DVA Physiotherapy Adelaide

Supporting Veterans Across Adelaide – No Wait Time for DVA Physiotherapy

At Thrive Health Therapies, we proudly provide expert DVA physiotherapy services across Adelaide for veterans and their families. Our experienced physiotherapists deliver personalised, evidence-based treatment to support recovery from injury, manage chronic conditions, improve mobility, and maintain independence. Whether you're managing pain, recovering from surgery, or aiming to stay physically active, our team is here to help.

Client smiling lifting weights during a mobile exercise physiology home visit in Adelaide

What Is DVA Physiotherapy?

DVA-funded physiotherapy supports eligible veterans under the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) with clinically prescribed rehabilitation and physical treatment programs. These services aim to:

  • Improve strength, mobility, and function

  • Aid recovery following surgery or injury

  • Support chronic pain and joint conditions

  • Reduce falls risk and improve balance

  • Enhance physical independence and quality of life

Our physiotherapists are registered with DVA and experienced in veteran care. Therapy is always delivered in a respectful, goal-focused way and tailored to your needs and service history.

Eligible veterans can access services at no out-of-pocket cost with a valid referral.


Who Is Eligible for DVA Physiotherapy?

You may be eligible for DVA-funded physiotherapy if you hold:

  • A Gold Card – covers all clinically necessary physiotherapy services

  • A White Card – covers services related to your accepted conditions

To begin, you'll need a referral from one of the following:

  • Your GP

  • A specialist

  • A hospital discharge planner

Once your referral is approved, services can begin immediately - with no waitlist and no upfront costs.

If you're unsure about your eligibility, our friendly team is happy to guide you through the process.


Common Conditions We Support

Our physiotherapists work with veterans across a wide range of physical and neurological conditions. Common presentations include:

We offer tailored support whether you're recovering from injury, managing long-term pain, or working toward improved strength and movement.

How We Support Veterans

At Thrive Health Therapies, we understand the physical demands and long-term impacts of military service. Our veteran-centred approach prioritises comfort, function, and practical outcomes.

Our physiotherapy programs for veterans may include:

  • Post-surgical rehabilitation (e.g. joint replacements, spinal surgery)

  • Pain management for musculoskeletal or nerve-related pain

  • Falls prevention and gait retraining

  • Mobility training and use of assistive devices

  • Manual therapy and soft tissue techniques

  • Functional strengthening to support daily activity and independence

  • Education and self-management strategies

  • Support following hospital discharge or injury

Each program is tailored to your goals, medical history, and physical environment—whether you're at home, in the community, or in aged care.


What to Expect from DVA Physiotherapy

Step 1: Get a Referral

Your GP or specialist can refer you for DVA physiotherapy. We can assist with any required paperwork.

Step 2: Initial Assessment

Your first session will include a comprehensive assessment where we:

  • Review your medical and service history

  • Understand your current symptoms and goals

  • Assess mobility, posture, balance, and physical limitations

  • Identify risks and develop a baseline for progress

Step 3: Personalised Treatment Plan

We’ll create a physiotherapy program tailored to your needs. It may include:

  • Exercise-based rehabilitation

  • Hands-on treatment

  • Pain relief strategies

  • Functional mobility training

  • Advice on posture, movement, and injury prevention

  • Home exercise program (if appropriate)

Step 4: Ongoing Support

Your physiotherapist will provide regular, structured sessions to:

  • Monitor progress and adjust your plan

  • Provide manual therapy or exercise guidance

  • Help you build confidence and resilience

  • Liaise with your GP or care team if needed

Where We Offer DVA Physiotherapy

We offer community-based, clinic-based and telehealth physiotherapy services to clients throughout Adelaide.

  • Community-Based Services: We provide community-based services in your home or at a location convenient to you across Adelaide. Learn more about our mobile physiotherapy services.

  • Clinic-Based Services: We provide clinic-based services in our specialised clinic and gym in Findon, which has been designed to be appropriate for a range of presentations and disabilities. Our fully accessible clinic and gym space has a range of specialised equipment, allowing individuals with significant physical disabilities the opportunity to work towards their goals. Learn more about our clinic and gym.

  • Telehealth Services: We also offer comprehensive telehealth services, providing clients in Adelaide with convenient, video-based therapy consultations for those who may have difficulty travelling to our clinic or prefer the convenience of remote support. Learn more about our teleheath services.

Exercise physiologist sitting on couch with client who has crutches smiling

Funding and Cost

All eligible DVA services are fully funded - no out-of-pocket costs.

What’s required:

  • Valid DVA Gold or White Card

  • Referral from a GP, specialist, or hospital

  • Approved treatment cycle for exercise physiology (up to 12 sessions, renewable)

Need help understanding DVA funding or referral paperwork? Give us a call on 0474 248 081 and our friendly team will able to answer any questions.

Client with intellectual disability using exercise band at home during exercise physiology session

Benefits of DVA Physiotherapy

✔ Convenience

We offer flexible care at home, in our clinic, or via telehealth - removing the need for travel and making therapy more accessible for veterans.

✔ Personalised & Practical

Programs are tailored to your service history, health conditions, goals, and preferred environment - whether at home or in a fully equipped clinic.

✔ Veteran-Centred Care

We understand the physical and mental health challenges faced by veterans and provide respectful and inclusive support.

✔ Support After Surgery or Injury

Our programs assist recovery following surgery, injury, or hospital discharge - reducing complications and supporting a safe return to function.

✔ Holistic & Collaborative

We work closely with your GP, specialists, and other allied health providers to ensure integrated, consistent care throughout your treatment cycle.

Exercise physiologist smiling assisting individual who is using motomed therapy equipment

FAQs - DVA Physiotherapy Adelaide

If you can’t find an answer to your question, please contact our friendly team on 0474 248 081 or email enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com

  • Yes. A referral from your GP, specialist, or hospital is required. We can help you with the paperwork if needed.

  • No. All approved DVA physiotherapy services are fully covered- no gap fees apply.

  • Yes! We offer home visits throughout Adelaide. Learn more about our mobile physiotherapy services.

  • Absolutely. We provide clear communication and ongoing updates, and we actively collaborate with families, support staff, and other allied health providers.

  • Just ask your GP or treating specialist for a referral to physiotherapy under DVA. If you’re not sure what’s needed, we’re happy to help with the paperwork and guide you through the process.

  • No! We can start working with new clients right away.

Ready to get started?

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Referral Form

Fill out our easy online referral form and we’ll be in touch!

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