sessions through WorkCover NSW (icare). Many injured workers don't realise this service is available — and as a result, miss out on one of the most effective rehabilitation interventions for workplace injuries. This guide explains your entitlements and how to access them.
What Is WorkCover Exercise Physiology?
Exercise physiology under WorkCover NSW refers to services delivered by an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) to help injured workers recover from workplace injuries, restore physical function and return to work safely. AEPs are recognised allied health providers under the NSW workers compensation scheme.
Common WorkCover Injuries Treated With Exercise Physiology
- Lower back injuries — the most common workplace injury in Australia
- Shoulder injuries — rotator cuff tears, labral injuries, impingement
- Knee injuries — meniscus damage, ligament sprains, contusions
- Neck injuries from repetitive strain or manual handling
- Upper limb injuries — elbow, wrist, forearm overuse conditions
- Injuries following slips, trips and falls
- Psychological injury with a physical rehabilitation component
What WorkCover Exercise Physiology Covers
Under an approved WorkCover treatment plan, exercise physiology services may include:
- Functional capacity assessment
- Individualised rehabilitation exercise program design
- Supervised exercise sessions (gym-based or mobile)
- Work hardening programs — exercises that simulate the physical demands of your specific job
- Return-to-work functional assessments
- Progress reporting to your case manager and treating medical team
The Return-to-Work Focus
WorkCover exercise physiology has a specific return-to-work (RTW) focus. Your AEP will design a program based on the physical demands of your job — not a generic exercise plan. If your job involves lifting, bending, prolonged standing or specific physical tasks, your rehabilitation will progressively build capacity for those exact demands.
We use functional capacity evaluation (FCE) methodology to objectively assess your current capacity, set baseline measurements, and track progress toward work-specific goals throughout your rehabilitation.
How to Access WorkCover Exercise Physiology
- Report your injury to your employer and seek initial medical treatment
- Obtain a WorkCover certificate of capacity from your treating GP
- Your GP or treating specialist refers you for exercise physiology as part of your treatment plan
- Contact Elevate Health Clinic — we handle all WorkCover paperwork and communicate directly with your case manager and treating team
- Begin your rehabilitation program — we work to your treatment plan approval limits and manage approvals for ongoing treatment
What to Expect at Your First WorkCover Exercise Physiology Session
- Review of your injury history, current symptoms, medical imaging and GP referral
- Functional assessment — strength, range of motion, cardiovascular capacity, balance
- Job demands analysis — understanding the physical requirements of your workplace role
- Goal setting — short-term functional goals and longer-term RTW milestones
- Program design — your first exercises and home program
- Progress reporting — an initial assessment report sent to your case manager
Mobile WorkCover Exercise Physiology
For workers who are unable to travel to a clinic due to their injury, we offer mobile exercise physiology services across Sydney, delivering rehabilitation sessions in your home or local community facility.
Book a WorkCover Exercise Physiology Assessment
Contact Elevate Health Clinic to discuss your WorkCover claim and arrange an assessment. We are an approved WorkCover NSW provider. Call (02) 8883 0178 or email [email protected].
