Physiotherapy for WorkCover & Work-Related Injuries (Queensland)

 

Injured at work? Physiotherapy is vital to recovery and a safe, confident return to work and normal life. At GM Physiotherapy, we bring care to you (home, community setting or workplace), align rehab with what's important to you, and handle the admin so you can focus on getting better. We work with you to create a treatment plan that helps you recover from workplace injuries at a pace and style that suits you. We can also work with you and your employer to tailor an injury prevention plan so you aren't caught out again.

 

How WorkCover funding works (no out-of-pocket once approved)

 

If your WorkCover Queensland claim is accepted and physiotherapy is approved, we bill WorkCover directly – there’s no out-of-pocket cost to you. To start, you’ll usually need a claim number and a Work Capacity Certificate from your doctor; we can help you confirm approval and liaise with your case manager.

Good to know: WorkCover pre-approves an initial block of physio sessions, and your clinician can request more with a Provider/Progress plan as needed. WorkSafe Queensland

 

Our approach (inspired by what works best)

 

Thorough assessment – We take time to learn about what happened and how, measure baseline pain, movement, strength, and function, and translate your struggles into rehab goals.

Hands-on treatment – Soft-tissue techniques, joint mobilisation, dry needling, taping/bracing as appropriate, paired with education. We provide gold standard care and share our knowledge with you so you know what helps and why.

Clear timelines – You, your GP, employer, and case manager get objective milestones and graded duties recommendations so expectations stay aligned.

Tailored to your situation – We specialise in you, whether you're suffering from repetitive strain injuries or have suffered a major incident, our physiotherapists take the time to assess your situation and tailor treatment plans to your situation and lifestyle.

 

Goals of WorkCover physiotherapy

 

1. Settle symptoms early (pain, swelling, sleep disturbance), with a plan for flare-ups.

2. Restore range & strength specific to how you work (lifting, kneeling, overhead, mouse/keyboard).

3. Build real-world capacity with task simulation and functional drills.

4. Support Return-to-Work (RTW) via suitable duties and stepwise hours/progression.

5. Prevent recurrence through ergonomics, pacing, and a simple maintenance routine.

 

The journey: from injury to recovery

 

Week 0–2: Stabilise & plan

– Diagnosis rules-out red flags; you get a clear starter plan (settle pain, maintain safe movement).

– We notify stakeholders (with your consent) so leave, duties, and expectations are aligned. This ensures your workcover claim doesn't become a burden.

Week 2–6: Restore & re-train

– Progress loading, movement quality, and work-task drills (e.g., lifting sets, overhead reach, keyboard endurance).

– Milestone checks: pain trends, range/strength gains, duty tolerance.

Week 6+: Return & prevent

– Consolidate full duties/hours as appropriate, fine-tune ergonomics, and lock in a prevent-backslide routine.

Timelines vary by diagnosis, your recovery rate, and duty complexity. Your physio keeps reports current and requests additional funded sessions when clinically indicated. WorkSafe Queensland

Reporting & communication (we do the paperwork)

We provide initial, progress, suitable-duties, and discharge reports as requested – objective, timely, and practical – so your healthcare team, case manager, and employer stay aligned and decisions are simple.

 

Costs & funding at a glance

 

– WorkCover-approved physio: No out-of-pocket to you; we invoice WorkCover once your claim and physio are approved. WorkSafe Queensland

– Private / non-WorkCover: See our current fee schedule (link below).

– Medicare (chronic conditions): Some patients can access up to 5 subsidised allied health visits per calendar year under a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (Item 10960). A gap may apply unless the clinic bulk-bills. From 1 July 2025, allied-health referrals under this framework are generally valid 18 months (sessions still capped annually). Health.gov.au+2Australian Physiotherapy Association+2

 

Meet Stefan — WorkCover Rehab Lead at GM Physiotherapy

 

Stefan is our go-to clinician for work-related injuries and RTW planning. He’s known for clear explanations, realistic timelines, and job-specific progression that actually fits your roster and role.

• Expertise: graded RTW, suitable duties, tendon & back/neck rehab, ergonomic coaching

– Approach: collaborative, evidence-based, and outcomes-focused

 

FAQ (Queensland-specific)

   

How do I contact WorkCover QLD?

 

– Phone: 1300 362 128 (8:00am–5:30pm AEST; serious incidents can be reported after hours).

– International: +61 7 3006 6714

– Mail: GPO Box 2459, Brisbane QLD 4001

– Make/track a claim: Online via the WorkCover portal. WorkSafe Queensland+1

 

How does WorkCover work in QLD?

 

WorkCover Queensland is a government-owned, self-funded insurer established under the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003. Employers must hold accident insurance (unless self-insured). If your claim is accepted, you may receive funded treatment (e.g., physiotherapy), weekly payments if you’re off work, and support to return safely. WorkSafe Queensland+1

 

How much is a WorkCover payout in QLD?

 

There isn’t a single figure – it depends on your wage, time off work, accepted injury, capacity, and (if applicable) permanent impairment assessments and other entitlements. Weekly compensation is designed to replace part of lost wages while you’re unfit or on reduced hours; lump-sum or common-law pathways depend on circumstances. For specifics, check the weekly compensation guidance and speak with your case manager or an independent adviser. WorkSafe Queensland

 

Where is WorkCover QLD located?

 

WorkCover QLD’s postal address is GPO Box 2459, Brisbane QLD 4001. (They primarily operate via phone/online; use the contact details above for current arrangements.) WorkSafe Queensland

 

How do I get free physio through Medicare?

 

Medicare doesn’t usually make physio entirely “free” unless a clinic bulk-bills. With a GP Chronic Condition Management plan (Item 10960), eligible patients can access up to 5 subsidised allied health sessions per calendar year (shared across services like physio/podiatry). A gap may apply at non-bulk-billing clinics. From 1 July 2025, referrals are generally valid 18 months while the 5-visit cap still resets annually. If your injury is covered by workcover insurance, you wont pay any out-of-pocket expenses.

 

Is it worth paying for private physio?

 

If you’re not on WorkCover or Medicare-subsidised care, yes – targeted physiotherapy can speed recovery, reduce recurrence, and cut time away from the activities (and work) you care about. You’re paying for assessment expertise, a personalised plan, and progress checks, not just “exercises.”

 

Do you get more compensation if you have physio?

 

Generally no. Compensation in QLD is based on your accepted injury, capacity for work, time off, wages, and (where relevant) permanent impairment – not on the number of physio sessions. That said, good rehab can improve capacity, which benefits your health and return to suitable duties. For entitlements, see WorkCover’s payments guidance or speak with Worker Assist/a legal advisor. WorkSafe Queensland

 

Can I go to physio without a referral?

 

Yes for private care – you can self-refer.
For WorkCover, you’ll typically need a Work Capacity Certificate and an approved claim; we can help you coordinate with your GP and case manager. For Medicare-subsidised physio, you’ll need a GP Chronic Condition Management plan and referral. WorkSafe Queensland+1

 

How do I know if I am workcover approved for physiotherapy services?

 

Signs you’re approved

– You’ve received a claim acceptance notice (email/SMS/letter) with your claim number.

– You’ve been assigned a case manager (they’ll share contact details).

– Your GP has issued a Work Capacity Certificate, and WorkCover has approved physiotherapy (we often receive an approval email/fax, or you’ll be told how many sessions are authorised).

– Your employer/self-insurer confirms physio is approved and will be billed directly.

If you’re not sure (or your claim is “pending”)

– It’s common to be unsure in the first 1–2 weeks. You might have a claim number but no treatment approval yet.

– We can still see you privately while it’s pending; once approved, payments are usually back-dated to cover those sessions (subject to WorkCover’s decision).

– Call us if you are still unsure and we can talk you through the process.

 

Ready to start?

 

Have your claim number (if applicable) and Work Capacity Certificate handy.

We’ll confirm approval and book your first session with one of our experienced physiotherapists we come to you.

If you've been injured at work, don't delay. Call us today to start your injury rehabilitation or to find out how we can help you get back to work and back to feeling like yourself again.