Getting help after a workplace injury
Hurting yourself at work brings enough stress without confusing paperwork on top of it. This is general information about how WorkCover physiotherapy claims typically work in NSW — for advice specific to your situation, your claims agent or a legal professional can help further.
The general process
- Report your injury to your employer as soon as possible
- See your GP or treating doctor, who can provide a certificate of capacity and referral
- Your employer or claims agent lodges a workers compensation claim
- Once accepted, approved physiotherapy treatment is typically funded as part of your claim
Your first physiotherapy appointment
Bring your claim number if you have one, along with your certificate of capacity and any details of your claims agent. Our AHPRA-registered physiotherapists will assess your injury, discuss your work duties, and build a treatment plan aimed at supporting your recovery and, where appropriate, a safe return to work.
What treatment typically involves
Your treatment plan may include hands-on therapy, exercise-based rehabilitation, and advice on modified duties. Your physiotherapist will also generally communicate with your claims agent and, where relevant, your employer, to support your return-to-work planning.
Quick tip
Keep a copy of your claim number and claims agent contact details handy — you’ll likely need to provide these at each new provider you see throughout your claim.
What if my claim isn’t accepted yet?
You may still be able to start treatment before your claim is formally accepted in some circumstances — our team can talk you through your options and what’s generally involved if this applies to you.
Getting the right support early on can make a real difference to your recovery and return-to-work timeline.
Working toward return to work
In many cases, treatment is guided by supporting a safe, graded return to work alongside your recovery, rather than waiting until you’re fully recovered before considering any return. Your physiotherapist and claims agent can help coordinate this with your employer.
Coordinating with your workplace
Where appropriate, your physiotherapist may communicate with your employer about suitable modified duties or workplace adjustments that support your recovery while you continue treatment. This kind of coordination often helps injured workers return to some form of work sooner, in a way that doesn’t compromise their recovery.
If your role involves specific physical demands, describing these clearly to your physiotherapist helps them design a rehabilitation program that reflects the real requirements of your job, not just general fitness.
Staying engaged with your recovery
Attending scheduled appointments consistently and following your home exercise program between sessions both play an important role in supporting a timely, effective recovery under your WorkCover claim.
Keeping your GP in the loop
Your GP typically plays an ongoing role in a WorkCover claim, reviewing your certificate of capacity periodically. Keeping them updated on your physiotherapy progress helps ensure consistent information is provided across your entire treating team.
Learn more from official sources: State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) NSW. Information on this page is general in nature and does not replace advice from your treating doctor or claims agent.
Information on this page is general in nature and is not a substitute for individualised advice from a registered health practitioner. Our practitioners are registered with AHPRA.