What Physio Recommended Activities Can be Claimed Under the NDIS?

Physiotherapy is frequently used to support children and adults with a disability to improve their quality of life.

At Everyday Independence, our NDIS physiotherapists help you achieve a variety of goals. Whether you’re looking to overcome activity restrictions related to an intellectual or psychosocial disability, improve mobility at home and in the community, or build skills for greater independence, we’re here to help.

To help NDIS participants achieve the best outcomes, physiotherapists may use strategies and recommend activities to help them to achieve their goals.

The big question is Can I claim physiotherapy under NDIS?

The answer: Yes, you can access physiotherapy supports, if you meet eligibility criteria.

Here we help you understand funded physiotherapy support under the NDIS and what may be eligible. We’ll explain the role of physiotherapy and how to access assessments, therapeutic exercises, equipment, and mobility aids.

The Role of Physiotherapy in the NDIS

The NDIS recognises the important role of physiotherapy in promoting independence, participation and improving a person’s quality of life.

Physiotherapy can help by:

• Improving mobility, strength, flexibility and endurance to enjoy everyday activities
• Managing pain
• Building skills and confidence to do things independently like getting dressed, preparing meals
• Enhancing mental health and wellbeing, emotional regulation and sleep quality through increased physical activity
• Accessing recreation, team sports, school PE lessons or a local gym
• Supporting transitions to high school or a new job
• Learning to manage change to everyday routines
• Prescribing mobility equipment or assistive technology to help you stand, walk and move around independently

Can I Access Physiotherapy Through NDIS?

Eligible NDIS participants may be able to access physiotherapy services to help them achieve their goals.

Physiotherapy is funded under The ‘Improved Daily Living’ section of the NDIS Capacity Building Supports budget. This budget can be used for assessment, training or therapy to help increase your skills, independence and community participation.

The amount of funding that can be used for physiotherapy depends on the individuals’ needs and in their NDIS plan. Any funded activity needs to meet the reasonable and necessary criteria in order to be deemed eligible. Click here for more information on NDIS funding criteria.

We recommend checking your NDIS plan or speaking to your coordinator of support or local area coordinator if you have questions about your funding.

How to Access Physiotherapy Through NDIS

As a registed NDIS therapy provider we provide physiotherapy services to children and adults. Our physios take a holistic approach to your journey towards positive change; they work with your broader team of supports to help you develop skills to improve your quality of life.

Get started with one of our physiotherapists by completing this form and a team member will be in contact ASAP.

Can You Claim Physio Recommended Activity Such as Yoga Under the NDIS?

Physiotherapists and other health professionals may suggest activities such as mobility training, dance therapy or yoga to their NDIS clients. A common question is: Can I claim physio recommended yoga under the NDIS?

You can no longer use NDIS funding to attend an independent yoga class.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme has reviewed the supports eligible and found that many alternative therapies, including yoga, are not evidence based. You can see a full list of what isn’t funding by the NDIS here.

Which Activities Can be Funded?

As of October 2024, the NDIS (under the National Disability Insurance Agency) has implemented new guidelines specifying which services and items can and cannot be funded.

The document highlights that only the NDIS supports directly related to a participant’s disability and deemed reasonable and necessary are eligible for funding. These supports can include services, items or equipment. A full list of what is included can be found here.

Which activities can be funded depends on the individual, their disability, and how the specific activity may benefit them.

Exercise physiology and personal wellbeing activities may be eligible for funding if they address the functional impact of your disability [2].

If you’re unsure of what can be included in your plan, ask your local area coordinator or support coordinator if your desired activity can be deemed reasonable and necessary for your circumstances.

Why Do Physiotherapists Recommend Additional Activities?

Physiotherapists working with NDIS participants often suggest activities beyond standard physiotherapy sessions. The aim of these activities are primarily to help improve a person’s strength, flexibility and range of motion. Which activities are recommended is based on the individual participant’s disability, strengths, goals and functional capacity.

Some additional activities may include:

• Hydrotherapy
• Yoga therapy
• Dance/movement therapy
• Assistive technology and mobility training
• Modified sports and recreation activities

Some goals of these activities include:

• Improved daily living skills (getting dressed, making meals, etc)
• Improved mental health and confidence
• Pain relief, relaxation and stress relief
• Encourage social participation and inclusion
• Build strength, endurance and coordination
• Improved balance and flexibility
• Improved range of motion
• Assisted transition to mobility aid use

Being recommended by a physiotherapist does not guarantee an activity will be funded by the NDIS. We recommend you speak to your support coordinator or local area coordinator to confirm what activities you can claim with your NDIS funds.

What if an Activity Isn’t Directly Funded?

If an activity isn’t directly funded by the NDIS, participants can:

• Use Core Supports for community participation
• Request an NDIS plan review to include activities under therapy goals
• Seek funding under Health and Wellbeing Supports, if applicable

For more information, contact your local area coordinator.

Summary

Physiotherapy has a positive impact on people living with a permanent disability and can greatly improve quality of life.

Physios may recommend additional activities to help a person achieve the best possible outcomes. These activities may be available within a standard physiotherapy session as part of their treatment plan, or through another support worker or health professional who is qualified to deliver them.

The NDIS will only provide funding for activities that are deemed reasonable and necessary as part of the direct management of your disability.

You can participate in yoga exercises as part of a treatment plan of allied health therapies, though independent yoga classes are not funded under the NDIS.

Physiotherapists at Everyday Independence work with your broader support team to help you achieve life-changing outcomes and adjust to life transitions. Get in touch today to get started on your pathway towards positive change.

References

[1] NDIS, 2025. What NDIS Supports Will We Include in Your Plan? https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/how-ndis-supports-work-menu/mainstream-and-community-supports/what-ndis-supports-will-we-include-your-plan

[2] NDIS, 2025. What Does NDIS Fund? https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/would-we-fund-it/what-does-ndis-fund?utm_source=Update+on+NDIS+Changes+October+2024