DVA Exercise Physiology Salisbury | Veterans' Strength & Falls

We welcome DVA clients, DVA Veteran Cards (Gold and White) are accepted as payment upon a GP referral.

If you’re a veteran or eligible DVA cardholder, you may be eligible for 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.

Our Accredited Exercise Physiologists work with veterans in our all abilities, wheelchair accessible rehabilitation facility at Salisbury Plain, in the pool at the Parafield Gardens Swim School, and at home where there’s a genuine need.

Call 0493 278 487

Make an enquiry

How exercise physiology can help

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, exercise physiology can help you work towards the goals that matter to you.

DVA exercise physiology is designed to give you the skills and confidence to keep exercising safely on your own. It isn’t intended to be ongoing treatment, so your program builds towards a routine you can keep up long term.

Falls prevention and balance

A fall can affect your confidence and independence. Our strength and balance programs may include:

a falls-risk and balance assessment
leg strength, balance and walking exercises
practising everyday movements, such as getting up from a chair, managing steps and getting up from the floor
a home exercise program you can do safely between sessions

If your home needs to be safer, our occupational therapists can also help with a home safety assessment, with a GP referral to occupational therapy. See all our services for veterans.

Chronic conditions

Exercise is an important part of managing many long-term health conditions. We work with veterans living with conditions such as:

diabetes
heart conditions, including after a heart attack
arthritis and joint pain
stroke and brain injury
multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions
rehabilitation after amputation

We’ll work alongside your GP and other health professionals, and keep your GP updated with your consent.

Strength, mobility and recovery after injury or surgery

Whether you’re recovering from surgery, an injury or a hospital stay, or you simply want to stay strong and independent, your program is built around what you want to be able to do, such as walking further, gardening, or getting back to the activities you enjoy.

Our all abilities rehabilitation facility is set up for people of all abilities, including wheelchair users.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is a safe and effective water-based form of exercise, ideal for people with chronic conditions, injury recovery or mobility challenges. Adelaide Wellbeing Society have joined forces with the Parafield Gardens Swim School to bring you tailored hydrotherapy with our Exercise Physiologists.

For DVA clients, hydrotherapy is part of your exercise physiology treatment when it’s clinically necessary, and every session is 1:1 with your Exercise Physiologist. Pool entry is arranged by us as part of your session. You don’t need to be a strong swimmer. Read more about hydrotherapy.

How 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.
Contact us. Once referred, call 0493 278 487 or send an enquiry and we’ll book your first session. DVA Veteran Cards (Gold and White) are accepted as payment upon a GP referral.
Your personalised program. Your Exercise Physiologist will assess you, talk about your goals and develop a program focusing on strength, mobility, balance, cardiovascular health and overall function.

Treatment cycles

Your DVA referral lasts for up to 12 sessions or one year, whichever comes first. At the end of the cycle we send a report to your GP, who can refer you for another cycle if it’s clinically necessary.

TPI Gold Card holders can get ongoing referrals for up to 12 months for Exercise Physiology, if it’s recommended by their GP.

Clinic, home and pool

Clinic: 9a/1700 Main North Road, Salisbury Plain SA 5109, a wheelchair accessible rehabilitation facility
Pool: Parafield Gardens Swim School (hydrotherapy)
Home: where there’s a genuine need, for example if it’s hard to travel. We’ll talk through the arrangements when you book.

Meet our Exercise Physiologists

Our Exercise Physiology team includes Bailey, Jessica, Jai, and directors Cain and Chantelle. Meet the team.

For GPs

Refer using a DVA D904 Request/Referral Voucher or a referral letter for exercise physiology, stating the condition to be treated. Email admin@wellbeingsociety.com.au or use our online referral form. We’ll send you an end-of-cycle report.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a referral for DVA exercise physiology?

Yes. DVA Veteran Cards (Gold and White) are accepted as payment upon a GP referral. Your GP or specialist can provide a D904 referral to an Accredited Exercise Physiologist.

Can I use my White Card for exercise physiology?

Yes, for the conditions DVA has accepted for you, where exercise physiology is clinically necessary. Gold Card holders can use exercise physiology for any clinically necessary condition.

How many sessions can I have?

A DVA referral lasts for up to 12 sessions or one year, whichever comes first. Your GP can refer you for further treatment cycles if they’re clinically necessary. TPI Gold Card holders can get ongoing referrals for up to 12 months for Exercise Physiology, if it’s recommended by their GP.

Can exercise physiology help with falls?

Our strength and balance programs focus on leg strength, balance, walking and everyday movements, with a home program between sessions. Your Exercise Physiologist will assess your falls risk and tailor the program to you.

Is hydrotherapy included?

Hydrotherapy can be part of your exercise physiology treatment when it’s clinically necessary. Every session is 1:1 with your Exercise Physiologist at the Parafield Gardens Swim School, and pool entry is arranged by us as part of your session.

Do I need to be fit to start?

No. Programs are tailored to your current ability, health conditions and goals, whether you’re just starting out or already active.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Your DVA Veteran Card, your referral, a list of your medications, comfortable clothes and enclosed shoes. Bring swimwear and a towel for hydrotherapy.

Start your program

Speak to your GP today about a referral to exercise physiology, then call 0493 278 487 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or send an enquiry.