Navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can feel overwhelming – especially when you’re trying to work out what supports are available and how to access them for yourself or your child.
Physiotherapy is commonly funded through the NDIS, and for many participants it plays a key role in improving movement, independence, participation and overall quality of life.
At Ohana Physiotherapy on the Gold Coast, we regularly support families and participants to access and make the most of their NDIS physiotherapy funding. This guide will walk you through what you need to know and how to get started.
What is the NDIS and how does it fund physiotherapy?
The NDIS provides funding to people with a permanent and significant disability to access supports that help them achieve their goals and live more independently.
Each participant receives an individual NDIS plan based on:
- Their functional needs
- Their personal goals
- Reports and assessments from allied health professionals
This funding may be used for a range of supports, including:
- NDIS physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy
- Assistive technology (e.g. wheelchairs, walking aids, communication devices)
- Support workers for daily activities
- Capacity-building programs to improve skills and independence
- Transport funding if public transport isn’t accessible
- Home modifications to improve safety and access
- Short-term accommodation (respite)
- Employment and community participation supports
For physiotherapy to be funded, it needs to be considered “reasonable and necessary” and clearly linked to the goals in the participant’s NDIS plan, such as:
- Improving mobility and balance
- Increasing strength and endurance
- Reducing pain and fatigue
- Improving independence in daily activities
- Supporting participation in school, work or community life
Why the NDIS might fund physiotherapy
NDIS physiotherapy helps participants of all ages to improve or maintain their physical function.
Physiotherapy may be funded for children and adults with conditions such as:
- Developmental delay
- Cerebral palsy
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Hypermobility and low muscle tone
- Stroke or acquired brain injury
- Multiple sclerosis
- Genetic or neurological conditions
For children, NDIS physiotherapy focuses on:
- Gross motor skill development (sitting, crawling, walking, running)
- Balance and coordination
- Posture and strength
- Play, school readiness and participation
For adults, physiotherapy can support:
- Pain management
- Mobility and transfers
- Falls prevention
- Strength for daily tasks
- Community access and independence
If these therapy goals align with the participant’s NDIS plan, physiotherapy can be funded under Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living.
Step-by-Step: How to get NDIS funding for physiotherapy
1. Set clear, functional goals in your NDIS plan
When your plan is being created or reviewed, include goals that physiotherapy can help you achieve, such as:
- “I want to improve my balance so I can move around safely.”
- “I want to increase my strength so I can be more independent at home.”
- “I want to develop my child’s walking and mobility skills.”
The more specific, functional and measurable the goals are, the easier it is to justify physiotherapy funding.
2. Know where physiotherapy sits in the NDIS budget
NDIS funding is split into three main categories:
- Core Supports – everyday activities and basic needs
- Capacity Building – developing skills and independence
- Capital Supports – equipment and home modifications
Physiotherapy is typically funded under:
Capacity Building: Improved Daily Living
This funding allows participants to access regular allied health support to work on their goals over time.
3. Provide supporting reports and evidence
Strong documentation is essential for getting physiotherapy funded.
Helpful evidence may include:
- Physiotherapy assessment reports
- Reports from paediatricians, GPs or medical specialists
- Functional assessments (e.g. GMFM, BOT-2, etc.)
- Letters from educators or support workers
- A record of daily challenges or limitations
Your physiotherapist can write a report linking the recommendation for physiotherapy directly to:
- Functional limitations
- Participation restrictions
- NDIS goals
- “Reasonable and necessary” criteria
At Ohana Physiotherapy, we pride ourselves on writing comprehensive, high-quality NDIS reports that help families access the support they require.
4. Speak up at your planning or review meeting
During your NDIS planning or review meeting, discuss:
- How physiotherapy will help your child or yourself achieve specific goals
- How often therapy is needed (e.g. weekly, fortnightly)
- Whether equipment, assessments or mobility aids may be required
- The impact of not receiving support
If physiotherapy has not been included in your plan but is needed, you can request a plan review.
Helpful tips for parents and carers
- Keep a log of challenges, falls, fatigue, pain or difficulties – this supports your case
- Communicate regularly with your physiotherapist and support coordinator
- Ask for progress reports before plan reviews
- Make sure therapy is clearly linked to daily function and participation
- Remember: The NDIS funds function, not just a diagnosis
Final Thoughts
Accessing NDIS physiotherapy support can make a meaningful difference in both short-term progress and long-term independence.
With the right goals, evidence and professional guidance, you can build a strong NDIS plan that supports movement, participation and confidence for yourself or your child.
At Ohana Physiotherapy on the Gold Coast, we support NDIS participants across all ages through compassionate, play-based and evidence-informed physiotherapy.
If you have questions or would like support with reports, assessments or therapy, we’re here to help.