Starting CTP physiotherapy after a motor accident in NSW

First steps after the accident

Seek urgent medical care for severe pain, major trauma, neurological symptoms, breathing difficulty, loss of consciousness or rapidly worsening symptoms. For non-urgent injuries, notify the relevant CTP insurer and obtain a claim or reference number before arranging insurer-funded physiotherapy.

SIRA advises that an insurer may approve a GP consultation and two treatment consultations after notification of injury and before a full claim is made. This early access is subject to insurer approval.

What to have when booking

• CTP claim or reference number
• Insurer and case manager details
• Any written treatment approval
• Certificate of Fitness if available
• Relevant imaging, medical reports or discharge information

The physiotherapy assessment

Assessment focuses on the injuries sustained in the crash, current movement and function, symptom behaviour, work and daily activity tolerance, and any features requiring medical review.

Treatment must relate to the motor accident injury. The plan may include education, graded movement, strength and conditioning, manual treatment and strategies for returning to work and usual activities.

Requesting more treatment

Most CTP insurers use the Allied Health Treatment Request after the first treatment on a claim, other than approved early intervention sessions. The request explains the clinical presentation, goals, progress measures and proposed treatment.

The insurer decides whether the proposed services are reasonable and necessary. Confirm approval before continuing beyond sessions already authorised.

Keep the plan functional

Recovery is measured through useful changes such as movement, sleep, driving, work, exercise and everyday activity—not symptoms alone. Treatment should progress towards self-management as capacity improves.