If your workplace injury claim has been accepted by WorkSafe Victoria, our physiotherapists can manage the clinical side of your recovery at Melton, Hoppers Crossing and Sunbury. We work with patients across a wide range of work-related injuries — sprains and strains, joint and back injuries, repetitive-strain conditions, post-surgical recovery and longer-running musculoskeletal problems. We coordinate with your case manager, GP, employer and where relevant a return-to-work coordinator, and we provide the reporting WorkSafe expects. To book a WorkCover physiotherapy appointment, call (03) 9746 6852 or book online.
On this page: What WorkCover physio is · Who may benefit · What an appointment may involve · Common work injuries we see · Locations · Funding & paperwork · How 101 Physio supports WorkCover patients · FAQ
What is WorkCover physiotherapy?
WorkCover physiotherapy is physiotherapy treatment for an injury sustained at, or as a result of, work — funded under your accepted Victorian WorkCover claim. The clinical work is the same physiotherapy we provide to private patients: assessment, individualised treatment, exercise rehabilitation, education and review. What\'s different is the funding pathway and the coordination with your case manager and treating doctor. You can read official claim information from WorkSafe Victoria.
Once your claim is accepted, WorkSafe (or the relevant agent — Allianz, EML, Gallagher Bassett, etc.) covers reasonable physiotherapy treatment that is clinically related to the workplace injury. We invoice the agent directly so there's usually no out-of-pocket cost to you during accepted treatment, although your case manager may set limits on session numbers or require periodic approvals.
Who may benefit from WorkCover physiotherapy?
You may be a good fit for our WorkCover physiotherapy if:
- You have an accepted WorkCover claim (or one that's in progress and you're keeping receipts pending acceptance)
- The injury is musculoskeletal in nature — back, neck, shoulder, hip, knee, foot/ankle, elbow, wrist — including soft-tissue injuries and overuse syndromes
- You're recovering from work-related surgery and your treating doctor has recommended physiotherapy as part of rehabilitation
- You're returning to work and need rehabilitation that respects your duties and the pace at which you can resume
- You have a longer-running musculoskeletal condition that has flared with work and your GP or specialist agrees physiotherapy is appropriate
If you're not sure whether your claim is accepted or what treatment is covered, call us or talk to your case manager — we can talk through what we need before your first appointment.
What your WorkCover physiotherapy appointment may involve
A first WorkCover physiotherapy appointment is usually 30 to 45 minutes:
- Claim & paperwork. We confirm your claim number, the agent managing your claim, and the injury described. Bring any documents from your case manager, your GP, or the certificate of capacity if you have one.
- History. The injury — how it happened, when, the work duties involved, what's happened since, what's been done so far.
- Physical assessment. Movement, strength, specific tests for the area injured, and screening of related regions that the injury may have affected.
- Discussion of work & goals. What your job involves, your normal duties vs current restrictions, and what you and your treating doctor are working toward.
- Treatment plan. What we think is going on, the proposed plan including session frequency, and how we'll measure progress.
- Treatment where clinically appropriate. Manual therapy, exercise prescription, dry needling where suitable; sometimes the first session is assessment-focused with treatment beginning in session two.
- Reporting and communication. With your consent, we communicate with your case manager, GP, employer's return-to-work coordinator and any specialists involved.
Common work injuries we see
- Lower back strains and disc-related injuries from lifting or repetitive bending
- Neck and upper-back pain from desk work, driving, or sustained postures
- Rotator cuff injuries and shoulder pain from overhead or repetitive work
- Elbow tendon problems (tennis/golfer's elbow) from gripping and repetitive arm tasks
- Wrist and forearm injuries including overuse syndromes
- Knee injuries — meniscus, ligament, kneeling-related joint problems
- Ankle sprains and foot pain from falls, uneven surfaces or prolonged standing
- Post-surgical rehabilitation following work-injury surgery (knee, shoulder, lumbar)
- Soft-tissue injuries from slips, trips and falls
- Repetitive strain injuries and overuse syndromes specific to particular trades and roles
Treatment is tailored to your assessment, your work demands, and the progression your treating doctor and case manager have agreed to.
Locations offering WorkCover physiotherapy
WorkCover physiotherapy is available at all three 101 Physio clinics:
- Melton — 7/211–223 Barries Road, Melton West. Mon–Thu 9–7, Fri 9–6, Sat 9–1.
- Hoppers Crossing — 369 Morris Road, Hoppers Crossing. Mon–Fri 9–6, Sat 9–1.
- Sunbury — 16-18 O'Shanassy Street, Sunbury. By appointment, Mon–Fri 9–6, Sat 9–1.
Funding and paperwork
For accepted WorkCover claims, physiotherapy is typically funded directly by WorkSafe or the managing agent. There's usually no out-of-pocket cost to you during the accepted treatment period, although limits and approvals may apply at certain milestones.
To get the most out of your first appointment, bring:
- Your claim number and the name of the agent managing your claim
- Your current Certificate of Capacity (from your treating doctor)
- Any correspondence from your case manager — including approvals or session limits
- Imaging or operation reports you have
- Comfortable clothing you can move in
Funding eligibility depends on your circumstances, claim acceptance, agent approvals and the scope of accepted treatment. Please contact reception if you're unsure where your claim sits.
How 101 Physio supports WorkCover physiotherapy
If you're comparing WorkCover physiotherapy providers, it can help to think about location, communication with your case manager, return-to-work coordination, and whether the provider sees enough work-injury patients to handle the process smoothly. A few things to know about us:
- Three clinic locations across Melbourne's west and northwest
- Established processes for WorkSafe and agent communication — we know the paperwork
- Coordination with your GP, treating doctor, case manager and employer's return-to-work coordinator (with your consent)
- Practical, goals-based treatment planning — aligned with your work demands and current restrictions
- HICAPS on-site for any private health gap claims that arise alongside the WorkCover claim
- Online booking and phone reception for help choosing the right appointment
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral for WorkCover physiotherapy?
Yes — for WorkCover-funded treatment you'll need a current Certificate of Capacity from your treating doctor, plus your claim must be accepted by WorkSafe or the managing agent. We don't need a separate GP referral letter on top of that, but the Certificate of Capacity should specify physiotherapy.
How do I know if my claim has been accepted?
Your case manager will write to you confirming acceptance and outlining the cover. If you're unsure where your claim sits, ring your case manager (their contact is on any correspondence) or call us — we can sometimes help you check before booking.
Do I pay anything at the appointment?
Usually no — we invoice WorkSafe or the managing agent directly for accepted treatment. There may be exceptions if your case manager has set a limit you've reached, or if treatment falls outside what's been approved. We'll always discuss costs with you before any out-of-pocket session.
Can you talk to my employer about return-to-work plans?
With your written consent, yes. Coordinating with the return-to-work coordinator (where one is involved) is part of how WorkCover physiotherapy works. We can suggest activity modifications, suitable duties and progression in line with your treating doctor's certificate.
How many physiotherapy sessions will I have under WorkCover?
It depends on your injury, response to treatment and the agent's approvals. Some claims have set session limits; others are reviewed at intervals. We work to clinical timeframes that align with your treating doctor's plan and discuss progression openly.
Can I switch from another WorkCover physiotherapist to you?
Yes — you have the right to choose your physiotherapy provider. You'll usually need to notify your case manager of the change. Bring across any prior notes or progress reports if you have them.
What if my claim is in dispute or pending?
You can still receive treatment, but funding may not be available until the claim is resolved. Some patients pay privately and seek reimbursement once accepted; others wait. Talk to your case manager and call us — we can talk through your options.
Ready to book?
Call (03) 9746 6852 or book online.
Reception can help you check what we need before your first appointment.
Related: physiotherapy at 101 Physio · TAC physiotherapy · sports physiotherapy · all services
Reviewed by Joseph Louka, AHPRA-registered Physiotherapist (Principal Physiotherapist) · Last reviewed 2026-05-28.
