A Fitting Case for NDIS Physiotherapy

Across the NDIS, it is common to see participants prioritise Occupational Therapy or Exercise Physiology when allocating therapy budgets. In many cases this makes sense — particularly where the immediate focus is on daily living support, equipment, or building general fitness capacity.

However, physiotherapy continues to play a distinct and important role, particularly where mobility, pain management, rehabilitation, or functional movement remain part of a participant’s needs profile.

From our experience supporting NDIS participants, physiotherapy is especially relevant when:

• There is recovery or rehabilitation required following injury, surgery, or illness.

• Pain management or physical discomfort is limiting participation.

• Participants require support with mobility, balance, transfers, gait, or postural concerns.

• There are neurological or complex physical presentations where hands-on clinical intervention is beneficial.

  
  

While Exercise Physiology provides structured exercise and fitness-based interventions, and OT focuses on activities of daily living, environmental modification, and capacity building, physiotherapy contributes a skilled clinical rehabilitation perspective — supporting people to restore, maintain, or optimise physical function that underpins broader participation goals.

For many participants, the best outcomes occur when therapies complement one another rather than operate in isolation — with physio addressing movement and physical recovery needs, OT focusing on daily function and adaptations, and exercise interventions supporting longer-term strength and endurance where appropriate.

Physiotherapy remains a fundable allied health support for participants where it aligns with goals, and meets reasonable and necessary criteria within an approved plan. Early consideration ensures participants have access to the right mix of disciplines to support both short-term rehabilitation and longer-term capacity building.

Our team regularly collaborates with Support Coordinators to align physiotherapy supports with broader therapy strategies and participant goals, ensuring coordinated care across disciplines. For coordinators supporting participants with mobility, recovery, or pain-related goals — physiotherapy remains an important part of the conversation.

Khadra, our Perth-based Physiotherapist currently has immediate availability for NDIS participants requiring:

• Community-based rehabilitation

• Mobility and balance programs

• Strength and functional movement support

• Post-hospital reablement

Referrals can be submitted online at www.allroundts.com.au.