The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is one of Australia’s most transformative health and disability initiatives. According to the NDIS Quarterly Report covering the period up to 31 December 2024, some 692,823 Australians are now receiving support through the NDIS.
The figure reflects a 1.9% increase from the previous quarter, with 19,398 new Participants joining the Scheme during this period. A significant number of these Participants use the funding for therapeutic and capacity building supports, including Allied Health services such as Physiotherapy (Physio), Exercise Physiology (EP), and Hydrotherapy.
Whether you’re just starting your health journey or are navigating a plan review, this post will walk you through NDIS physiotherapy funding for NDIS Allied Health supports.
What Allied Health services can I access through the NDIS?
Under the NDIS, Participants can access a wide range of Allied Health supports. The following is just a shortlist of the many services available to Participants depending on their plan and health needs:
|
Exercise Physiology |
An approach that uses tailored exercise programes to help people:
EP is especially helpful for individuals with long-term health conditions, disabilities, or complex needs.
|
|
Physiotherapy |
A therapeutic modality that uses hands-on techniques and movement-based therapy to restore movement and function. It supports people affected by injury, illness, or disability, by helping them:
|
|
Hydrotherapy |
Water-based therapy that supports movement, strength, and recovery in a low-impact environment. Hydrotherapy can help:
|
These services are generally funded under the Capacity Building Supports budget, often within the “Improved Daily Living” or “Improved Health and Wellbeing” categories, depending on your individual goals.
NDIS funding for Physiotherapy: How to it in your Plan
Physiotherapy supports a wide range of Participants, from those with neurological conditions to people recovering from injuries.
Here’s how to get Physio covered by NDIS:
|
Define Goals Clearly
|
During your planning meeting, clearly express your goal. For example:
|
|
Submit Supporting Documents |
Submitting medical letters or reports can help strengthen your case.
This can come from:
|
|
Choose the Right Provider |
• You can work with a registered Provider if your funding is agency-managed, or • Work with an unregistered one if you’re self- or plan-managed.
Always confirm the Provider’s experience with NDIS clients.
|
Funding for Hydrotherapy: Is it covered by the NDIS?
According to the NDIS Practice Standards, Hydrotherapy may be funded under the Scheme when it is delivered by a qualified Allied Health professional, such as a registered Physiotherapist or an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, and is clearly linked to a participant’s goals and assessed needs.
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission outlines that therapeutic supports, including Hydrotherapy, must be evidence-based and delivered by professionals with recognised qualifications and registrations. These include the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) for Physiotherapists or Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) for Exercise Physiologists.
As such, when Hydrotherapy is prescribed and delivered by a Physiotherapist or Exercise Physiologist, it is more likely to meet the NDIS funding criteria because it does the following:
- demonstrates a clear therapeutic intent
- aligns with functional improvement goals
- supports capacity building outcomes
Make sure your plan reflects the therapeutic benefit of Hydrotherapy – it’s especially useful for people with arthritis, cerebral palsy, stroke recovery, or chronic pain.
What is Exercise Physiology and is it funded by the NDIS?
Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) are university-qualified professionals who use exercise interventions to manage chronic conditions, disabilities, and mental health concerns.
The most common reasons why Participants seek the services of an Exercise Physiologist include:
- Strength and balance training
- Managing diabetes or obesity
- Rehabilitation after stroke or surgery
- Improving independence in daily tasks
To access NDIS funding for Exercise Physiology:
| Step 1:
Link it to your goals |
Step 2:
Use the right budget |
Step 3:
Ask for a programme |
|
Your plan might include goals like “I want to stay independent at home” or “I want to improve my mental health through physical activity.”
|
Most EP services are funded under Improved Health and Wellbeing or Improved Daily Living Skills.
|
Providers will often prepare a report or exercise plan that you can use to demonstrate progress at your next plan review. |
Do I need a referral to access these services under NDIS?
No formal GP referral is required under the NDIS. However, having documentation from your doctor or Allied Health team can be helpful, especially when justifying the inclusion of certain services during your plan review.
What’s the difference between registered and unregistered providers?
| Registered Providers | Unregistered Providers |
|
• Officially approved by the NDIS and meet strict quality and safety standards.
• They can support all Participants – whether your plan is agency-managed, plan-managed, or self-managed.
|
• Providers who have not gone through the NDIS registration process. • They can still offer services, but only to Participants with plan-managed or self-managed plans – not agency-managed ones. |
Before booking a service, it’s a good idea to check if your provider is NDIS registered. Also, ask if they have experience with NDIS service agreements, reporting, and using the correct funding codes – this helps make sure your supports are billed correctly and meets your goals.
Tips on how to maximise your NDIS funding for Allied Health
|
Be goal-oriented |
Funding is linked to functional goals, so be clear about what you want to achieve.
|
|
Request reports |
Progress notes and outcome reports from providers help justify future funding.
|
|
Monitor usage |
Track your session frequency to avoid overspending before your next review.
|
|
Combine services |
Consider how Physio, Hydrotherapy, and Exercise Physiology can work together for better outcomes.
|
|
Plan early for reviews |
Be ready with outcomes and updated goals to maintain or increase funding.
|
Allied Health services like Physiotherapy, Hydrotherapy, and Exercise Physiology can be life-changing for NDIS Participants so knowing how to access them is key. By linking services to clear goals, engaging experienced providers, and being proactive in your planning meetings, you can make the most of what the NDIS offers. Visit the official site, www.ndis.gov.au for more info.
Get the right support to make the most of your NDIS Physiotherapy Funding
Accessing NDIS funding for Physio and other Allied Health services is a crucial first step – but knowing how to use it effectively is just as important. Whether you’re looking to improve mobility, manage a chronic condition, or build independence, the right support team can make all the difference.
At Healthstin, our team of experienced Physiotherapists and Exercise Physiologists work closely with NDIS Participants to deliver personalised, goal-oriented therapy. From neurological conditions like stroke, MS, Parkinson’s disease, and Cerebral Palsy, to everyday mobility and functional needs, we design evidence-based programmes that help you get the most out of your plans – safely and confidently.
Call 1300 090 931 or click here to book your initial consultation and start your health journey today.
