Physiotherapy

NDIS Capacity Building support

Physiotherapists assess and treat problems with movement and physical function, using exercise, manual therapy and education to improve mobility and reduce pain.

The short answer

Physiotherapists assess and treat problems with movement and physical function, using exercise, manual therapy and education to improve mobility and reduce pain.

About Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy helps people who have pain, injury, or difficulty moving. It can help after surgery or injury, support people living with long-term conditions such as arthritis or neurological conditions, and help children with developmental differences build movement skills.

A physiotherapist begins with an assessment: your history, how you move and what you want to be able to do. They then use a combination of treatments, which may include exercises, hands-on therapy, use of equipment and advice on posture and activity. Education is an important part, so that you can manage between sessions.

Physiotherapists are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, and some have advanced training in areas such as neurological, paediatric or respiratory physiotherapy. Ask about their experience with your condition, whether they can treat you at home and how they measure progress.

Who is this service for?

People with pain, injury, or difficulty moving or with physical function, including people with long-term conditions or disability.

What a typical session looks like

A physiotherapy appointment starts with questions about your problem, your health and what you want to achieve. The physiotherapist examines how you move, checks strength, balance and pain, and explains what they find. Treatment may include exercises, hands-on techniques, advice on posture and movement, and the use of equipment.

You are usually given a home program to practise between visits, because regular practice is a big part of progress. Follow-up sessions check how you are doing, adjust the program and add new challenges. For long-term conditions, physiotherapy focuses on maintaining function, preventing problems and managing symptoms.

Who delivers this support

Physiotherapists are registered health professionals with university degrees and must be registered with AHPRA. Many have additional training in areas such as neurology, paediatrics, sports, respiratory care or women's health. Ask about experience with your condition, and whether the therapist works at a clinic, in your home or at a community setting.

How to choose a provider

Questions to ask a provider

Common mistakes to avoid

Getting started

  1. Note what you want to be able to do and where it hurts or is difficult.
  2. Contact physiotherapists and ask about their experience.
  3. Book an assessment and ask what to bring.
  4. Follow the plan and review progress with your physiotherapist.

How it fits with the rest of your plan

Physiotherapy works alongside occupational therapy, exercise physiology, medical care and equipment prescription. For example, a physiotherapist may advise on the right walking aid and train you to use it. It also links with home modifications and community access, since movement affects almost every part of daily life.

Eligibility

You can use NDIS funding for Physiotherapy if it is included in your NDIS plan. The NDIS funds supports that are reasonable and necessary: they relate to your disability, help you pursue your goals and represent value for money. Not sure whether it is in your plan? Check your plan, or ask your planner, Local Area Coordinator or support coordinator. You can also arrange it privately.

Funding

Capacity Building supports help you build skills and independence. If Physiotherapy is in your plan, it is normally paid from a Capacity Building budget. These budgets are usually set for particular types of support, so check which one your plan uses. Many NDIS supports have price limits, so ask providers for a quote and check it against the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. Whether your plan is managed by the NDIA, by a plan manager or by you, ask for a written quote and a service agreement before you start. If your plan is plan-managed or self-managed you can use providers who are not registered with the NDIS. If it is NDIA-managed you generally need a registered provider.

What it costs

Supports such as Physiotherapy that are funded by the NDIS are paid at rates that follow the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, which the NDIA reviews regularly. Many items have a maximum price, and some prices are higher in remote areas. Before you start, ask for a written quote that lists each support, the hours and the price, and check it against the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits on the NDIS website. A provider may charge less than a limit. If you pay privately, the provider sets its own fees. Plan-managed and self-managed participants can also use providers who are not registered, and those providers set their own prices.

Therapy services providers on the NDIS register

10,460 NDIS providers list therapy services supports on the NDIS Commission register of registered providers. A register listing shows what the register says, not who has capacity.

Providers listing therapy services

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Listings by state and territory

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Checking credentials

Regulation and safeguards

NDIS providers and their workers must follow the NDIS Code of Conduct, and registered providers are regulated by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

Related services

Frequently asked questions

What does a physiotherapist do?

A physiotherapist assesses and treats problems with movement and physical function, using exercise, manual therapy and education to improve mobility and reduce pain.

Do I need a referral to see a physiotherapist?

Usually not. A referral can help if your doctor wants to share information, so it is worth asking the clinic what they prefer.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on your situation and goals. A good physiotherapist explains the plan and reviews progress with you.

How will I know how many physiotherapy sessions I need?

It depends on your situation. Your physiotherapist can discuss a plan and review it with you.

Is physiotherapy painful?

It should not cause unnecessary pain, although some exercises can be uncomfortable. Tell your physiotherapist how you feel.

Can physiotherapy help children?

Yes. Paediatric physiotherapists work with children on movement, strength and coordination.

Can I book a physiotherapist directly without a referral?

In many cases you do not, but requirements depend on how the service is funded. The clinic can tell you what is needed.

Can physiotherapy help with long-term conditions?

Yes. It can help maintain movement, prevent complications and manage symptoms for many long-term conditions, including neurological and respiratory conditions.

What should I wear to a physiotherapy appointment?

Comfortable clothes that let you move and allow the therapist to see the area being treated. If you are unsure, ask the clinic when you book.

Can I use my NDIS plan to pay for Physiotherapy?

If Physiotherapy is in your NDIS plan and is reasonable and necessary for you, then yes. Check with your planner, Local Area Coordinator or support coordinator. You can also arrange it privately.

How do I find a Physiotherapy provider near me?

Browse providers on SolDirectory, or send a free enquiry with your location and what you need and suitable providers will review it. Then ask each one about availability, a quote and a service agreement before you decide. Details come from providers and registers, so confirm them directly.

Sources and further reading

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