This guide provides general education and does not diagnose a condition or replace individual medical or physiotherapy assessment.
Before the first appointment
When booking, provide your claim number, insurer and case manager details if these have been issued. Bring your Certificate of Capacity, relevant imaging or reports and a list of medicines or medical restrictions that relate to the injury.
Physiotherapists do not require a medical referral to commence treatment in the NSW workers compensation scheme, but eligibility and insurer requirements still need to be checked. Treatment funding is not automatic simply because an injury happened at work.
What the assessment covers
- How the injury occurred and how symptoms behave
- Current movement, strength and functional tolerance
- Your usual work tasks and physical demands
- Medical restrictions and current work capacity
- Goals for daily activity, work and exercise
A work-focused rehabilitation plan
The plan is matched to the injury, clinical findings and work demands. It may include education, symptom management, movement, progressive strength and conditioning, manual treatment and preparation for specific tasks such as lifting, carrying, reaching, walking or prolonged positions.
Progress is reviewed against useful function rather than pain alone. The aim is to build safe capacity and confidence for normal activity and work where appropriate.
Treatment requests and progress
SIRA uses the Allied Health Treatment Request process for treatment planning and insurer decisions in many circumstances. The timing and approval requirements depend on the claim and when treatment begins. Your physiotherapist can clarify the applicable process with the insurer.
Clinically relevant progress information may be shared with the insurer, nominated treating doctor and rehabilitation team when required for the claim.
If approval is unclear
Ask the insurer or case manager to confirm whether treatment is approved and whether any limits apply. If the claim or treatment request is declined, you may be responsible for treatment costs. This is general information and not legal advice.
Official links
Read the source for this topic.
Each link below opens the specific government or scheme page used for this guide.
Raby & Gledswood Hills