NDIS Physiotherapy: A Complete Guide for Participants and Families

The NDIS can be confusing — especially when it comes to understanding how to access physiotherapy. This guide explains everything NDIS participants, families, and carers need to know about getting physiotherapy funded through their plan.

Can the NDIS Fund Physiotherapy?

Yes. Physiotherapy is one of the most commonly funded allied health services under the NDIS. Funding typically sits within the Capacity Building support category — specifically under Improved Daily Living (CB Daily Activities) or Improved Health & Wellbeing.

If physiotherapy is related to your disability and helps you achieve your NDIS goals, it can generally be funded. This includes physiotherapy for conditions like:

• Neurological conditions — stroke, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, acquired brain injury
• Physical disabilities — spinal cord injury, amputation, musculoskeletal conditions linked to your disability
• Developmental conditions — autism spectrum disorder (where physio addresses physical or developmental goals)
• Intellectual disabilities — where movement, balance, or physical capacity is a goal area

Which NDIS Support Category Covers Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is most commonly funded under:

• Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living: Physiotherapy assessments, individual therapy, and programs designed to build your capacity for daily activities
• Capacity Building — Improved Health & Wellbeing: Exercise physiology and some physiotherapy programs aimed at general physical health where linked to your disability

In some cases, physiotherapy can also be funded under Core Supports if it directly supports a daily activity. Speak with your support coordinator or LAC if you're unsure which budget applies to you.

Your NDIS Plan Type — How It Affects Access

What to Expect at Your First NDIS Physio Appointment

Your first appointment at Better Physiotherapy Bundoora as an NDIS participant involves:

1. Intake and service agreement — we set up the service agreement, confirm your plan details, and explain how billing works
2. Functional assessment — a thorough assessment of your current functional capacity, goals, and support needs
3. Goal setting — we align your physiotherapy goals with the goals in your NDIS plan
4. Treatment plan — we design an evidence-based program and begin treatment in the first session
5. Progress reporting — regular reports to your support coordinator and/or the NDIA as required

How to Get Physiotherapy into Your NDIS Plan

If physiotherapy is not currently in your NDIS plan, you have options:

• Plan review: Contact the NDIA to request a plan review. Provide evidence of why physiotherapy is needed to meet your disability-related goals.
• Support coordinator: Ask your support coordinator to assist in getting physio added at your next plan review.
• Letter of support: We can provide a clinical letter supporting the inclusion of physiotherapy in your plan.
• Functional capacity assessment: If a comprehensive report is needed, we can provide an NDIS-specific functional capacity assessment.

NDIS Physiotherapy at Better Physiotherapy Bundoora

We are a registered NDIS provider serving participants from Bundoora and the northern Melbourne corridor. Our team has extensive experience across neurological, developmental, and musculoskeletal conditions commonly funded through the NDIS.

We accept all NDIS plan management types, handle all paperwork and invoicing, and provide regular outcome reports. To discuss your NDIS physiotherapy needs, call us on (03) 9467 6900.