If you hold a Veteran Card, DVA can pay for chiropractic and physiotherapy at Tensegrity Sports Clinics. All you need is a referral from your GP. We then bill DVA directly, so you can focus on getting back to what moves you.
This guide also explains what DVA covers, how the treatment cycle works and how to book with a DVA chiropractor or physio in Sydney.
What does DVA cover?
DVA covers chiropractic and physiotherapy that is clinically necessary. At Tensegrity, chiropractic is available at all our clinics, and physiotherapy at our St Leonards clinic. However, what that includes depends on your card:
- Veteran Card (All Conditions): treatment for any condition.
- Veteran Card (Specific Conditions): treatment for your accepted service-related conditions.
- Remedial massage: not covered by DVA.
Not sure what your card covers? In that case, call us and we will check with you before your first visit.
How do I get a referral?
First, ask your usual GP for a referral to a chiropractor or physiotherapist. For your first treatment cycle, the referral can also come from a medical specialist, a treating hospital doctor or a hospital discharge planner. Then book with us and bring the referral and your Veteran Card to your first appointment.
How does the DVA treatment cycle work?
- Referral. Each referral covers one treatment cycle of up to 12 sessions or 12 months, whichever ends first.
- Initial consultation. Your practitioner assesses you and writes a care plan with clear, measurable goals.
- Treatment. Hands-on care plus exercises to keep your progress going between visits.
- Report to your GP. Towards the end of the cycle, we send your GP a report on your progress and recommendations.
- Next steps. Your GP reviews the report with you and, if you need more care, can refer you for another cycle.
What does it cost?
We bill DVA directly for eligible treatment. As a result, you do not pay at the appointment. Just bring your Veteran Card to every visit.
What is changing in 2027?
In addition, DVA has announced changes to allied health from 1 July 2027. The 12-session treatment cycle will end. Instead, if your allied health treatment reaches $5,000 in a year, DVA will review your care with your healthcare team. DVA describes this threshold as a checkpoint, not a cap, and you can keep accessing treatment while the review takes place. Meanwhile, we will update this page as DVA releases more detail.
Why see a DVA chiropractor or physio at Tensegrity?
Every plan at Tensegrity follows the same model. First, a thorough assessment. Then hands-on treatment. After that, exercise rehabilitation, so your results hold. We also keep your GP informed, so your care stays connected.
In addition, we have seven clinics across Sydney, and our team consults in English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Korean.
Have your GP referral? Call 1300 903 929 or book online, and let us know you are a DVA patient.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral to see a DVA chiropractor?
Yes. You need a referral from your usual GP. For your first treatment cycle, the referral can also come from a medical specialist, a treating hospital doctor or a hospital discharge planner.
How many sessions does a referral cover?
One treatment cycle covers up to 12 sessions or 12 months, whichever ends first. At the end of the cycle, we send a report to your GP, and your GP can refer you for another cycle if you need more care.
Will I pay anything?
We bill DVA directly for eligible treatment, so you do not pay at the appointment. Bring your Veteran Card to every visit.
Is remedial massage covered by DVA?
No. DVA covers chiropractic and physiotherapy as allied health services, but it does not cover remedial massage.
What is changing for veterans in 2027?
From 1 July 2027, DVA plans to remove the 12-session treatment cycle. Instead, a review will start if your allied health treatment reaches $5,000 in a year. DVA describes this as a checkpoint, not a cap.
Related reading
- Government-funded care at Tensegrity
- EPC plan chiropractor and physio
- Evidence-based chiropractic at Tensegrity Sports Clinics