How NDIS Can Cover Your Physiotherapy Visits
Over 4 million Australians live with some type of disability that affects their mobility, mental, or sensory functions.
Treatment and support for a disability can be received through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). NDIS Physio can address a wide range of health conditions and help patients improve their well-being to live a healthier happier life.
If you’ve wondered, “What does NDIS stand for?”, we’re here to cover everything you need to know about NDIS Physio services and how physiotherapy can help improve your quality of life.
What Is the NDIS?
The NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) is Australia’s first national Scheme for individuals with disabilities. The NDIS supplies funding directly to individuals for support and services related to their disability
Who Is Eligible for NDIS?
There is a series of simple questions to see if you may be eligible to apply for the NDIS. These questions are just a guide, with the final decision regarding eligibility being up to the NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency).
Here is a brief eligibility checklist for the NDIS, as copied from their site:
- Are you between the ages of 7 and 65?
- Are you an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category Visa holder?
- Do you have a disability caused by a permanent impairment?
- Do you usually need disability-specific support to complete daily life activities?
While there are additional questions to ensure you qualify, if you answered ‘yes’ to all of these questions, you are likely eligible for NDIS physio services. Please feel free to reach out to us or the NDIS with any questions about eligibility.
How to Access the NDIS
If you believe you are eligible for NDIS physio, this helpful link covers everything you need to know about “How to apply for NDIS”.
What Is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is a rehabilitation modality with a focus on improving an individual’s function, mobility, and quality of life.
Physiotherapy can help individuals manage a variety of disabilities through various modalities, including home exercise programs, pain management, mobility aids, massage, and more.
Physiotherapists are professionally trained to provide personalised advice and treatment for a wide range of chronic conditions and disabilities, including:
- Neurological injuries
- Cerebral palsy
- Spinal cord injuries
- Strokes
- Genetic disorders
- Chromosomal disorders
- Physical disabilities
- Post-surgical recovery e.g. Total Knee Replacement
- Intellectual disabilities
- Psychosocial disabilities
- Acquired brain injuries (ABIs)
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Multiple sclerosis
How the NDIS Can Help with Physiotherapy
Various types of physiotherapy services and supports can be funded through the NDIS.
Physiotherapy services focus on improving mobility and can be provided for a variety of reasons and specialties, including:
- Chronic pain
- Post-surgery rehabilitation
- Muscle strains
- Injury
- Recommendations for mobility aids and equipment
- Recovery after a heart attack or stroke
- Pain management
- Home exercise programs
To improve your flexibility and mobility, your physiotherapist may use a variety of techniques and approaches, such as:
- Massage
- Muscle and ligament strengthening
- Pilates
- Fitness-based rehabilitation
- Hydrotherapy
- Dry needling
The type of physiotherapy recommended for you is based on your condition and goals. Your physiotherapist will work closely with you to develop a personalised treatment approach based on an initial assessment and your condition.
What Are the Benefits of Physiotherapy?
Your physiotherapist will create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. The plan will likely include a series of targeted exercises and joint and soft-tissue mobilisation to help you keep moving comfortably, reduce pain, and maintain and improve mobility.
Potential benefits of physiotherapy include:
- Improved Recovery After Surgery – Promote recovery, strengthen muscles and ligaments, and promote improved movement of the body
- Surgery Avoidance – Decrease discomfort and pain in areas such as the back and knees and strengthen ligaments, muscles, and tendons to reduce the need for surgery or get stronger before surgery
- Managing Heart Conditions and Diabetes – Manage health conditions better by regaining strength and maintaining mobility
- Prevent Injuries – Decrease the chance of injury by strengthening soft tissues and muscles and identifying and improving weak areas
- Pain Reduction – Targeted techniques to minimise pain and restore muscle strength
- Age-Related Problems – Physiotherapy can address osteoporosis, joint replacement, and arthritis
- Increased Mobility – Improve overall mobility and comfort
What Are NDIS Therapeutic Supports?
Therapeutic supports often include targeted services that can help patients perform daily activities easier and boost their independence.
These therapeutic supports often aim to improve areas such as:
- Grooming, hygiene, and personal care
- Community participation
- Interpersonal interactions
- Relationships
- Pain relief
- Movement and mobility
- Communication and language skills
NDIS Funding Limits
NDIS physiotherapy fees are determined by the NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency). The NDIS regulates the service fees for physiotherapy, often updating its pricing every 12 months to ensure participants get the best value for their money.
For more information on NDIS Funding Limits and pricing information, click here or contact the NDIS.
Make an Appointment with an NDIS Physiotherapist Today
The NDIS was created to provide long-term care to help individuals with disabilities improve their quality of life, and our physiotherapists share the same intention.
If you are dealing with an injury or chronic condition that is hurting your well-being, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team of professional physiotherapists.
We are dedicated to helping all of our clients achieve an improved quality of life and well-being and would be glad to talk with you more about our services and help you determine if you qualify for NDIS.