You may be eligible for the St Lukes Spinal pilot program (The Program) if you meet the below inclusion and exclusion criteria. 

Inclusion Criteria
The clinical inclusion criteria for the program, to be confirmed by a Medical Practitioner in a referral letter, are specified as the following:
a)    You have a primary diagnosis of a lumbar spinal condition confirmed through diagnostic imaging;
b)    You have experienced pain at a level of 4/10 or higher over the last month ;
c)    You Considered a candidate for spinal surgery in the next 3 years, by a Medical Practitioner; and,
d)    The absence of any exclusion criteria.

Additional St Lukes inclusion criteria are specified as the following:
a)    To be eligible, you must:
     i.    Have been a St Lukes member for 12 months or longer;
     ii.    You currently hold St Lukes Hospital cover that includes the Back, neck and spine clinical category;
     iii.    Your membership payments are up to date;
     iv.    You have served all hospital waiting periods for the Back, neck and Spine clinical category;
     v.    You can commit to the full program and attend the scheduled sessions at the scheduled location and times. 

Exclusion Criteria
You may be excluded from The Program if:
a)    You have any contraindications to strength training, including significantly reduced mobility or deconditioning;
b)    You have any condition which the assessing physiotherapist deems likely to lead to poor compliance, exercise adherence, or an inability to exercise at the required intensity in the program. This may include, but not limited to:
     i.    A diagnosis of a chronic pain condition or syndrome
     ii.    Co-morbidities or co-existing conditions
     iii.    Other contraindications to strength testing or strength training
c)    You have spinal surgery scheduled within 6 months of presentation for The Program and are unwilling to postpone or cancel it;
d)    You are a previous or current member of Kieser Australia;
e)    You have had paid claims towards an approved Kieser gym membership under the Health Management Program included in your Extras cover with St Lukes.