Does the NDIS fund physiotherapy for all conditions?

No. The NDIS funds physiotherapy for permanent and significant disabilities that impact daily functioning. Temporary injuries are generally not covered.

Is physiotherapy funded under Core or Capacity Building?

Physiotherapy is typically funded under Capacity Building supports, as it aims to improve skills and independence.

Do I need a referral to access NDIS physiotherapy?

A GP referral is not always required, but documentation supporting your disability and functional limitations may be needed for funding approval.

How often can I receive physiotherapy under the NDIS?

Frequency depends on your individual plan, goals, and available funding. Your physiotherapist will recommend a schedule based on your needs and progress.

Find Out What Conditions NDIS Physiotherapy Covers: A Complete Guide

Q: Can children access NDIS physiotherapy?

Yes. Children with developmental delays or diagnosed disabilities may receive physiotherapy to support motor skill development and participation.

What Conditions Does NDIS Physiotherapy Support?

NDIS physiotherapy supports people living with disabilities that affect their movement, strength, balance, coordination, pain, or ability to participate in everyday activities.

At People First Therapy, we provide personalised mobile NDIS physiotherapy and hydrotherapy across Sydney for children and adults with a wide range of disabilities and mobility challenges.

We support people who may have difficulty walking, standing, transferring, exercising safely, or maintaining their independence at home.

Our physiotherapists focus on the person behind the diagnosis — understanding your goals, your daily challenges, and what is important to you and your family.

Neurological Conditions

Many NDIS participants access physiotherapy because neurological conditions affect their movement, balance, strength, and independence.

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy can affect muscle tone, coordination, posture, balance, and mobility.

Physiotherapy may help with:

Maintaining joint movement and flexibility
Improving strength and posture
Practising walking and transfers
Supporting safe movement at home
Maintaining independence as needs change

At People First Therapy, we support children and adults with cerebral palsy, including people with more complex mobility needs who require personalised assistance.

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease can affect walking, balance, coordination, movement speed, and confidence.

Physiotherapy may focus on:

Improving walking ability
Reducing falls risk
Maintaining strength and mobility
Improving movement strategies for daily activities

Treatment is tailored around each person's abilities and goals.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple sclerosis can cause fatigue, weakness, balance difficulties, pain, and changes in mobility.

Physiotherapy may assist with:

Maintaining strength and movement
Managing fatigue
Improving balance and safety
Supporting independence with daily activities

Stroke and Acquired Brain Injury

Following a stroke or acquired brain injury, people may experience changes in strength, coordination, balance, and mobility.

Physiotherapy can help with:

Walking rehabilitation
Transfer practice
Balance training
Functional movement
Building confidence with everyday activities

Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injuries can significantly affect mobility and independence.

Physiotherapy may support:

Transfers
Wheelchair mobility
Strength and conditioning
Maintaining joint movement
Long-term function and independence

Developmental Conditions and Childhood Disabilities

Children with developmental conditions may access NDIS physiotherapy to support movement, participation, and independence.

Physiotherapy may assist children experiencing:

Developmental delays
Difficulty with walking or balance
Reduced strength or coordination
Challenges participating in physical activities

For children, therapy is often designed around play, confidence, and helping them participate in activities that are meaningful to them and their families.

Physical Disabilities and Mobility Challenges

NDIS physiotherapy is not only based on a diagnosis. Many participants access physiotherapy because their disability affects their everyday function.

We commonly support people who experience:

Difficulty walking
Difficulty standing or transferring
Reduced balance
Falls risk
Reduced strength or endurance
Pain affecting movement
Difficulty exercising on land

For these participants, physiotherapy focuses on practical goals such as moving safely around the home, improving confidence, and maintaining independence.

Degenerative and Progressive Conditions

Some disabilities change over time. Physiotherapy can help people maintain function, manage symptoms, and continue participating in daily activities.

We support people living with progressive conditions by focusing on:

Maintaining mobility
Preserving strength
Managing pain and stiffness
Supporting safe movement
Adapting therapy as needs change

How Can NDIS Physiotherapy Help?

At People First Therapy, our physiotherapy programs are tailored to each person's goals and abilities.

Depending on your needs, therapy may include:

Strengthening exercises
Balance training
Walking practice
Transfer training
Range of motion exercises
Pain management strategies
Hydrotherapy
Mobility and equipment recommendations

Our goal is not simply to treat a condition — it is to help you improve function and participate in the activities that matter most to you.

NDIS Hydrotherapy for Patients Who Find Land Exercise Difficult

Some NDIS participants find exercise on land painful, unsafe, or challenging.

Hydrotherapy provides a supportive environment where movement can often become easier.

At People First Therapy, our physiotherapists provide one-on-one hydrotherapy, getting in the water with you and providing direct support throughout the session.

This can be particularly beneficial for people with:

Cerebral palsy
Neurological conditions
Complex mobility needs
Difficulty walking or transferring
Pain and reduced movement

Do You Need a Specific Diagnosis to Access NDIS Physiotherapy?

Not necessarily.

NDIS physiotherapy is generally based on how your disability affects your everyday function and whether physiotherapy is a reasonable and necessary support for your goals.

People may access physiotherapy to help with challenges such as:

Moving safely at home
Improving mobility
Maintaining independence
Reducing falls risk
Managing disability-related limitations

Why Choose People First Therapy?

At People First Therapy, we provide physiotherapy with a people-first approach.

We understand that every person's situation is different. Our physiotherapists take the time to understand your goals and create therapy that fits into your life.

We specialise in:

Mobile physiotherapy across Sydney
In-home NDIS physiotherapy
Supporting people with complex mobility needs
One-on-one hydrotherapy
Working with families and support teams

Our aim is to help people improve mobility, maintain independence, and participate in the activities that are important to them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does NDIS cover physiotherapy for all conditions?

NDIS funding depends on whether the condition causes a permanent disability that significantly affects everyday function and whether physiotherapy supports the person's goals.

Do I need a GP referral for NDIS physiotherapy?

A GP referral is generally not required. However, your physiotherapist may complete assessments and reports to support your therapy goals.

Can children access NDIS physiotherapy?

Yes. Children with disabilities or developmental challenges may access physiotherapy to support movement, participation, and independence.

Can People First Therapy provide hydrotherapy?

Yes. We provide one-on-one hydrotherapy across Sydney, with our physiotherapists in the water providing direct support.