Registered Physiotherapist, AF Therapy Services

NDIS physiotherapy helps participants build strength, mobility, and independence through funded, goal-based treatment delivered by a registered physiotherapist. In Perth, participants can access physiotherapy through their NDIS plan if it’s assessed as “reasonable and necessary,” either at a clinic, at home, or through mobile services across the metro area including Balcatta and surrounding suburbs.

If you’re new to the NDIS or unsure how physiotherapy funding actually works, this guide breaks down eligibility, funding categories, costs, and exactly how to get started with a provider in Perth.

What Is NDIS Physiotherapy?

NDIS physiotherapy is physiotherapy treatment funded through a participant’s NDIS plan to help them manage a disability-related physical impairment. It focuses on improving mobility, reducing pain, building strength, and supporting daily function so participants can work toward their personal goals.

Unlike general physiotherapy, NDIS physiotherapy is goal-directed every session and ties back to outcomes written into your NDIS plan, such as walking further independently, transferring safely, or managing a progressive condition. Physiotherapists working with NDIS participants often collaborate with occupational therapists, exercise physiologists, and allied health assistants to deliver a coordinated program rather than treatment in isolation.

Am I Eligible for NDIS Physiotherapy?

Is physiotherapy covered under NDIS?

Yes, physiotherapy is covered under the NDIS if you’re an NDIS participant and physiotherapy is included in your plan as “reasonable and necessary” support related to your disability.

Who Qualifies Under the NDIS

To access physiotherapy funding, you need to:

• Be an existing NDIS participant with an approved plan
• Have physiotherapy identified as reasonable and necessary during planning or a plan review
• Have a physical or functional impairment that physiotherapy can reasonably address

Is Physiotherapy “Reasonable and Necessary”?

The NDIA assesses funding requests against whether the support is directly related to your disability, represents value for money, and isn’t already the responsibility of another system (such as Medicare or the public health system). This is why physiotherapy funding isn’t automatic for every participant; it depends on your individual goals and functional needs, agreed with your planner or Local Area Coordinator.

If physiotherapy wasn’t included in your original plan, you can request it be added at your next plan review, or your support coordinator can help you apply for a change of circumstances.

How Is NDIS Physiotherapy Funded?

How much does NDIS physiotherapy cost?

Costs are set by the NDIS Price Guide and paid directly from your plan’s funding. Participants don’t pay out of pocket for physiotherapy that’s within their approved budget and delivered by a provider charging NDIS rates.

Support Category 15 — Improved Daily Living

Physiotherapy is typically funded under Capacity Building Improved Daily Living (Support Category 15). This category funds allied health supports that help you build skills and independence over time, rather than one-off or ongoing personal care.

Plan-Managed, Self-Managed, or NDIA-Managed: What’s the Difference?

How your plan is managed affects which physiotherapy providers you can use and how sessions are paid for.

Whichever category you fall under, it’s worth confirming with your provider upfront whether they’re NDIS-registered and what their session rates are, so there are no surprises against your plan budget.

NDIS Physiotherapy vs Medicare Physiotherapy: What’s the Difference?

In short, NDIS physiotherapy is designed for sustained, goal-oriented support tied to a disability, while Medicare physiotherapy covers short-term, capped treatment for a specific medical condition.

What Does an NDIS Physiotherapy Session Involve?

A typical NDIS physiotherapy journey starts with an initial assessment, where your physiotherapist reviews your goals, medical history, and current function. From there, they’ll develop a treatment plan that might include manual therapy, strength and mobility exercises, gait training, or equipment recommendations.

Sessions can be delivered:

• In-clinic, at a dedicated therapy space
• At home, through mobile physiotherapy services
• In the community, where relevant to your goals

Physiotherapy is often delivered alongside other supports for example, an Allied Health Assistant may help you practise exercises between physiotherapist-led sessions, and some participants combine physiotherapy with hydrotherapy for low-impact strength and mobility work in water.

How to Access NDIS Physiotherapy in Perth (Step-by-Step)

Step 1 — Check Your Plan

Review your NDIS plan (or ask your support coordinator) to confirm whether physiotherapy is funded under Support Category 15, and how much budget is available.

Step 2 — Get a Referral or Self-Refer

You don’t always need a formal referral to start NDIS physiotherapy — many providers, including AF Therapy Services, accept direct enquiries or referrals from a support coordinator, GP, or family member.

Step 3 — Book an Initial Consultation

Your physiotherapist will assess your needs, discuss your goals, and set up a treatment plan aligned with your NDIS plan outcomes.

AF Therapy Services provides NDIS physiotherapy from our Balcatta clinic, with mobile options available across Perth for participants who need home-based support.

Why Choose AF Therapy Services for NDIS Physiotherapy?

AF Therapy Services offers a client-focused, multidisciplinary approach where our physiotherapists work alongside our Occupational therapy, exercise physiology, and Allied health assistant teams to deliver coordinated, connected care rather than treatment in isolation. Explore our full range of allied health services or learn more about what’s included.

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Ready to get started? Make a Referral or Enquire Now to book an initial consultation with our Perth-based NDIS physiotherapy team, or call us on (08) 6184 6736.