What to Expect from NDIS Physiotherapy
If you or someone you care for has an NDIS plan that includes physiotherapy, you might be wondering what actually happens - and whether mobile NDIS physiotherapy is the right fit. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about NDIS physiotherapy, from accessing it through your plan to what a typical session looks like at home in Melbourne.
Table of Contents
What Is NDIS Physiotherapy?
NDIS physiotherapy is funded physiotherapy delivered to participants whose plan includes support for improving physical function, mobility, or independence. It sits under the Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living support category (or occasionally under Core Supports), and it can be delivered in a clinic, at home, or in the community.
For many NDIS participants in Melbourne, mobile NDIS physiotherapy – where the physio comes to your home – is the most practical option. There’s no transport to organise, no waiting rooms, and treatment happens in the environment where you actually live and move.
Who Can Access NDIS Physiotherapy?
NDIS physiotherapy is available to participants who have funding allocated for it in their current plan. It may be included if you have:
- A physical disability or neurological condition affecting movement or function
- A goal related to improving mobility, strength, or independence
- A need for therapy that supports your daily living or capacity building goals
If you’re not sure whether your plan includes physiotherapy, check under the Capacity Building budget in your plan or ask your NDIS planner or support coordinator.
What Does NDIS Physiotherapy Cover?
NDIS-funded physiotherapy can cover a wide range of conditions and goals, including:
- Improving mobility and walking function
- Strength and balance training
- Falls prevention programs
- Neurological rehabilitation (stroke, Parkinson’s disease, MS, cerebral palsy)
- Pain management
- Post-surgery recovery
- Equipment assessments (e.g. for wheelchairs, walking aids)
- Exercise programs tailored to your NDIS goals
Your physiotherapist will work directly from the goals in your NDIS plan – so sessions are always purposeful and linked to what the scheme is funding.
Plan Managed vs Self Managed – What’s the Difference?
How you access NDIS physiotherapy depends on how your plan is managed:
- Plan managed: Your plan manager handles payments. You choose your provider and they invoice your plan manager directly – no out-of-pocket cost to you.
- Self managed: You pay the provider and claim reimbursement from the NDIS portal yourself.
- NDIA managed: You must use a registered NDIS provider (like Khy Physio).
If you’re NDIA managed, it’s important to confirm your physiotherapist is a registered NDIS provider before booking.
What Happens in an NDIS Physiotherapy Session?
Here’s what to expect when you start NDIS physiotherapy with a mobile provider:
Initial Assessment (First Session)
Your first session is an assessment. Your physiotherapist will:
- Review your NDIS goals and any relevant medical history
- Assess your current physical function, strength, balance, and mobility
- Identify areas of focus and barriers to achieving your goals
- Discuss what a treatment plan might look like
For home visits, this all happens in your own space – which is often more revealing than a clinic, because your physio can see the stairs you navigate, the chair you sit in, and the distances you actually walk.
Follow-up Sessions
Once your treatment plan is established, follow-up sessions typically involve:
- Targeted exercises based on your goals
- Hands-on treatment where appropriate (manual therapy, massage)
- Education on managing your condition day-to-day
- Progress review against your NDIS goals
Sessions are usually 45 to 60 minutes. Your physio will document progress and provide reports as needed for plan reviews.
NDIS Physiotherapy Rates – What Does It Cost?
NDIS physiotherapy is billed at the NDIS price guide rates, which are set by the NDIA. As a participant, you should not pay more than the current price guide rate per session.
For NDIA managed and plan managed participants, there is no out-of-pocket cost – the NDIS pays the provider directly or reimburses you. Self-managed participants pay upfront and claim back.
At Khy Physio, we bill at the NDIS support catalogue rate and handle all invoicing directly with your plan manager. Learn more about our NDIS physiotherapy service.
Mobile NDIS Physiotherapy in Melbourne
For many NDIS participants, getting to a clinic is the biggest barrier to accessing physiotherapy. Mobile NDIS physiotherapy removes that barrier entirely.
As a registered NDIS provider, Khy Physio delivers in-home physiotherapy across Melbourne’s eastern and western suburbs – with $0 travel fees within our service area. We bring all the equipment needed to run effective sessions in your home, and we coordinate directly with your plan manager or support coordinator so you don’t have to manage the paperwork.
Our mobile service covers suburbs including Doncaster, Box Hill, Glen Waverley, Templestowe, Sunshine, Point Cook, Caroline Springs, Werribee, and many more. Contact us to confirm we cover your area.
How to Get Started
Ready to access NDIS physiotherapy? Here’s how to get started:
- Check your plan – confirm physiotherapy funding is included under Capacity Building or Core Supports
- Choose a registered provider – for NDIA managed plans, your provider must be NDIS registered
- Make a referral – you (or your support coordinator) can contact us directly, no GP referral required
- Book your initial assessment – we’ll confirm availability and arrange a home visit at a time that suits you
You can reach the Khy Physio team at 0410 803 034 or via the contact page.
Khy Physio provides mobile physiotherapy across Melbourne for older Australians accessing services through My Aged Care, Home Care Packages, and the Support at Home program. If you’d like to find out how we can help, contact our team or call 0410 803 034. We respond within 24 hours.
