DVA PHYSIOTHERAPY

DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS

DVA PHYSIOTHERAPY AT REFINE PHYSIO

At Refine Physio, our physiotherapists are qualified in assessing and treating DVA physiotherapy patients covered under the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Scheme. Our DVA physio service is focused on improving both a patient’s function and pain level through targeted and meaningful treatment. We treat conditions relating to musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory.

Regardless of your current fitness levels, we will work closely with you to understand your goals and help you achieve them. Whether improved balance and strength is your main interest, or you just want to reduce pain and stiffness in everyday life, our DVA physio services can help you get there.

Ready to Book a DVA Physio Appointment?

If you have a referral from an authorised medical practitioner and are ready to book a DVA physiotherapy session, use our online form to arrange an appointment today. If you have any questions about how our physiotherapy treatments might be able to help you, get in touch with our friendly team today by calling (07) 3216 1330 or sending an email to admin@refinehealthgroup.com.au.

Our DVA Physiotherapy Services

At our physiotherapy clinic, we are proud to provide dedicated care to veterans through a wide range of DVA-approved services. Our team places a strong emphasis on hands-on treatment in the clinic room, using manual therapy techniques to relieve pain, improve movement, and enhance physical function.

Alongside individualised treatment, veterans have access to our purpose-built, fully equipped rehabilitation gym, which is designed to support safe, guided exercise programs that assist with strength, stability, and long-term recovery. We’re committed to supporting the ongoing health, independence, and quality of life of those who have served.

What We Offer for DVA Clients:

Full access to DVA-funded physiotherapy services for eligible veterans
Strong emphasis on manual, hands-on therapy during one-on-one sessions
Use of our custom-built rehab gym to support targeted exercise and conditioning
Individualised programs focused on strength, balance, and functional goals
Skilled physios with experience in managing veteran-specific needs and conditions
Continuity of care to support long-term wellbeing, mobility, and confidence

DVA Treatments for a Wide Range of Injuries

Our clinic commonly treats a range of musculoskeletal conditions experienced by veterans, with some of the most frequent being cervical whiplash, chronic lower back pain, and shoulder or knee injuries. These issues often stem from long-term physical strain, past service-related incidents, or degenerative changes over time.

Our physiotherapists are skilled in assessing and managing these conditions through a combination of manual therapy, targeted rehabilitation exercises, and personalised treatment plans aimed at reducing pain, improving function, and supporting long-term mobility and independence.

We treat the following:

Musculoskeletal Injuries

Lumbar disc degeneration or herniation
Tendinopathies (e.g. Achilles, patellar, rotator cuff)
Plantar fasciitis
Hip impingement and bursitis
Neck stiffness and cervicogenic headaches
Postural strain and myofascial pain

Traumatic or Service-Related Injuries

Joint instability or post-surgical rehab (e.g. ACL, rotator cuff repairs)
Fractures with long-term biomechanical effects
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) – often mild but may influence physical symptoms
Peripheral nerve injuries (e.g. radiculopathy, carpal tunnel)
Chronic soft tissue injuries from overuse or impact

Chronic Pain & Complex Conditions

Chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
Fibromyalgia-like symptoms
Post-traumatic stress-related physical symptoms
Vestibular and balance issues (especially post-concussion or inner ear trauma)

Age-Related Degenerative Conditions (earlier onset)

Osteoarthritis – knees, hips, spine
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
Degenerative disc disease
Generalised joint degeneration from high physical loads during service

Why Choose Refine Physio?

All our physiotherapists are specifically trained in both DVA treatment protocols and billing processes, ensuring a smooth, stress-free experience for veterans. We understand the system, advocate for our patients, and provide the highest standard of care with the respect and attention our veteran community deserves.

In addition to in-clinic care, we offer home visit physiotherapy consultations for eligible DVA clients who may have difficulty attending appointments in person. Our mobile physiotherapists provide the same high-quality, hands-on treatment and tailored rehabilitation programs in the comfort and convenience of your home.

This service is ideal for veterans with mobility limitations, transport challenges, or chronic conditions requiring ongoing support. We bring the equipment, expertise, and personalised care directly to you, ensuring continuity of treatment and improved access to physiotherapy when it’s needed most. We offer this home-visit consultation to clients within 15km of Brisbane CBD and associated travel costs are billed directly to DVA.

Put Your Best Foot Forward with Refine Physiotherapy and Pilates

If you’d like a session with the DVA physiotherapist Brisbane veterans trust for meaningful care, book an appointment through our online form today. To enquire more about the DVA physiotherapy services that we offer, feel free to send an email to admin@refinehealthgroup.com.au or give us a call on (07) 3216 1330 for a chat.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our DVA Physiotherapy Services

Do I Need to Pay for DVA Physiotherapy Services?

No. Our clinic will bill DVA directly.

Who is Eligible for DVA Physiotherapy?

White Card Holders (with referral for specific diagnosis)
Gold Card Holders

If you have a Repatriation Health Card – For All Conditions (Gold Card), the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) will fund physiotherapy services available through DVA arrangements that meet your clinical needs. For information about eligibility and use of the Gold Card, please see DVA Factsheets HSV59 and HSV60.

If you have a Repatriation Health Card – For Specific Conditions (White Card), DVA will fund physiotherapy services provided under DVA arrangements, if they are required because of an accepted war or service caused injury or disease. For more information about the White Card, please see DVA Factsheet HSV61.

Note: Allied veterans are eligible for treatment of war caused disabilities accepted by the entitled person’s home country. Please refer to DVA Factsheet HSV62 for specific information on the services available.

How Do I Access DVA Physiotherapy Services?

To access DVA physio services you must be referred to a physiotherapist who is able to provide services under the Medicare Benefits Scheme. A referral can be issued by:

A DVA physio referral remains active for twelve months from the date of referral. Referral dates cannot overlap from one twelve-month period to the next. The number of services you receive depends on your clinical need. It is important to have the referral ready when you meet your physiotherapist for the first time, as it’s how we bill for our services. If you do not have a referral, you will not be able to access DVA-subsidised physiotherapy. DVA clients must also present:

A valid (non-expired) white or gold card
ID containing date of birth, and your full name

If you cannot provide these details, you will not be eligible for subsidised rates at the time of your appointment. You will still be able to access physiotherapy services at standard rates, and you will be provided with receipts.

Please advise us if another physiotherapist or chiropractor has provided you with treatment during the previous twelve months.

What Happens on My First Visit?

On your first DVA physio visit, we will assess your need for physiotherapy and prepare and discuss a written care plan with you.

We require you to sign and take a copy of a service voucher with your name, file number, date of treatment, and item number on it at the completion of your initial and any subsequent visit.