Occupational Therapy vs Physiotherapy: Which Do You Need?
Occupational therapy vs physiotherapy on the NDIS: what each does, how they overlap, who needs which, and whether you can have both in your plan.
Occupational therapy and physiotherapy are two of the most common allied health supports in NDIS plans, and they're easy to mix up. Both help you move through daily life more easily, but they come at it from different angles. This guide explains what each one does, where they overlap, and how to work out which you need.
What an occupational therapist does
What a physiotherapist does
Where they overlap
Occupational therapy vs physiotherapy at a glance
Who tends to need which
Can you have both?
How they're funded on the NDIS
Choosing and finding the right therapist
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between occupational therapy and physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy focuses on movement and the body — strength, balance, walking and pain. Occupational therapy focuses on daily tasks and function — dressing, cooking, home set-up and equipment. Put simply, physio works on how your body moves; OT works on how you do everyday activities.
Can I have both an OT and a physio on my NDIS plan?
Yes. Many people have both, because they cover different needs and often work as a team. If your plan funds both, ask them to coordinate so you're not paying two therapists for overlapping work — for example, physio builds strength while the OT makes your bathroom safe.
Which one does home modifications and equipment?
Occupational therapists usually lead on daily-living equipment, seating and home modifications like rails and ramps, because they assess how you function at home. Physiotherapists usually lead on mobility aids and exercise equipment. For complex items like wheelchairs, an OT and physio often assess…
How is therapy funded on the NDIS?
Both are funded from your Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living budget when they're reasonable, necessary and tied to your goals. You book directly with the provider you choose. Being clear about what you want each therapist to achieve helps your funded hours go further.
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