Veteran Rehabilitation Gold Coast | DVA

Veteran Rehabilitation

DVA Allied Health Provider

For Gold & White Card Holders

EPA Health is a registered provider for all Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) patients—both Gold & White Card holders. If you are not sure how to apply for a card, contact our team today on 1300 869 169.

Requiring only a D904 referral from your doctor, our accredited exercise physiologists can assist you in managing chronic pain and symptoms of PTSD, as well as ongoing rehabilitation through veterans exercise programs.

The owner of EPA Health is, herself, a veteran from Afghanistan. As a result, she has built her business to be welcoming and accessible for fellow veterans of all ages.

Our DVA sessions are proven to help those with a number of conditions, including:

Lower back pain
Total knee/shoulder/hip replacements
Heart disease
Type-2 diabetes
Hypertension
PTSD
Chronic health conditions and more.

We provide our services in clinics across Melbourne's Southern suburbs, as well as North Gold Coast. For more information about our DVA referrals, get in touch with our team.

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Our Veterans Exercise Program

At EPA Health, we aim to make our Gold Coast exercise clinics as welcoming and supportive as possible for our veteran clients. All that is required to attend a DVA exercise session is a D904 referral from your GP or specialist.

Partners are welcome for free, as we want clients to feel that they are in a space that is relaxing, comfortable and safe.

With 1-on-1 sessions available, which are fully-funded by the DVA, our accredited exercise physiologists can help you manage chronic pain and deal with symptoms of PTSD.

We also place a focus on fall prevention for clients who have recently had knees and hips replaced.

Starting off with stretching and building your range of motion, all the way to light cardio and resistance training, our team can give you the support and structure needed to regain physical and emotional strength in your day-to-day life.

If you would like more information about eligibility for treatment, get in touch with our team today.

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DVA Exercise Physiology

Supporting PTSD, Depression & Insomnia

There is significant evidence to suggest that a consistent exercise regime can reduce symptoms of PTSD, as well as depression and insomnia—which are often present in cases of PTSD.

As PTSD sufferers may struggle with bodily reactions that are similar to panic states (sweating, heightened heart rate etc.), our exercises begin as relatively low-energy, movement-based practice.

Our health and exercise programs are tailored to each individual, as PTSD affects everyone differently.

The aim at EPA Health is to ensure clients feel comfortable about voicing their concerns, goals and opinions whenever they wish.

For more information about treatment of PTSD, get in touch with our team today.

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Veteran Lifestyle & Health Rehabilitation Through Exercise

We specialise in rehabilitation through exercise and movement for various types of conditions, ranging from diabetes and heart problems to joint reconstructions and muscular injuries.

As often many of these issues can be present in veteran clients, EPA Health approaches every case holistically, using techniques that can have far-reaching benefits.

There are many ways to improve your lifestyle and health—and exercise is one of the first steps to increasing confidence, reducing discomfort and encouraging sleep.

For more information about how exercise physiology may assist you as a veteran, call our team on 1300 869 169.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does veteran rehabilitation involve?
Veteran rehabilitation programs are designed to give you the necessary support to regain your health and independence after a service-induced injury or illness. At EPA Health, we'll help develop a plan to assess your current state of physical and social health, and to identify your goals and how they can be managed with proper exercise treatments.

A general veteran rehabilitation plan can involve:
- Medical assistance: Help with appointments, medications, therapeutic treatments, and accessing necessary equipment.
- Social support: Help with life management, maintaining familial and social connections, and managing your health conditions independently.
- Vocational assistance: Help with employment assessment and preparation for work and find work, necessary workplace aids, or courses for developing your skills.
How does exercise physiology help with rehabilitation?

Exercise physiology can help you manage chronic disease, illness or injury. It uses exercise techniques to help you engage in rehabilitation and regain more functioning and independence. It's most often used for patients living with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, cancer, and chronic muscular conditions.
Am I entitled to exercise physiology services?

You may be able to receive these services if you're determined to have a medical need, and if you have a Veteran Gold Card. If you have a Veteran White Card and require treatment for an acceptable service-induced condition, you may also be eligible. You will also need to demonstrate that you are living with chronic illness or disease, or are currently recovering after a hospital admission for treatment of serious injury or illness.
What do exercise physiology services involve?
If you're deemed eligible for exercise physiology services, you might receive:
- A tailored treatment plan detailing the type and frequency of the services required
- Useful skills designed to help you manage your health with exercise.
At all times, you are held at the centre of your care, with your GP coordinating your treatment.
What costs are involved with exercise physiology?

Once you obtain a referral from your GP for exercise physiology services, simply present your DVA Gold or White card as payment. The DVA will pay for all necessary treatments, so there will be no gap fees or costs to you.
How can I access exercise physiology services?

The first step in the process is to obtain a referral to an exercise physiologist covered by the Medicare Benefits Scheme. This can come from your GP, specialist, treating doctor in hospital, or a hospital discharge planner.

After you get a referral, contact your exercise physiologist for an appointment. It's important to make sure they will accept your Veteran Gold Card or Veteran White Card as payment for their services.
Who is involved in my rehabilitation?

During your rehabilitation, you'll be supported by rehabilitation providers, rehabilitation delegates, and other service providers.

Rehabilitation providers help you manage your plan. They might be responsible for coordinating your assessment and assisting you to develop and manage your plan, and to access the treatments you need.

A rehabilitation delegate will be assigned once your plan begins. They will serve as a link between you and others involved in your care, ensuring your rehabilitation is suited to your needs and that you understand your entitlements and responsibilities.

Other service providers might feature as part of your plan. These include health and Allied health service providers, training providers, or support service providers.