Exercise Physiology for Veterans: What DVA-Funded Sessions Actually Look Like
If you're a veteran dealing with an old injury, ongoing pain, or just finding it harder to stay active than you used to, Exercise Physiology might be able to help, and for many veterans, it's available through DVA at no out-of-pocket cost. Here's what that actually means in practice.
What Does an Exercise Physiologist Do?
Our Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) use exercise as a clinical tool to help manage injury, chronic conditions, and functional decline. That's different from a personal trainer: our programs are based on a proper assessment of your history, current function, and goals, and they're adjusted as you progress, not a generic workout plan.
Common Reasons Veterans See an Exercise Physiologist
Service can take a real toll on the body, and the impact often shows up well after discharge. Some of the more common reasons veterans come to us for Exercise Physiology include:
Musculoskeletal injuries from service, including joint, back, and shoulder issues
Chronic pain that's limited what you can comfortably do day to day
General deconditioning, where fitness and strength have dropped off over time
Cardiovascular and metabolic health, including managing risk factors like blood pressure or weight
Mobility and functional decline, particularly for older veterans
This isn't a complete list, and everyone's situation is different. If you're not sure whether your particular condition fits, that's exactly what an initial conversation is for.
How DVA Funding Works for Exercise Physiology
DVA can fund Exercise Physiology sessions under item D904, depending on your DVA Card type and the conditions accepted under your card. As a general guide:
Gold Card holders typically have broader access to DVA-funded allied health services.
White Card holders are generally covered for conditions specifically accepted by DVA.
A referral from your GP is usually needed to access DVA-funded Exercise Physiology. If you're not sure what your card covers or whether you need a referral, your GP or DVA directly can confirm your specific situation, it varies enough between individuals that it's worth checking rather than assuming.
What Actually Happens in a Session
Sessions don't look like a hospital appointment. They happen in a real gym setting, because the exercise itself is the intervention. A typical starting point looks like:
Initial assessment — a proper look at your history, current function, and what you're actually trying to achieve
A tailored program — built around your goals, not a template
Ongoing sessions — with a consistent clinician, so there's continuity rather than explaining your situation from scratch every visit
Adjustments as you go — the program changes as your strength, pain, and function change
Getting Started
If you think Exercise Physiology could help, the first step is usually a conversation with your GP about a referral, or reaching out to us directly to ask questions before you commit to anything. Either way, you don't need to have it all figured out before making contact.
The Right Move Allied Health Centre works with veterans across Thornleigh, Collaroy, and Frenchs Forest, with dedicated experience in DVA-funded rehabilitation and long-term condition management. Get in touch on 0450 118 011 or info@trmhealth.com.au to ask any questions.