GMHBA with Kieser
We're supporting eligible* members with access to Kieser's Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis or Spinal programs.
We’re working with Kieser to support eligible* members with access to physiotherapy-led osteoarthritis programs designed to reduce pain, improve strength and help delay joint surgery. Through GMHBA funding, eligible* members can participate in Kieser’s Hip & Knee or Spinal Osteoarthritis Chronic Disease Management Programs.
*To be eligible for GMHBA funding, members must meet the membership, clinical and program-specific eligibility requirements for either the Kieser Hip & Knee or Spinal Program. Eligibility includes holding eligible hospital cover, serving relevant waiting periods, meeting clinical criteria, and satisfying Kieser's program-specific requirements. Each program may be accessed once every three years, subject to ongoing eligibility. See the full eligibility criteria below.
Eligibility criteria
Membership requirements
- Hold an active GMHBA hospital cover that includes the clinical categories Bone, Joint & Muscle and Joint Replacements
- Have served the relevant 12-month waiting periods
Clinical eligibility
- Have a diagnosis of osteoarthritis confirmed by diagnostic imaging
- Be identified by a GP as being at risk of requiring joint surgery within the next three years, with no surgery currently booked or planned
- Report an average pain level of at least 4/10 over the past month
Membership requirements
- Hold an active GMHBA hospital cover that includes the clinical categories Back, Neck & Spine and Pain Management with Device
- Have served the relevant 12-month waiting periods
Clinical eligibility
- Have a spinal condition confirmed by diagnostic imaging
- Be identified by a GP as being at risk of requiring spinal surgery within the next three years, with no surgery currently booked or planned
- Report an average pain level of at least 4/10 over the past month
Exclusions
To be eligible for either program, members must not:
- Have been an active Kieser member within the previous 12 months (including self-funded or third-party funded participation)
- Have participated in a GMHBA-funded Kieser program of the same clinical stream within the previous three years
- Have surgery already booked prior to enrolment
- Fail to meet Kieser's program-specific accessibility criteria
About Kieser
Kieser offers structured programs that bring together physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and strength training, delivered by qualified health professionals throughout Australia. Each program is designed to meet the individual needs of members with osteoarthritis.
By focusing on muscle strength, Kieser programs aim to help members improve mobility and manage symptoms. Programs can also support members in delaying surgery or in recovery if surgery is needed in the future.
FAQs
Eligible* members must hold GMHBA hospital cover that includes Bone, Joint and Muscle and Joint Replacements, have served the relevant waiting periods, and meet clinical and program-specific eligibility criteria, including a confirmed diagnosis of osteoarthritis, per the above.
Yes. A GP must confirm your osteoarthritis diagnosis (with diagnostic medical imaging) and identify that you are at risk of requiring joint surgery within the next three years, with no surgery currently booked or planned.
GMHBA provides funding for eligible* members to participate in the program. Any out-of-pocket costs (if applicable) will be explained before you commence.
You must not have been an active Kieser member within the previous 12 months to be eligible* for GMHBA funding.
Each program may be accessed once every three years, subject to ongoing eligibility.
The 15-week program includes physiotherapy assessments, supervised strength training, independent exercise sessions, education, and access to Kieser’s specialised equipment and digital support app.
Targeted strength training may help reduce joint load, improve muscle support, and support mobility for people with osteoarthritis. Many members also report improvements in daily function and comfort.
The program is designed to support strength, mobility, and symptom management, which may help some members delay the need for joint or spinal surgery.
Yes. GMHBA offers a dedicated Spinal Osteoarthritis Program through Kieser for eligible* members with a primary spinal diagnosis.
Members receive education and exercise guidance to support long-term management of their condition beyond the program.
Kieser has clinics across Australia. Availability depends on location and program capacity. Find your nearest location here.
The app supports your program by tracking exercises, providing education and helping you stay engaged throughout the 15 weeks.
Members with surgery already booked or planned are not eligible for the GMHBA-funded program.