If you’re an NDIS participant dealing with pain, mobility challenges, or recovering from surgery, physiotherapy can make a genuine difference to your independence and quality of life. But navigating the NDIS system to access physiotherapy services isn’t always straightforward.
As a registered NDIS provider who’s been supporting participants across Melbourne’s south-east since 2018, I’ve helped hundreds of people understand their funding and access the physiotherapy support they need. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about NDIS physiotherapy in plain language.
Is Physiotherapy Covered by the NDIS?
Yes, but it needs to be included in your NDIS plan.
Physiotherapy is funded under two main NDIS budget categories:
1. Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living (Most Common)
This covers physiotherapy that helps you build skills, independence, and functional capacity. Examples include:
- Exercise programmes to improve strength and mobility
- Learning safe movement strategies to prevent falls
- Building capacity to perform daily tasks independently
- Post-surgical rehabilitation to regain function
- Pain management strategies you can use yourself
- Using assistive technology correctly and safely
This is where most NDIS physiotherapy sits because the focus is on building your long-term capacity rather than just providing ongoing support.
2. Core Supports – Assistance with Daily Living
This covers physiotherapy for immediate support needs where capacity building isn’t the primary goal. Examples include:
- Ongoing pain management for chronic conditions
- Regular mobility support for progressive conditions
- Maintaining function when improvement isn’t expected
- Manual therapy for symptom relief
Key difference: Capacity Building is about learning and improving. Core Supports is about maintaining and managing.
Your support coordinator or plan manager can help you understand which category applies to your situation. Often, it’s a combination of both.
How Much Does NDIS Physiotherapy Cost?
For NDIS participants: There are no out-of-pocket costs if you have physiotherapy funding in your plan.
As a registered NDIS provider, we claim directly through your plan at NDIS price guide rates. Here’s what that means:
Current NDIS Physiotherapy Rates (2026)
Standard Physiotherapy:
- Weekday rates: $193.99 per hour
- Saturday rates: $213.52 per hour
- Sunday/Public Holiday rates: $290.39 per hour
Initial Assessment:
- Typically 60 minutes = $193.99 (weekday)
Follow-up Sessions:
- Typically 45 minutes = $145.49 (weekday)
Report Writing:
- Progress reports for your plan or support coordinator
- Functional capacity assessments
- Goal review documentation
These rates are set by the NDIS, not individual providers, so you’ll pay the same whether you see us or another registered NDIS physiotherapy provider.
Important: Travel time to your home is included in our service – we don’t charge extra for mobile physiotherapy.
Self-Managed vs Plan-Managed vs Agency-Managed: What’s the Difference?
How you access NDIS physiotherapy depends on how your plan is managed:
Self-Managed
What it means: You manage your own funding and pay providers directly.
For physiotherapy:
- You can choose any physiotherapist (registered or not registered with NDIS)
- You pay the invoice and claim reimbursement from NDIA
- More flexibility but more paperwork
- You’re responsible for checking qualifications
Our recommendation: If you’re self-managed, still choose a registered NDIS provider (like YouGo Physio) who understands NDIS requirements and can provide proper documentation.
Plan-Managed
What it means: A plan manager handles payments on your behalf.
For physiotherapy:
- You can choose any registered NDIS provider
- Your plan manager pays invoices directly
- Less paperwork for you
- Plan manager tracks your budget
Our process: We send invoices directly to your plan manager. They approve payment and track your spending. You don’t handle any payments yourself.
Agency-Managed (NDIA-Managed)
What it means: The NDIS manages your funding directly.
For physiotherapy:
- You must choose a registered NDIS provider
- We claim payment directly through the NDIS portal
- Completely hands-off for you
- Most streamlined option
Our process: We provide the service, submit a claim through the NDIA system, and get paid directly. You don’t see any invoices or payments.
Which is best for physiotherapy? All three work fine. Plan-managed and agency-managed are simpler because you don’t handle any paperwork yourself.
What Can You Use NDIS Physiotherapy For?
Based on 8 years supporting NDIS participants across Melbourne’s south-east, here are the most common reasons people access physiotherapy:
Building Independence & Functional Capacity
The heart of NDIS physiotherapy is capacity building – helping you do more for yourself:
- Learning to transfer safely (bed, chair, toilet, car)
- Improving walking ability and endurance
- Building strength for daily tasks (cooking, cleaning, shopping)
- Developing safe movement patterns
- Increasing exercise tolerance
- Improving balance and coordination
Falls Prevention & Balance Training
Falls prevention is crucial for NDIS participants at risk:
- Balance assessment and training
- Strength exercises for stability
- Environmental modifications advice
- Assistive equipment recommendations
- Confidence building for mobility
Pain Management
For chronic pain conditions, physiotherapy helps you manage symptoms and maintain function:
- Manual therapy techniques for pain relief
- Exercise strategies to reduce pain
- Education about your condition
- Pacing and activity modification
- Self-management strategies
Learn more about pain management →
Post-Surgery Rehabilitation
If you’ve had surgery (hip replacement, knee replacement, spinal surgery, etc.), physiotherapy is essential for recovery:
- Regaining strength and movement
- Safe progression of activities
- Preventing complications
- Returning to your usual routine
- Achieving functional independence
Learn more about post-operative care →
Using Assistive Technology
We help you learn to use mobility aids and equipment safely and effectively:
- Walking frame technique
- Wheelchair mobility skills
- Transfer equipment use
- Home modifications assessment
Learn more about assistive technology →
Exercise Programme Development
Custom exercise programmes designed for your home environment:
- Strength training
- Flexibility work
- Cardiovascular fitness
- Functional exercises
- Progression planning
How to Access NDIS Physiotherapy in Melbourne
Here’s the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Check Your NDIS Plan
Look at your plan and check if you have funding for:
- “Improved Daily Living” (under Capacity Building), OR
- “Assistance with Daily Living” (under Core Supports)
Not sure? Contact your support coordinator, Local Area Coordinator (LAC), or plan manager. They can tell you if physiotherapy is included and how much funding you have.
Don’t have physiotherapy in your plan yet? You can request it at your next plan review by explaining how physiotherapy would help you achieve your goals.
Step 2: Choose a Registered NDIS Provider
You need a physiotherapist who is:
- AHPRA-registered (all Australian physiotherapists must be)
- NDIS-registered (not all are)
- Experienced with NDIS participants
- Located in your service area
Why choose YouGo Physio?
- NDIS registered provider
- AHPRA registered (PHY0002129233)
- 8+ years supporting NDIS participants
- Mobile service across Melbourne’s south-east
- Experience with all management types (self, plan, agency)
Step 3: Complete a Referral
You don’t need a GP referral for physiotherapy in Australia, but having one provides useful medical context.
To book with us:
- Complete our NDIS referral form
- Include your NDIS number and plan details
- Let us know how your plan is managed
- Tell us your main concerns and goals
Or call directly: 0473 393 383
Step 4: Initial Assessment
Your first appointment (typically 60 minutes) includes:
- Discussion of your goals and concerns
- Physical assessment of your current abilities
- Treatment plan development
- Initial exercises or strategies
- Discussion of how many sessions you might need
What to expect from your first visit →
Step 5: Ongoing Treatment
We’ll work together consistently toward your NDIS goals:
- Regular sessions (weekly, fortnightly, or as needed)
- Progressive exercise programmes
- Skill development
- Functional training
- Goal monitoring and adjustment
Step 6: Progress Reporting
As a registered NDIS provider, we provide detailed progress reports documenting:
- Your functional improvements (measured objectively)
- Progress toward your NDIS goals
- Treatment provided and outcomes
- Recommendations for your next plan review
These reports help justify continued physiotherapy funding at your plan review and keep your support team informed.
How to Maximise Your NDIS Physiotherapy Funding
Based on 8 years working within the NDIS system, here are my top tips:
1. Set Clear, Measurable Goals
Vague goal: “Improve mobility”
Better goal: “Walk 500 metres to the shops independently within 12 weeks”
Clear goals make it easier to:
- Track progress objectively
- Justify funding at plan reviews
- Stay motivated
- Know when you’ve achieved what you set out to do
2. Be Consistent with Sessions
Research shows: Consistent physiotherapy (weekly or fortnightly) gets better results than sporadic sessions months apart.
Why this matters for NDIS: If you’re not using your physiotherapy funding regularly, the NDIA might reduce it at your next review because it looks like you don’t need it.
3. Do Your Home Exercises
80% of your improvement comes from what you do between sessions, not just the 45 minutes we spend together each week.
NDIS perspective: Capacity building is about learning skills you can use independently. Doing home exercises proves you’re building that capacity.
4. Communicate with Your Support Coordinator
Keep your support coordinator informed about:
- Progress you’re making
- How physiotherapy is helping you achieve your plan goals
- Whether you need more or less frequent sessions
- Any challenges you’re facing
This helps them advocate for appropriate funding at your plan review.
5. Think About Plan Reviews Early
3 months before your plan review:
- Ask for a comprehensive progress report
- Document your achievements (take videos or photos if helpful)
- Identify goals for the next plan period
- Discuss ongoing physiotherapy needs with your team
Evidence of progress helps secure continued funding.
Common NDIS Physiotherapy Questions
Can I choose my own physiotherapist?
Yes, as long as they’re a registered NDIS provider (if you’re agency-managed or plan-managed).
Self-managed participants can technically choose any physiotherapist, but we strongly recommend choosing an NDIS-registered provider who understands NDIS requirements and documentation.
How many physiotherapy sessions can I have?
It depends on your plan funding. Your plan might have:
- A specific dollar amount for physiotherapy
- Funding under “Improved Daily Living” you can use for various supports
- Core funding you can allocate flexibly
Your support coordinator or plan manager can tell you how much is available.
Typical usage: Many participants have 10-20 sessions per year, but this varies widely based on individual needs.
Do I need a new referral for each appointment?
No. Once you’ve completed an initial referral and we’ve done your assessment, you can continue having sessions without new referrals (as long as you have funding in your plan).
What if I run out of physiotherapy funding?
Options:
- Request a plan variation if your needs have changed
- Use funding from another category if appropriate and available
- Wait until your next plan review
- Switch to private funding temporarily
Talk to your support coordinator about the best approach for your situation.
Can I have physiotherapy at home?
Absolutely. Mobile physiotherapy is ideal for NDIS participants because:
- Treatment happens in your actual living environment
- We can assess real-world challenges (your bathroom, kitchen, stairs)
- No transport barriers
- Family or support workers can easily participate
- More practical and functional
We provide mobile physiotherapy across Melbourne’s south-east, including Chelsea, Edithvale, Bonbeach, Aspendale, Mentone, Mordialloc, and surrounding suburbs.
Does mobile physiotherapy cost extra?
No. Travel to your home is included in our service at standard NDIS rates. You pay the same whether you come to a clinic or we come to you.
Can my support worker be present during sessions?
Yes, we encourage it! Having your support worker involved means they can:
- Help you with exercises between sessions
- Understand your treatment plan
- Support your goals consistently
- Learn safe assistance techniques
We can also provide manual handling training for support workers to ensure they’re assisting you safely.
NDIS Physiotherapy Across Melbourne’s South-East
YouGo Physio provides mobile NDIS physiotherapy throughout Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs:
Primary service area:
Chelsea, Edithvale, Bonbeach, Aspendale, Mordialloc, Parkdale, Mentone, Carrum, Cheltenham, Beaumaris
We come to you:
- Private homes
- Supported accommodation
- SDA housing
- Group homes
- Wherever you live
Weekend appointments available for participants who prefer sessions outside weekday hours.
What Makes YouGo Physio Different?
NDIS Experience Since 2018
We’ve been supporting NDIS participants since the scheme rolled out in Victoria. We understand:
- How plans work (all three management types)
- What the NDIA expects in reports
- How to link treatment to your plan goals
- How to work effectively with support coordinators
- Common challenges participants face
Truly Mobile Service
We come to you across Melbourne’s south-east. This means:
- No transport stress or cost
- Treatment in your actual environment
- We can assess real challenges in your home
- Support workers or family can easily participate
- Appointments at times that suit you
Same Physiotherapist Every Visit
Continuity matters. You’ll see me (Aleksandra) for every appointment, which means:
- I truly get to know you and your goals
- Treatment builds progressively
- You don’t re-explain your story every time
- We build a relationship based on trust
- Better outcomes (research shows 35% improvement with consistent practitioner)
Evidence-Based, Participant-Centred Care
Our approach:
- Focus on YOUR goals, not a generic programme
- Evidence-based treatments that actually work
- Clear explanations of the “why” behind exercises
- Respectful of your pace and preferences
- Empowering you to self-manage
Not just about making you dependent on ongoing appointments – our aim is building your capacity for independence.
Comprehensive Reporting
We provide detailed progress reports that:
- Use standardised outcome measures
- Link clearly to your NDIS goals
- Document functional improvements
- Support your plan reviews
- Keep your support team informed
Professional standard: Reports follow Australian Physiotherapy Association guidelines and NDIS requirements.
Ready to Access NDIS Physiotherapy?
If you’re an NDIS participant across Melbourne’s south-east dealing with pain, mobility challenges, or working toward greater independence, we’re here to help.
Our NDIS Services Include:
- Capacity building programmes
- Falls prevention and balance training
- Pain management strategies
- Post-operative rehabilitation
- Exercise programmes for strength and mobility
- Mobility skill development
- Assistive technology training
- Progress reporting and NDIS documentation
Professional Credentials:
- AHPRA Registered Physiotherapist (PHY0002129233)
- NDIS Registered Provider
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)
- Member, Australian Physiotherapy Association
- 8+ years experience supporting NDIS participants
- Specialist training in neurological and disability physiotherapy
Book Your NDIS Physiotherapy Assessment
Three easy ways to get started:
1. Complete Our NDIS Referral Form
The form takes 3-5 minutes and asks for:
- Your NDIS number
- Plan management type
- Your main goals and concerns
- Preferred contact method
2. Call Us Directly
Speak with Aleksandra directly about:
- Whether physiotherapy suits your needs
- Your plan funding
- Appointment availability
- Any questions you have
3. Email Your Enquiry
Send through:
- Your name and NDIS number
- Brief description of your situation
- Best way to contact you
We’ll typically get back to you within 24 hours to discuss your needs and arrange your first appointment.
