If you or a loved one has an NDIS plan, you may be wondering whether physiotherapy is covered — and if so, how. The good news is that physiotherapy is fully fundable under the NDIS for eligible participants. Understanding which support category applies to your situation is the key to accessing the right services without running into funding issues.
At Bayside Mobile Physio, we work with NDIS participants across Sydney every day. This guide explains exactly how the NDIS funds physiotherapy, which categories apply, and what you can expect from a funded physiotherapy service.
Is Physiotherapy Covered by the NDIS?
Yes. Physiotherapy is a recognised allied health service under the NDIS and can be funded for participants whose disability affects their movement, function, strength, balance, or ability to perform daily activities independently.
Physiotherapy is not automatically included in every NDIS plan — it needs to be deemed reasonable and necessary in relation to your disability and your goals. This is why having clear, functional goals in your plan is important. A good physiotherapist will help you articulate those goals and document progress in a way that supports your plan reviews.
Which NDIS Support Category Funds Physiotherapy?
1. Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living (CB Daily Activity)
This is the primary support category used to fund physiotherapy for NDIS participants. It sits under the Capacity Building support budget and covers assessment, treatment, and therapy that helps you build skills, independence, and functional capacity in daily life.
Physiotherapy funded under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living may include:
- Initial physiotherapy assessment and goal setting
- Neurological rehabilitation — stroke, brain injury, cerebral palsy, MS, Parkinson’s disease
- Balance training and falls prevention programs
- Strength and mobility programs
- Gross motor skill development for children and young people
- Gait retraining and walking aid assessment
- Spasticity management
- Transfer training and functional movement
- Home exercise program development and review
- Progress reports and NDIS plan review reports
- Hydrotherapy exercise programs
This category is the right fit when the goal of physiotherapy is to improve what you can do independently — whether that’s walking safely at home, getting in and out of bed, managing fatigue, or participating in community activities.
2. Capital Supports — Assistive Technology
If your physiotherapist identifies that you need equipment to support your mobility, safety, or independence, the assessment and prescription of that equipment can be funded under the Assistive Technology support category.
Physiotherapy services funded under Assistive Technology may include:
- Assistive technology assessments
- Equipment trials and recommendations
- Prescription reports for low, mid, and high-cost assistive technology
- Review of existing equipment
Examples of equipment a physiotherapist may assess and prescribe include wheelchairs, walking frames, standing frames, transfer aids, pressure care mattresses, and custom splints or orthoses.
It is important to note that the equipment itself is also funded under this category — not just the assessment. Your physiotherapist works with your support coordinator and plan manager to ensure the right equipment is approved and funded through your plan.
What Does “Reasonable and Necessary” Mean?
The NDIS will only fund supports that are considered reasonable and necessary. For physiotherapy, this means the service must:
- Be related to your disability — not a general health condition unrelated to your NDIS eligibility
- Help you pursue your goals and build independence
- Represent value for money
- Be appropriate and effective for your needs
- Not be the responsibility of another system such as Medicare or private health insurance
A well-written physiotherapy assessment report that clearly links treatment to your disability-related goals is the strongest way to demonstrate that physiotherapy is reasonable and necessary for your plan.
Do I Need a GP Referral to Use My NDIS Funding for Physiotherapy?
No. NDIS participants do not need a GP referral to access physiotherapy through their plan. You can contact a physiotherapy provider directly, or your support coordinator can make a referral on your behalf.
However, having a GP referral or a letter from a specialist can sometimes strengthen your case during a plan review, particularly if you are requesting a higher level of physiotherapy support.
How Do I Know If My Plan Includes Physiotherapy Funding?
Check your NDIS plan for a Capacity Building budget under the Improved Daily Living category. If this is included in your plan, physiotherapy can be funded from this budget.
If you are unsure, the best people to ask are:
- Your support coordinator
- Your plan manager (if you are plan-managed)
- Your Local Area Coordinator (LAC)
- The NDIS directly on 1800 800 110
If physiotherapy is not currently in your plan but you believe it should be, your next plan review is the right time to request it — ideally supported by a letter or report from a physiotherapist outlining why it is needed.
What If I Am Self-Managed or Plan-Managed?
The good news is that Bayside Mobile Physio works with NDIS participants across all plan management types:
- Self-managed: You pay for the service and claim reimbursement through the NDIS myplace portal. You have flexibility to choose any physiotherapy provider.
- Plan-managed: Your plan manager pays the provider directly from your plan funds. We invoice your plan manager after each session.
What Can I Expect From an NDIS Physiotherapy Session?
At Bayside Mobile Physio, all NDIS physiotherapy is delivered in your home, supported accommodation, or community setting. Here is what a typical journey looks like:
- Initial assessment — A comprehensive assessment of your functional mobility, strength, balance, coordination, and environment. We discuss your NDIS goals and develop a tailored treatment plan.
- Ongoing treatment sessions — Regular sessions focused on your goals, delivered at your home on a schedule agreed with you and your support coordinator.
- Progress reporting — We provide clear progress reports that document your functional improvements, support your plan reviews, and keep your care team informed.
- Plan review support — We can write reports that outline your ongoing physiotherapy needs and recommended support hours to support your NDIS plan review.
Ready to Get Started?
If you are an NDIS participant, support coordinator, plan manager, or family member looking to access physiotherapy in Sydney, Bayside Mobile Physio is here to help. We come to you, keep the process simple, and respond to all enquiries within 2 business hours.
- Phone: 0468 079 075
- Email: [email protected]
Not sure if your plan covers physiotherapy or which category applies? Call us and we will help you work through it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many physiotherapy sessions does the NDIS fund?
There is no fixed number of sessions — funding is based on your individual plan, your goals, and what is deemed reasonable and necessary for your disability. Your physiotherapist will recommend a frequency of sessions based on your clinical needs and document this in your treatment plan and progress reports.
Can I use my NDIS funding for hydrotherapy?
Yes. Hydrotherapy prescribed and supervised by a physiotherapist can be funded under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living. Your physiotherapist will develop the program and may attend sessions or provide a written program for you to follow with a support worker.
What if my NDIS plan runs out of Capacity Building funding?
If your Capacity Building budget is exhausted before your plan renewal, you will need to wait until your next plan or request an unscheduled plan review if your needs have significantly changed. This is why it is important to plan your physiotherapy schedule thoughtfully across the plan year — something we can help you manage.
Bayside Mobile Physio is a mobile physiotherapy service operating across Sydney, providing specialist NDIS, aged care, and private physiotherapy services. For enquiries call 0468 079 075 or email [email protected].
