Starting physiotherapy under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can feel daunting, especially if you’re not sure what to expect. At Burwood Physio, we work with many NDIS participants and their support coordinators to deliver physiotherapy that helps people achieve their functional goals and improve their quality of life.
In this guide, we explain exactly what happens at a first NDIS physiotherapy appointment, what to bring, and how to make the most of your sessions.
What is NDIS Physiotherapy?
NDIS physiotherapy is physiotherapy funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme for participants whose disability affects their mobility, function, or ability to participate in daily activities. Physiotherapy under the NDIS can be funded under the following budget categories:
- Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living: This is the most common funding category for physiotherapy. It covers assessment, therapy, and development of home exercise programs.
- Core Supports — Assistance with Daily Life: In some cases, physiotherapy may be funded under Core if it directly supports daily living activities.
If you’re unsure which budget category applies to your situation, your support coordinator or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) can help clarify this before your appointment.
Before Your First Appointment: What to Bring
To make your first appointment as efficient and productive as possible, we recommend bringing:
- Your NDIS plan (or confirmation of your plan dates and budget)
- Your plan management details (self-managed, plan-managed, or NDIA-managed)
- Any relevant medical reports, imaging, or specialist letters
- A list of your current medications
- Any mobility aids you currently use (walking frame, crutches, orthotics, etc.)
- A support person or carer if you’d like one present
What Happens at Your First NDIS Physiotherapy Appointment?
Step 1: Goal Setting and History Taking (15–20 minutes)
Your physiotherapist will start by asking about your health history, your disability, and — most importantly — your goals. NDIS physiotherapy is goal-directed: every intervention is linked to what you want to achieve. Common goals include:
- Improving balance and reducing falls risk
- Building strength to transfer independently from bed to wheelchair
- Increasing walking distance for community participation
- Reducing pain to improve sleep or participation in activities
- Developing an independent home exercise program
Step 2: Physical Assessment (20–30 minutes)
Your physiotherapist will conduct a thorough physical assessment tailored to your condition and goals. This may include:
- Range of motion and flexibility testing
- Muscle strength assessment
- Balance and gait analysis
- Functional task assessment (e.g., sit-to-stand, transfers)
- Neurological assessment if relevant
Step 3: Treatment Plan Discussion
Based on the assessment, your physiotherapist will explain their findings and recommend a treatment plan. This will include how many sessions are recommended, what each session will involve, and how progress will be measured.
For NDIS participants, your physiotherapist will also discuss how the recommended sessions align with your plan goals and funding, and can provide a service agreement if required by your plan manager.
Step 4: Initial Treatment
Depending on the time remaining and your comfort, some initial treatment may begin in the first session. This might include hands-on therapy, exercise instruction, or advice on positioning and assistive equipment.
How Many NDIS Physiotherapy Sessions Will I Need?
The number of sessions varies greatly depending on your goals and condition. Some participants benefit from an intensive block of treatment (e.g., 10 sessions over 10 weeks) followed by an independent home program. Others may attend ongoing maintenance physiotherapy to sustain their functional capacity over time.
Your physiotherapist will provide a recommendation based on your assessment. This can be reviewed at any time if your goals change or your condition improves faster than expected.
NDIS Physiotherapy at Burwood Physio
Our physiotherapist Emily Harrison has extensive experience working with NDIS participants across a range of conditions including neurological conditions, physical disability, and pelvic health. We accept plan-managed and self-managed NDIS participants.
We’re conveniently located in Burwood, making us accessible for participants in Strathfield, Homebush, Ashfield, Auburn, and surrounding areas. Home visits and telehealth sessions may also be available — ask us about your options when you book.
Ready to start? Contact Burwood Physio to book your first NDIS physiotherapy appointment or to discuss whether we’re the right fit for your NDIS goals.
About the Author: This article was written by the team at Burwood Physio. We are AHPRA-registered physiotherapists with experience supporting NDIS participants to achieve their functional goals.