Rebuilding Capacity After a Work-Related Injury
A workplace injury doesn't just cause pain — it causes deconditioning. Time off duties, guarded movement and reduced activity all lower strength, fitness and confidence, often well beyond what the original injury would explain. That deconditioning is frequently the biggest barrier standing between an injured worker and a safe return to their job.
Exercise physiology closes that gap. As accredited exercise physiologists, we design graded, evidence-based programs that progressively rebuild the specific strength, endurance and movement tolerance a worker's role demands — so the return to work is sustainable, not just a one-off clearance.
Exercare delivers WorkSafe programs at the client's home, workplace, a local gym or hydrotherapy pool across south-east Melbourne — removing the travel and scheduling friction that often causes missed appointments and stalled claims.
What Our WorkSafe Programs Include
- Functional capacity assessment — measuring current capacity against the physical demands of the job
- Graded return-to-work exercise programs, updated as capacity improves
- Job-specific and manual handling reconditioning
- Pain management support alongside the treating medical team
- Active Hazard and Risk Management Plan (AHRMP) documentation by the 5th consultation
- Hydrotherapy at WorkSafe-registered pools where clinically appropriate
- Regular progress reporting and liaison with your case manager and treating GP
Workplace Injuries We Rehabilitate
Lower back injuries
The most common WorkSafe claim type. Graded exercise is the most evidence-backed treatment for persistent lower back pain.
Shoulder & upper limb
Rotator cuff injuries, impingement and post-surgical rehab, plus repetitive strain and tendinopathies.
Knee & lower limb
Meniscal injuries, ligament sprains and post-surgical reconditioning for a safe return to physical duties.
Manual handling injuries
Common among aged care, disability support and warehouse workers — a group we already see a lot of through our NDIS and aged care client base.
How WorkSafe Funds Exercise Physiology
Exercise physiology is a covered treatment under WorkSafe Victoria once a treating GP or specialist provides a referral. Sessions are billed directly to the WorkSafe agent at the fixed WorkSafe fee schedule.
No gap for the worker. There is no out-of-pocket cost once your claim and referral are confirmed. GST applies to WorkSafe billing, as it's a taxable supply — this is handled directly between Exercare and your agent.
Getting Started
- Get a referral from your treating GP or specialist
- Have your WorkSafe claim number and case manager details ready
- Complete Exercare's WorkSafe intake form, or call us directly
- We confirm approval with your case manager and book your first mobile visit
Referring a Client to Exercare
Exercare works directly with case managers, WorkSafe agents and treating GPs across south-east Melbourne. As a mobile service, we come to the client rather than the other way around — reducing missed appointments and keeping the return-to-work timeline moving.
What you can expect: AHRMP documentation by the 5th consultation, regular functional progress reporting, direct billing to the agent at the WorkSafe fee schedule, and a treating practitioner who's easy to reach for RTW planning.
To refer a client, email admin@exercare.com.au with the claim number and referral, or have your client complete our WorkSafe intake form.
WorkSafe Exercise Physiology Across South-East Melbourne
We deliver WorkSafe and WorkCover exercise physiology across south-east Melbourne including:
WorkSafe Exercise Physiology FAQs
Yes. You'll need a referral from your treating GP or specialist, along with your WorkSafe claim number and case manager details, before sessions can be billed to your agent.
No. Sessions are billed directly to your WorkSafe agent at the fixed WorkSafe fee schedule — there is no gap payment for the worker.
An Active Hazard and Risk Management Plan (AHRMP) is required documentation for WorkSafe treatment. We prepare and submit this by your 5th consultation as part of standard practice.
Yes, where appropriate. As a mobile service, we can deliver sessions at your home, your workplace, a local gym or a hydrotherapy pool — whichever best supports your specific return-to-work goals.
It depends on the injury and your job's physical demands. Programs are reviewed regularly against functional milestones, with progress reported back to your case manager and treating GP throughout.