Department for Veteran's Affairs (DVA) - Exercise Physiology Services
Movement Built for Veterans. Physical and Mental Recovery.
Specialised exercise rehabilitation designed around your unique military service history. From managing chronic back injuries to improving sleep and mental health, our university-qualified experts partner with your GP to keep you moving forward.
Exercise Physiology Services through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA)
If you’re a Veteran or eligible DVA cardholder, you may be entitled to fully funded Exercise Physiology services through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). These services are designed to help manage chronic conditions, improve physical function, and support overall wellbeing.
To get started:
Speak with your GP or specialist – They can assess your health needs and, if appropriate, provide a D904 referral to an accredited Exercise Physiologist.
Once referred, you can attend regular sessions with no out-of-pocket cost – our services are 100% bulk billed, with no gap fees for eligible DVA clients.
Your Exercise Physiologist will develop a personalised program tailored to your health goals, focusing on improving strength, mobility, balance, cardiovascular health, and overall function.
Whether you’re managing a chronic condition, recovering from injury, or maintaining your independence, DVA-funded Exercise Physiology can make a meaningful difference.
Speak to your GP today about a DVA referral and start your journey toward better health – fully funded and hassle-free.
- Yes. DVA fully funds clinically necessary treatment provided by an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP).
- There are no gap fees or out-of-pocket expenses for eligible participants; we bulk bill DVA directly.
- Gold Card: Covers exercise physiology treatment for all health conditions, whether they are related to your service or not.
- White Card: Covers treatment specifically for accepted service-related conditions listed on your DVA profile (e.g., specific musculoskeletal injuries, PTSD, or chronic pain).
- DVA operates on a 12-session treatment cycle.
- Your GP referral covers up to 12 sessions or 12 months, whichever comes first.
- Once you finish a cycle, your Exercise Physiologist sends a report back to your GP, who can refer you for another cycle if clinically required.
- Note: Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI) Gold Card holders may be exempt from this cycle limit for their accepted conditions.
- Musculoskeletal Injuries: Managing long-term lower back, knee, shoulder, or neck pain caused by service trauma.
- Mental Health Support: Tailored movement plans scientifically proven to reduce symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety while improving sleep quality.
- Metabolic & Heart Health: Managing Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular conditions.
- Healthy Ageing: Improving your balance and lower-body strength to prevent trips and falls.
- Yes. If clinically appropriate for your condition, DVA covers individual aquatic (hydrotherapy) sessions or small group exercise classes.
- For hydrotherapy, DVA covers the cost of your pool admission fee as part of the service.
- No. DVA will not fund Exercise Physiology on the same day as another physical therapy (like Physiotherapy, Chiropractic, or Osteopathy) if it is to treat the same condition.
- Please separate your appointments into different days to ensure DVA covers both.
Book Your Free Introductory Session
We understand that starting something new can feel overwhelming — that’s why we offer a free, no-obligation introductory session to help you feel confident and comfortable before beginning your journey with us.
During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to:
✔ Meet our friendly team of Exercise Physiologists and support staff
✔ Tour our fully equipped gym and rehab area
✔ Discuss your health goals and ask any questions you may have
✔ Make sure our services are the right fit for your needs
If you are in need for Rehab or Support, Adelaide Wellbeing Society are happy to help.
If you have any other goals or therapy needs, here at Adelaide Wellbeing Society, we have a range of other services that may help too: