How Does NDIS Physiotherapy Work in Australia in 2026? A Step-by-Step Guide for Families
Written by Tarryn, BSc Physiotherapist & Co-owner, Brave Bodies
This is a common question for families, carers, and participants who are new to the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Understanding how physiotherapy fits into an NDIS plan can feel confusing at first. However, once the process is broken down, it becomes much easier to navigate.
This guide explains NDIS physiotherapy in clear terms so families know what support may be available, how funding works, and how to access the right services with confidence.
What Is NDIS Physiotherapy?
NDIS physiotherapy is a funded support designed to help participants improve mobility, strength, balance, and everyday function. Physiotherapists work with people of all ages who live with disability, supporting them to move more comfortably and safely in daily life.
Physiotherapy under the NDIS focuses on building independence. This may include improving walking ability, managing physical challenges, supporting injury prevention, or enabling participation at school, work, or in the community. The support is personalised and based on each participant's goals.
Who Can Benefit from NDIS Physiotherapy?
NDIS physiotherapy can support people with a wide range of needs. This includes children with developmental delays, people with neurological conditions, those recovering from injury, and participants with physical or psychosocial disabilities.
At Brave Bodies, we work with children, teens, and young adults (0-25 years) with conditions including:
Cerebral Palsy
Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Down's Syndrome
Global Developmental Delay
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Spinal Cord Injuries
Genetic Disorders
Ehlers-Danlos or Hypermobility disorders
The therapy approach is tailored so it suits the individual's abilities and lifestyle. Learn more about conditions we treat.
How NDIS Plans Work for Physiotherapy
Understanding how physiotherapy fits into an NDIS plan is an important first step. Each plan outlines the supports and funding available to the participant.
According to the NDIS, physiotherapy is usually funded under theCapacity Buildingcategory. This category focuses on improving skills and independence over time.
More specifically, physiotherapy funding typically appears under:
"Improved Daily Living"– for therapy that helps with everyday activities
In some situations, physiotherapy may also relate to Core Supports if it helps with daily activities.
Where Physiotherapy Appears in Your NDIS Plan
Physiotherapy funding may be listed as "Improved Daily Living," "Improved Health and Wellbeing," or described as allied health support. The wording can vary depending on your plan and the goals identified during planning meetings.
Families often benefit from working with support coordinators who understand plan details and can help navigate funding categories.
Goals and Physiotherapy Funding
NDIS funding is linked closely to goals. For physiotherapy to be approved, goals might include improving mobility, increasing independence, supporting safe movement, or enabling participation in community activities.
Clear, specific goals make it easier to access appropriate physiotherapy services and demonstrate how therapy supports your child's NDIS plan outcomes.
NDIS Physio Eligibility Explained
Not every NDIS participant automatically receives physiotherapy funding. Eligibility depends on whether the therapy is considered reasonable and necessary for the individual.
NDIS physio eligibility is assessed based on:
How the therapy helps the participant achieve their goals
Whether it improves independence and participation
The evidence supporting the need for physiotherapy
According toNDIS guidelines, support must be related to the participant's disability and not the responsibility of another service system (like Medicare or health services).
Evidence Required for Physiotherapy
Reports from doctors, therapists, or specialists can help demonstrate why physiotherapy is needed. These reports should explain how therapy supports daily function and may reduce long-term support needs.
At Brave Bodies, we provide detailed reports that address NDIS criteria and support families during plan reviews. Our initial assessments include formal outcome measures when requested.
How NDIS Physio Funding Works
NDIS physio funding allows eligible participants to access physiotherapy services using their NDIS plan funding. The funding amount depends on individual needs, goals, and the assessment conducted during plan development.
Participants can use their funding flexibly within the rules of their plan. This flexibility allows families to choose the provider and type of physiotherapy that best suits them – as long as the provider can work within their plan management type.
Understanding NDIS Therapy Costs
NDIS therapy costs are set according to the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (PAPL). For 2025-26,physiotherapy is priced at $183.99 per hour.
Providers who work with NDIS participants follow these pricing guidelines, which helps ensure transparency and consistency. Families can request a breakdown of costs before starting services so there are no surprises.
Do Participants Pay Out of Pocket?
If physiotherapy is funded in the plan and you're working with a provider who accepts NDIS funding:
Plan-managed participants:The plan manager pays the provider directly from your NDIS funding
Self-managed participants:You pay the provider and claim reimbursement from your NDIS funding
NDIA-managed participants:Can only use registered NDIS providers who invoice the NDIA directly
If sessions exceed the allocated budget, additional costs may apply. Regular plan reviews help manage funding effectively and adjust allocations as needed.
Finding an NDIS Provider for Physiotherapy
Choosing the right paediatric physiotherapy provider makes a difference to outcomes. Many families search for providers who understand NDIS funding and can deliver quality therapy locally.
Understanding Provider Registration Types
Registered NDIS Providers:
Must meet strict quality and safety standards set by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
Can service all participant types (NDIA-managed, plan-managed, and self-managed)
Invoice the NDIA directly for NDIA-managed participants
Follow NDIS pricing guidelines
Non-Registered Providers:
Can work with plan-managed and self-managed participants only
Cannot service NDIA-managed participants
Must still provide quality services and appropriate qualifications
Give families more choice and flexibility in rural/regional areas
Important Information About Brave Bodies
Brave Bodies is not a registered NDIS provider.This means we can work withplan-managedorself-managedNDIS participants, but we cannot service NDIA-managedparticipants.
However, we are happy to work with your NDIS plan manager to ensure seamless service delivery. Our team understands NDIS funding and can help explain how your funding can be used for physiotherapy services in regional WA.
All our physiotherapists are AHPRA-registered and meet professional standards for paediatric physiotherapy.
What to Look for in a Physiotherapist
Families should look for:
Experience with paediatric care and disability support
Clear communication with families and other health professionals
A personalised, child-centred approach
Qualifications and AHPRA registration
Understanding of NDIS funding (if relevant to your situation)
At Brave Bodies, we focus on partnering with parents and empowering children. Our experienced team delivers evidence-based physiotherapy aligned with your child's NDIS goals.
What Happens During NDIS Physiotherapy Sessions
NDIS physiotherapy sessions are practical and goal-focused. The physiotherapist begins with an assessment to understand strengths, challenges, and priorities.
Therapy may include:
Exercise programs tailored to your child's abilities
Movement training and motor skill development
Equipment recommendations and training
Strategies to support safe movement and reduce injury risk
Aquatic physiotherapy (offered at Brave Bodies)
Sessions can take place in clinics, at home, at school, or in community settings depending on the participant's needs and what works best for their goals.
Therapy for Children and Families
For children, physiotherapy often includes play-based activities. Parents and carers are involved so exercises can continue at home, supporting progress between sessions.
At Brave Bodies, we also provide:
Home exercise programs
Upskilling of support staff, therapy assistants, and family members
Community-based therapy in day care, school, community parks, local pools, or home
Therapy for Adults and Young Adults
Young adults may focus on maintaining mobility, managing physical challenges, or improving confidence with daily activities. Physiotherapists also support participants with long-term conditions to stay active and independent.
Mobile Physiotherapy Services in Regional WA
For families in regional Western Australia, accessing quality paediatric physiotherapy can be challenging. Brave Bodies offers mobile physiotherapy services to make therapy more accessible.
Benefits of Mobile Physiotherapy:
Comfort and familiarity:In-home therapy allows your child to feel relaxed in their own surroundings
Convenience:Eliminate travel time and schedule appointments around your child's routine
Personalised environment:Therapy can utilise your child's existing home equipment and surroundings
We provide services across:
Busselton
Bunbury
Dunsborough
Margaret River
Katanning
Vasse
With clinic locations at Vasse/Busselton, Bunbury and Margaret River, plus mobile services to homes, schools, and community settings, families have flexible options.
Reporting and Plan Reviews
Physiotherapy providers often contribute reports for NDIS plan reviews. These reports explain progress, outcomes, and recommendations for future support.
Clear reporting helps planners understand how physiotherapy supports your child's goals and may support continued funding where appropriate.
At Brave Bodies, we provide:
Detailed report writing
Progress updates linked to NDIS goals
Evidence-based recommendations for ongoing support
How Reports Support Ongoing Funding
Reports demonstrate how physiotherapy aligns with goals and supports daily function. This evidence plays an important role during plan reassessments, helping planners understand the value of continued physiotherapy support.
Working with Your NDIS Plan Manager
If you're plan-managed, your plan manager can:
Help you understand your funding categories
Explain how much funding is available for physiotherapy
Process invoices from providers like Brave Bodies
Track your budget throughout the year
Support you during plan reviews
We work collaboratively with plan managers to ensure seamless service delivery and clear communication about your child's progress and funding use.
Common Questions About NDIS and Physiotherapy
Can I use NDIS funding for both physiotherapy and exercise physiology?
Yes! These services fall under different categories, so you can access both. However, be aware that other services like occupational therapy or dietetics may share the same funding category. But we can help, get in touch with us.
What if I need equipment like walking aids or orthotics?
Brave Bodies can assist in coordinating reasonable and necessary assistive technology such as bikes/trikes, prosthetics and orthotics, specialist footwear, walkers, and standing frames. This typically comes from a different part of your NDIS budget (Assistive Technology).
Can physiotherapy happen at my child's school?
Yes! We provide community-based therapy at various locations including day care, school, community parks, and local pools – wherever works best for your child's goals and learning.
Conclusion
Understanding how NDIS physiotherapy works in Australia helps families make informed decisions about care and support. From eligibility and funding to choosing a provider that works with your plan management type, each step becomes clearer when explained in plain language.
For plan-managed and self-managed participants in regional WA, Brave Bodies provides personalised, high-quality paediatric physiotherapy delivered through mobile services or clinic-based sessions. Our team works with your plan manager to ensure your child's physiotherapy aligns with their NDIS goals and helps build independence, improve mobility, and support meaningful participation in daily life.
While we are not a registered NDIS provider, we are experienced in working with plan-managed and self-managed participants to deliver evidence-based physiotherapy that makes a genuine difference to children and families in Busselton, Bunbury, Dunsborough, Margaret River, and Katanning.
Contact Brave Bodies today to learn how we can support your child's physiotherapy goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does NDIS physiotherapy work in Australia?
NDIS physiotherapy is funded support that may be included in an NDIS plan to help participants improve movement, independence, and daily function based on their individual goals. Funding typically sits in the Capacity Building category under "Improved Daily Living" or "Improved Health and Wellbeing."
Is physiotherapy always included in an NDIS plan?
No, physiotherapy is included only if it is considered reasonable and necessary and linked to the participant's goals. You may need evidence from health professionals to support the inclusion of physiotherapy in your plan.
How much does NDIS physiotherapy cost?
NDIS therapy costs follow set pricing guidelines. For 2025-26, physiotherapy is priced at $183.99 per hour. If funding is included in your plan, plan-managed and self-managed participants typically don't pay out of pocket (unless funding is exhausted).
Can I choose my own physiotherapist?
Yes, plan-managed and self-managed participants can choose their preferred provider as long as that provider can work with their plan management type. NDIA-managed participants must use registered NDIS providers.
Is Brave Bodies a registered NDIS provider?
No, Brave Bodies is not a registered NDIS provider. We can work with plan-managed and self-managed participants, but cannot service NDIA-managed participants. We are happy to work with your plan manager to ensure seamless service delivery.
Do physiotherapists help with NDIS plan reviews?
Yes, physiotherapists often provide reports that support plan reviews and ongoing funding requests. At Brave Bodies, we provide detailed reporting that explains progress and recommendations linked to your child's goals.
Can physiotherapy happen at home or school?
Yes! Brave Bodies offers mobile physiotherapy services to homes, schools, childcare centres, and community settings across regional WA. This allows therapy to happen in the environment that best suits your child's needs.
What's the difference between registered and non-registered NDIS providers?
Registered providers can work with all participant types and must meet strict NDIS standards. Non-registered providers like Brave Bodies can work with plan-managed and self-managed participants, offering families more choice in regional areas while still maintaining professional qualifications and quality care.
Can NDIS funding cover equipment like walking aids?
Yes, but equipment usually comes from a different part of your NDIS budget called Assistive Technology. Brave Bodies can assist in coordinating reasonable and necessary assistive technology as part of our physiotherapy services.
