Can the NDIS fund massage therapy?
It depends. Therapeutic massage for a disability-related need, with evidence, can be funded as therapy. Relaxation or spa massage isn't.
It depends on why you need it. Therapeutic or remedial massage from a qualified therapist, addressing a disability-related need and backed by evidence that it works toward your goals, can be funded as a therapy support. Relaxation, wellbeing or spa-style massage is a personal cost the NDIS won't cover.
The short answer
Three things to keep separate
How the NDIS decides, with an example
How to ask and what evidence helps
The honest wrap-up
Frequently asked questions
Will the NDIS fund relaxation massage?
No. Relaxation, spa or wellbeing massage is treated as an everyday cost that anyone might pay for. Only therapeutic or remedial massage tied to a disability-related need, with evidence and a clear goal, can be considered as a therapy support.
What evidence do I need for therapeutic massage?
A written recommendation from a professional such as your physio, OT or GP that names the disability link, the goal it supports, why it's reasonable and necessary, and how often it's needed. Vague or wellbeing-only requests are much more likely to be declined.
Which budget would massage come from?
Therapeutic massage usually falls under therapy supports in Capacity Building. Talk to your support coordinator or planner about how it fits your current plan and goals before you commit to sessions, so you know the funding is there and correctly categorised.
Can a support worker take me to massage appointments?
Yes, where it's reasonable and necessary, a support worker under Core can help you get to and from appointments. That funds the transport and support, not the massage itself - so you'd still need the therapy to be justified separately on disability grounds.