Functional assessment
An assessment of your current physical capacity relative to the demands of your job — identifying the gap between where you are now and what your work requires of you.
Vocational Rehabilitation
ACC-funded support for getting back to work safely after injury — working with you, your employer, and your wider care team.
Returning to work after an injury is rarely as simple as waiting until you feel better. It involves your physical recovery, your workplace, your employer, and often your case manager. At You First Physio, our vocational rehabilitation service brings those threads together — helping you find a safe, well-paced path back to meaningful work.
This service is funded by ACC and delivered through the ACC vocational rehabilitation pathway. It is not booked online — please contact reception or speak to your physiotherapist to discuss whether this service is appropriate for you.
What is vocational rehabilitation?
Vocational rehabilitation is a structured, coordinated approach to returning to work following an ACC-covered injury. It goes beyond standard physiotherapy by addressing not only your physical recovery, but also the specific demands of your job, your workplace environment, and the practical steps needed to get you back safely.
Nigel Roy, one of our directors and our vocational rehabilitation provider describes the work simply: "Patient, and also employer can work together in a collaborative way to ensure that their return is a safe and sustainable transition from being off work fully to returning to full hours and eventually full duties. "
No two cases are the same. The demands of a builder returning to overhead work are different from those of someone returning to a desk job, or a tradesperson managing heavy loads. The plan is built around your specific situation — not a generic return-to-work template.
What vocational rehabilitation may involve
Work site assessment
A review of your specific work environment and duties, which may involve a visit to your workplace. This helps identify modified duties, temporary adjustments, or equipment that can support an earlier, safer return.
Return-to-work planning
A structured, step-by-step plan developed with you, your employer, and ACC — progressively building your hours and duties as your capacity allows. The aim is a return that is neither rushed nor unnecessarily delayed.
Coordination between you and your employer
One of the most important parts of the process is communication. "A lot of it is communication between employer and employee — making sure everyone's on the same page," says Nigel. "We're not throwing them back too soon and flaring them up and ending up back at square one again."
Functional strengthening alongside your return
For physically demanding jobs, functional strengthening that replicates and mimics your actual work is built into your plan — so you're not just returning to your duties, but building the capacity to do them safely and sustainably.
Who this service may be helpful for
Vocational rehabilitation may be appropriate for people who:
- Are off work for more than two weeks and receiving weekly compensation from ACC and want support returning to work
- Have a physically demanding job and need a structured, graded return to full duties
- Are working reduced hours or modified duties and want to progress back to full capacity
- Have an injury whose recovery involves specific functional demands related to their occupation
- And many others — if your sport isn’t listed, get in touch.
Funding and how to access this service
Vocational rehabilitation is fully funded by ACC for eligible patients. There is no direct surcharge to you for services delivered under this programme.
The service is accessed through the ACC vocational rehabilitation pathway — typically via a referral from your treating physiotherapist, GP, or ACC directly. If you are currently seeing a physiotherapist at You First Physio, they can discuss whether a vocational rehabilitation referral is appropriate for your situation.
If you are not currently under our care and would like to discuss this service, please contact reception at your nearest clinic.
What our patients say
Excellent experience
Maggie McInnes is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about her mahi but most importantly she is driven by empathy and kindness. You never feel rushed or dismissed in her appointments.
Tori Holden
Exceptionally skilled and caring
They are exceptionally skilled and caring and show genuine warmth and empathy and client care. I would never go anywhere else.
Veresha Padayachee
Very Professional service
Saw Jack today. He got to the bottom of my wrist issue right away. Told me what was causing the issue and how to fix it.
Lewis Cashell
Vocational Rehabilitation appointment costs
ACC-funded treatment
If your injury was caused by an accident, ACC may cover part of your treatment cost. You'll pay a patient co-payment per appointment.
Initial appointment
45 minutes
$57
(concession $52)
Follow-up appointment
30 minutes
$49
(concession $44)
Private treatment
For injuries not caused by an accident, standard physiotherapy fees apply.
Initial appointment
45 minutes
$112
(concession $107)
Follow-up appointment
30 minutes
$87
(concession $82)
Questions about costs before you book? Call your nearest clinic, we're happy to help.
Vocational Rehabilitation FAQs
No. Vocational rehabilitation is funded by ACC for eligible patients with an accepted claim.
At You First Physio, vocational rehabilitation is led by Nigel Roy, one of our directors and has postgraduate training and experience in this area, working across our Christchurch clinics.
You can request from your case manager at ACC that You first Physio undertakes your return to work support. They can then send the referral to our clinic
Employer engagement is an important part of the process, and Nigel is experienced in navigating complex situations involving workplace dynamics, modified duties, and communication between all parties. If you have concerns about your employer's involvement, discuss these with reception when you call.
Yes — in fact, the service is particularly relevant for physically demanding occupations where the demands of full duties are high. A graded, carefully planned return allows capacity to be built progressively, in a way that manages the risk of re-injury or setback.
Book your Vocational Rehabilitation appointment
Book an initial appointment at your nearest clinic — online in minutes, or give us a call. Our 45-minute initial appointments are available across all five of our Christchurch clinics, and online booking is available at all locations.