Physiotherapy and the NDIS

NDIS Physiotherapy: What You Need to Know

Physiotherapy is one of several support options available to individuals with funding through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Many NDIS participants with a variety of disabilities can benefit from physiotherapy services.

The common perception that a physiotherapist only focuses on massage, pain management, and athletic injuries is mistaken. Physiotherapists provide a wide range of services beyond those commonly associated with them.

What is physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession that focuses on assessing, diagnosing, treating, and preventing physical impairments, disabilities, and pain. All physiotherapists in Australia are nationally registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Physiotherapists use a range of techniques and interventions, including exercise, rehabilitation, manual therapy, and assistive technology, to help improve movement and function, reduce pain, and enhance the quality of life for their participants. Some physiotherapists may also specialise in dry needling, Pilates, exercise classes, and injury treatment and prevention.

Does NDIS funding cover physiotherapy?

Yes, physiotherapy services are covered by the NDIS. Physiotherapy through the NDIS is funded under the Improved Daily Living Category. This category aims to provide assessment, training, and support to give people with a disability the skills to increase their independence. For further specific information on how the NDIS physiotherapy services in your plan are funded, it’s best to refer to the NDIS, your LAC or your support coordinator. 

What disabilities can physiotherapy help with for an NDIS participant?

Physiotherapy can provide treatment, support, and guidance for participants with a variety of disabilities and chronic conditions, including:

• Intellectual Disabilities

• Psychosocial Disabilities

• Neurological Disabilities

• Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Acquired Brain Injuries

• Physical Disabilities 

• Developmental Delay

• Stroke

• Spinal Cord Injuries

• Alzheimer’s Disease

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Cerebral Palsy

• Amputees

What support and therapies can a physiotherapist provide?

Physiotherapists can provide a range of services and treatments to help people with disability to improve their function, engage with their community, improve their well-being and become more independent. 

Some of the treatments a physiotherapist may be able to provide are:

• Gross motor, fine motor and general coordination training

• Improving walking quality and movement impairments

• Strengthening and cardiovascular exercises

• Home exercise programs

• Balance training and fall prevention.

• Advice on the management of specific conditions 

• Pain management

• Manual therapy

• Hydrotherapy

• Providing recommendations for equipment and mobility aids

• Breathing exercises and respiratory rehabilitation

• They may also be able to provide further advice, education, and support with the following:

• Education, strategies, and rehabilitation to help with activities of daily living, such as getting out of bed, showering, bathing, dressing, and eating

• Moving around the home and within the community

• Doing daily jobs, increase fitness, activities, and sports

• Weight control

• Selection and training of the use of mobility aids such as walking frames and wheelchairs

What does an NDIS physiotherapy session consist of?

Our NDIS physiotherapists provide a personalized and goal-oriented service, working with you as a team to deliver the best care possible. At your first session, the physiotherapist will introduce themselves, listen to your concerns, review your NDIS goals and medical history and any relevant reports or plans. 

The physiotherapist may also assess your movement by conducting an evaluation of  your movements, your joints, muscles, and other related areas. This allows them to identify any factors that may be contributing to your concerns. 

After a thorough assessment, the physiotherapist will discuss the outcomes with you and develop a treatment plan tailored to help you achieve your goals from physiotherapy.

How often can a participant receive NDIS Physiotherapy treatments?

The frequency of physiotherapy treatments through NDIS funding depends on your individual needs and your NDIS plan. Your NDIS plan should outline the budget for Physiotherapy services and any additional services you may be eligible for. Your NDIS plan manager, LAC and support coordinator will also be able to provide more information about your specific plan.

When doesn't the NDIS cover physiotherapy?

The NDIS may cover physiotherapy costs if the need is directly related to a disability, is reasonable and necessary, and will assist you in meeting your goals. If the need for physiotherapy is not directly related to the disability, it most likely won't be covered by NDIS funding and may be funded through the public health system. For example, if you went to the hospital for surgery that isn't linked to your disability and need physiotherapy afterwards, this may not be covered.

What does reasonable and necessary as defined by the NDIS?

The NDIS funds a range of supports and services which may include education, employment, social participation, independence, living arrangements and health and wellbeing.

Section 34 of the NDIA Act (2013) requires that for supports to be funded, they must meet 6 criteria. 

Supports must:

• Assist the participant to pursue their goals and aspirations as contained in their Plan statement.

• Assist the participant to undertake activities that facilitate their social and economic participation.

• Represent value for money.

• Be, or is likely to be, effective and beneficial for the participant taking into account best practices.

• Take into consideration reasonable expectations of the care that families, carers, informal networks and the community will provide.

• Be most appropriately funded through the NDIS and not an alternate system or scheme.

Do I Need a Service Agreement?

The NDIA recommends having a written service agreement to ensure a clear understanding between participants and providers on what services are delivered, the expectations and the costs. 

We will work with you to create a service agreement before the initial assessment. The service agreement will outline the number of treatments and the total costs, and a copy will be provided to your plan manager, if applicable.

What are NDIS goals, and how do they fit in?

NDIS goals are a list of the things that you want to achieve with the support of the NDIS and are detailed in your NDIS plan. They are typically split into short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals. The NDIS goals are formed in conjunction with your Local area coordinator and finalised in your planning meeting.

What is a Physiotherapy NDIS Report?

An NDIS physiotherapy report is a comprehensive report that aligns with your NDIS plan goals and outlines an evidence-based approach to a therapy program aimed at helping you achieve your NDIS goals in a strategic and progressive manner. The physiotherapy reports are crucial for maximising the outcomes of your NDIS review meeting, which determines the therapy options covered by NDIS for the rest of the year.

Sometimes it can be difficult to get the NDIS Physiotherapy Report that you need. If you dont have consistent contact with a single physio, if your physio cannot produce a report for you at the moment, or if you like to move between different physio providers, then please get in touch - we offer assessment and NDIS report writing as a standalone service.

Physiotherapy Telehealth

We understand that accessing physiotherapy services in a clinic can be very difficult for some people. Furthermore, mobile physiotherapy services are not available in many areas.

Funding and Fee Schedule

We offer services under NDIS (Plan-Managed) or private funding. Please get in touch to discuss your needs and fees for service. Our fees are inline with the rates set out by NDIS (https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/pricing-arrangements). If you have any questions, please contact us to discuss you needs.

Service Agreement

We are required to enter into a Service Agreement with every NDIS Participant who accesses our services. This agreement provides an overview of the estimated services to be delivered for the duration of the participants plan. We will require some details of your NDIS plan on your first visit. This information can be emailed or provided in the initial consultation. Payment for services will be required at the conclusion of each treatment session.

You can get in touch at info@physiondis.com.