Is Physiotherapy Covered by the NDIS?
The NDIS can fund physiotherapy for eligible participants under 65. Here is how it works, what is covered, and how to access it through your plan.
Short Answer: Yes, Physiotherapy Is Covered
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can fund physiotherapy for eligible participants. Physiotherapy falls under the Capacity Building budget category, specifically within "Improved Daily Living" supports. This means physiotherapy is funded to help you build your capacity to live more independently and participate in daily activities.
The NDIS does not cover physiotherapy for everyone. There are eligibility requirements, and the physiotherapy must be related to your disability and included in your NDIS plan. If you meet the criteria, the NDIS can fund regular physiotherapy sessions, assessments, and the development of exercise programs tailored to your needs.
For a complete overview of all funding options available for physiotherapy, including NDIS, Support at Home, DVA, and Medicare, visit our funding and payment options page.
Who Is Eligible for NDIS-Funded Physiotherapy?
To receive physiotherapy funded by the NDIS, you need to meet the following criteria:
- Be an NDIS participant - you must have an approved NDIS plan. The NDIS is for people with a permanent and significant disability that affects their ability to participate in everyday activities.
- Be under 65 years of age - the NDIS has an age limit. You must be under 65 when you first apply for the NDIS. If you are 65 or over, aged care programs such as Support at Home or the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) may cover your physiotherapy instead.
- Have physiotherapy included in your plan - your NDIS plan must include funding for physiotherapy, typically under Capacity Building - Improved Daily Living. If physiotherapy is not currently in your plan, you can request a plan review to have it added.
- The physiotherapy must be disability-related - the NDIS funds physiotherapy that is directly related to your disability and aims to build your functional capacity. General fitness or wellness programs that are not linked to your disability goals are typically not funded.
Age limit note: If you entered the NDIS before turning 65, you can remain on the NDIS after 65. You are not automatically moved to aged care. However, if you have never been an NDIS participant and are now 65 or over, the NDIS is generally not available as a new entry point.
What Types of Physiotherapy Does the NDIS Cover?
The NDIS can fund a range of physiotherapy services, provided they are related to your disability and form part of your NDIS plan. Common types of physiotherapy funded by the NDIS include:
Assessment and Capacity Building
Initial assessments, functional capacity evaluations, goal setting, and the development of individualised exercise programs to improve your physical abilities and independence.
Mobility and Strength Programs
Structured exercise programs targeting muscle strength, joint range of motion, and functional mobility. These are designed to help you perform daily activities more independently.
Falls Prevention and Balance
Balance training, gait retraining, and falls prevention programs for participants whose disability affects their balance and coordination.
Neurological Physiotherapy
Specialised physiotherapy for conditions such as cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological conditions that affect movement and function.
Pain Management
Exercise-based pain management strategies for chronic pain conditions that are related to your disability and affect your participation in daily activities.
Plan Management: How You Pay for Physiotherapy
The way you access and pay for physiotherapy depends on how your NDIS plan is managed. There are three management types:
NDIA-Managed (Agency-Managed)
The NDIA manages your funding. You can only use NDIS-registered providers. The provider submits claims directly to the NDIA portal for payment. You do not handle invoices or payments yourself.
Plan-Managed
A registered plan manager handles your funding on your behalf. You can use both NDIS-registered and non-registered providers, giving you more choice. The provider invoices your plan manager, who pays from your NDIS funds. This is the most flexible option for many participants.
Self-Managed
You manage your own funding and pay providers directly, then claim reimbursement from the NDIS. You can choose any provider, registered or not. This gives you the most control but also the most administrative responsibility.
If you are unsure which management type you have, check your NDIS plan document or contact your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or Support Coordinator for clarification.
How to Access Physiotherapy Through Your NDIS Plan
If physiotherapy is already in your NDIS plan, you can contact a physiotherapy provider directly to arrange services. If physiotherapy is not currently in your plan but you believe it would help you achieve your goals, you can:
- Speak to your Support Coordinator or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) about adding physiotherapy to your plan at your next plan review
- Request a plan reassessment if your circumstances have changed and physiotherapy would help you meet your goals
- Ask your GP or specialist to provide a letter of support explaining the clinical need for physiotherapy in relation to your disability
For more details on all funding pathways, visit our funding and payment options page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an age limit for NDIS physiotherapy?
Yes. You must be under 65 years of age when you first apply for the NDIS. If you entered the NDIS before turning 65, you can remain on the scheme after your 65th birthday. People aged 65 and over who are not already NDIS participants may access physiotherapy through aged care programs such as Support at Home or CHSP instead.
Do I need to use an NDIS-registered physiotherapist?
It depends on how your plan is managed. If your plan is NDIA-managed (agency-managed), you must use an NDIS-registered provider. If your plan is plan-managed or self-managed, you can choose any qualified physiotherapist, whether they are NDIS-registered or not.
How many physiotherapy sessions does the NDIS cover?
There is no fixed number of sessions set by the NDIS. The number of sessions depends on your individual plan, your funding allocation, and what is reasonable and necessary to achieve your goals. Your physiotherapist and Support Coordinator can help you plan how to use your funding effectively.
Content reviewed by Jovi Villanueva, AHPRA Registered Physiotherapist (PHY0001876394), Principal Physiotherapist at Wellworx Physio.
Last updated: March 2026
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