Occupational Physiotherapy

Feature ImageWhat is Occupational Physiotherapy?

Occupational Physiotherapy services are part of the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and WorkSafe Victoria's (WorkSafe) commitment to achieving better health and return to work outcomes for TAC clients and injured workers.

Who can access occupational physiotherapy services?

Occupatioanl physiotherapy services may be appropriate for TAC clients and injured workers who have:

  • An accepted WorkSafe or TAC claim
  • musculoskeletal injuries
  • require assistance to stay at or the potential to return to work

TAC clients and injured workers can choose which occupational physiotherapist or general physiotherapist to see. Occupational physiotherapy is another option for TAC clients and injured workers to consider in their rehabilitation, recovery and return to work.

What is the benefit of seeing an O.P. as opposed to a general physiotherapist?

Occupational physiotherapists have been specially chosen by WorkSafe & TAC because of their experience with compensable claims and the TAC and WorkSafe policies and processes. They have experience in the management of musculoskeletal conditions, particularly with assisting injured people in remaining at or returning to work.

O.P.'s differ from general physiotherapists in that they are clinically audited to ensure the services they provide meet TAC and WorkSafe requirements. They also use different forms to report information. They will provide you with an initial assessment and discharge report which is different to the forms used by general physiotherapists.

TAC Clients

How an Occupational Physiotherapist can help you

Occupational physiotherapists are registered physiotherapists with experience in the management of musculoskeletal conditions. Their role is to help you recover from your transport accident injuries and return to work as early as possible. All OP's have been authorised by the TAC because they provide quality service that meets the TAC's standards.

You do not need a referral from another health care professional to see an OP.

OP's can provide TAC certificates of capacity for your income support. They will speak to your treating medical practitioner to ascertain whose role it will be to provide TAC certificates.

Are you having difficulty meeting the cost of the medical excess, as required by TAC?
If you have and approved claim and TAC claim number and have not been admitted to hospital as an inpatient, you would be subject to the TAC medical excess of $564. This excess does not apply to Occupational Physiotherapy services provided you have an approved claim.

This allows for TAC clients to receive assessment and treatment in a timely manner, without having to worry about the expense of the excess.

Arrow External Link: Download the OP TAC Fact Sheet (TAC Website)

Workcover Clients

How an Occupational Physiotherapist can help you

An Occupational Physiotherapist is a registered physiotherapist who is experienced in the management of acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, particularly in relation to getting injured people to remain at or back to work.

An OP will work with you, your employer and your treating medical practitioner to ensure a safe and successful return to work.

OP's can provide WorkSafe certificates of capacity. They will liase with your treating medical practitioner about whose role it will be to provide the certificates.

There will be no out-of-pocket costs for you provided you have an approved WorkSafe claim. As an injured worker, you do not need a referral from another health care professional to see an OP.

Arrow External Link: Download the OP Worksafe Fact Sheet (Worksafe Website)

Our Occupational Physiotherapists

Our Occupational Physiotherapists are:



Last Updated: 24th March 2011