Navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can be a daunting experience for participants and their families, particularly when it comes to securing essential therapeutic supports such as physiotherapy. Services like those offered by Core Physiotherapy & Pilates Studio play a pivotal role in helping individuals achieve better mobility, independence, and participation in everyday life. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step overview of how to access physiotherapy under the NDIS, helping participants to understand their options and make confident, informed choices.
1. Know What the NDIS Covers
The NDIS provides funding for a wide range of supports and services, depending on the participant’s individual goals and needs. Physiotherapy is one of the core therapeutic supports often included in plans, especially when it directly relates to the participant’s functional limitations and quality of life.
Physiotherapy under the NDIS can assist with:
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Improving balance, strength, and mobility
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Rehabilitation after injury or surgery
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Management of chronic pain or physical conditions
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Prevention of further physical decline
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Support with assistive equipment and home modifications
NDIS funding will typically only cover physiotherapy that is considered “reasonable and necessary” for the participant’s disability. Understanding this criteria is important when planning and preparing for your access request or plan review.
2. Check Eligibility for NDIS Supports
Before any services can be accessed, the participant must be deemed eligible for the NDIS. To be eligible, an individual must:
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Be aged under 65 at the time of application
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Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa
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Have a permanent and significant disability that impacts their ability to take part in everyday activities
If eligibility is confirmed, the participant can proceed to the planning stage, where goals and support needs are outlined.
3. Develop an NDIS Plan with Physiotherapy Goals
Once accepted into the NDIS, participants work with a Local Area Coordinator (LAC), planner, or support coordinator to develop a personalised NDIS plan. This plan outlines long-term and short-term goals, along with the supports required to achieve them.
To include physiotherapy in the plan, it is crucial to clearly articulate how it helps achieve these goals. For example:
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“To improve my walking and mobility to safely access the community”
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“To manage pain from cerebral palsy to increase independence”
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“To build strength and coordination to participate in school or work activities”
Participants should be prepared to present assessments, letters from allied health professionals, or other documentation supporting the need for physiotherapy. This ensures a stronger case for its inclusion in the plan.
4. Understand the Different NDIS Budgets
NDIS plans are divided into three funding categories: Core Supports, Capacity Building Supports, and Capital Supports.
Physiotherapy generally falls under Capacity Building Supports, specifically in the “Improved Daily Living” budget. This budget covers services that help participants build skills and independence, including therapy services.
Understanding this is important when choosing providers and booking services. If the physiotherapy services exceed the allocated funds, participants may need to adjust frequency or request a plan review.
5. Choose the Right Physiotherapy Provider
After a plan is approved, the next step is choosing a provider. It’s important to work with a physiotherapist who understands the NDIS framework and can tailor services to the goals outlined in the plan.
Working with an NDIS Registered Physio ensures that the provider meets all compliance standards and is able to directly claim through the NDIS portal (for Agency-managed participants). Registered providers are also familiar with reporting requirements and goal tracking, which makes plan reviews and audits more efficient.
Participants with Plan-managed or Self-managed funds have the option to choose unregistered providers as well, which may offer more flexibility or specialised services. However, registration offers added peace of mind when it comes to quality and reporting.
6. Schedule an Initial Assessment
The initial assessment with the physiotherapist is a critical step. During this session, the therapist will assess current function, identify areas of need, and create a personalised treatment plan based on the NDIS goals.
Assessments may involve:
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Range of motion testing
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Strength and coordination checks
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Functional mobility evaluations (e.g., walking, transfers)
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Posture and gait analysis
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Pain assessment
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Review of assistive technology or mobility aids
The physiotherapist will also set measurable therapy goals and prepare a service agreement outlining frequency, duration, and expected outcomes. This agreement ensures that both the participant and the provider are aligned on expectations.
7. Implement the Physiotherapy Program
With a plan and provider in place, the participant can begin their physiotherapy sessions. These may be weekly, fortnightly, or as otherwise recommended. Depending on the condition or disability, therapy may include:
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Strength and flexibility exercises
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Neurological rehabilitation
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Manual therapy or massage
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Balance and coordination training
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Pain management techniques
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Advice on home modifications and assistive equipment
Therapy can be delivered in various settings: at a clinic, at home, in a community setting, or online via telehealth. The key is consistency and regular review of progress.
8. Track Progress Towards NDIS Goals
Throughout the service period, it’s important to track improvements and challenges in relation to the NDIS plan goals. Most physiotherapists will prepare regular progress reports that detail:
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Functional gains (e.g., increased mobility or strength)
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Improvements in participation (e.g., returning to school or work)
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Adjustments needed in the treatment plan
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Recommendations for equipment or further services
These reports are valuable for plan reviews and for demonstrating the effectiveness of therapy.
9. Prepare for Your NDIS Plan Review
Every NDIS participant undergoes a plan review, typically annually. During this review, the NDIS will assess whether the supports in the plan are still appropriate and effective.
In preparation for the review, participants should:
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Collect all physiotherapy progress reports
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Update their goals (if needed)
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Consider what worked well and what could be improved
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Request reassessments if physical needs have changed
If additional or more frequent physiotherapy is needed, participants should ensure this is well-documented and linked directly to their goals.
10. Know Your Rights and Responsibilities
Participants have the right to access quality physiotherapy care and choose who delivers their services. They also have the responsibility to:
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Engage in sessions consistently
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Communicate any changes in needs or availability
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Provide feedback about services
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Uphold the terms in the service agreement
Physiotherapists, in turn, must provide safe, ethical, and evidence-based care that supports the participant’s goals.
Accessing physiotherapy through the NDIS requires an understanding of both the scheme and the therapeutic value of physiotherapy in supporting people with disabilities. With careful planning, appropriate documentation, and the right provider, participants can achieve meaningful improvements in mobility, pain management, and overall quality of life.
By following a structured step-by-step approach—from initial eligibility and planning, to selecting a provider and tracking outcomes—participants are better equipped to navigate the NDIS landscape with confidence. Physiotherapy can be a transformative support, and when accessed correctly through the NDIS, it helps unlock the full potential of individuals seeking greater independence and community participation.
