Physiotherapy and the NDIS
What NDIS physiotherapy involves: movement, mobility, strength, equipment and hydrotherapy, how it's funded, and how it differs from exercise physiology.
Physiotherapists help you move — with more strength, more control, and less pain or risk. On the NDIS, physio can be about maintaining what you have, building new ability, or preventing problems down the track. Whether you're working towards walking further, transferring more safely, or simply moving with more comfort, this guide explains what NDIS physiotherapy involves and how it's usually…
What physiotherapists do
Movement, mobility and strength
Prescribing equipment
Hydrotherapy and other approaches
Physio, exercise physiology and personal training
How physiotherapy is funded
Frequently asked questions
What does an NDIS physiotherapist help with?
Physios help with movement, mobility, strength, balance, transfers, posture and movement-related pain. For people with disability, this is often about function in daily life — walking more safely, moving between bed and chair, or maintaining ability. They also prescribe mobility equipment like…
Can physio just maintain my function rather than improve it?
Yes. For many people the goal is to maintain movement and prevent decline, not only to build new ability. That's a valid and important outcome. A physio can design a program aimed at keeping you as strong and mobile as possible over time.
Does the NDIS fund hydrotherapy?
It can, where hydrotherapy is reasonable and necessary and related to your disability, and where a physio recommends it as part of your program. Warm-water exercise suits people who find land-based movement painful or difficult. Ask your physio whether it's suitable and how it fits your funding.
What's the difference between physio and exercise physiology?
Physios assess and treat movement problems and prescribe equipment, often addressing a specific issue. Exercise physiologists design ongoing exercise programs for disability and chronic conditions. There's overlap, and many people use both over time. Our guide Exercise physiology and the NDIS…
Will the NDIS pay for a personal trainer?
Generally no. Personal trainers work in general fitness and aren't allied health professionals, so their services usually aren't funded as NDIS therapy. If you want structured exercise related to your disability, an exercise physiologist or physiotherapist is the NDIS-funded route.
Which budget pays for physiotherapy?
Physio sessions are usually funded from Capacity Building, which builds and maintains function. Equipment a physio prescribes typically comes from Capital, and some supports may draw on Core. As always, the support must be reasonable and necessary and related to your disability.