Physiotherapy is among the most well-liked and beneficial therapies backed by the NDIS. Regardless of whether you are incorporating strength development, mobility, pain relief, or rehabilitation of an injury into your regimen, physio can assist you in achieving your goal and enjoying better health overall.
However, if you’re an NDIS participant, you might be wondering – how expensive is NDIS physiotherapy in Sydney, and how do these fees fit into your budget plan?
This article sums up what you must understand regarding the expense of physiotherapy, what is involved, and how you can get the most out of your funding.
Understanding NDIS Physiotherapy Funding
Physiotherapy is funded under two general funding categories in your NDIS plan:
1. Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living
2. Capacity Building – Improved Health and Well-being
These categories cover evaluation, treatment sessions, exercise programs, and education that increase your capacity to function independently in your home and community.
Your subsidy will be determined by the goals you set during planning sessions and the documentation provided to justify your therapy needs.
How Much Does Sydney NDIS Physiotherapy Cost?
According to the most recent NDIS Support Catalogue 2024-25 the highest rates for physiotherapy services in Sydney are:
- $183.99 per hour for standard physiotherapy with registered providers
These are set to earn a fair payment to the providers who earn this money while ensuring accessibility of the service to participants.
Why Are Rates Different?
Several factors motivate these rates:
- Type of Service – New admissions into new assessments cost more because they are longer and involve a lot of reporting.
- Therapist Expertise – Expert physiotherapists treating challenging neurological or paediatric cases are allowed to charge the highest price threshold.
- Provider Registration – NDIS registered providers must adhere to capped rates, while non-registered providers can negotiate directly with self-managed participants.
- Location – Higher rates are paid for remote and very remote locations to account for travel and reduced workforce availability.
What Is NDIS Physiotherapy Included In?
Typically, fees for physiotherapy involve:
- Detailed initial assessment to establish your condition and goals
- Individualised treatment plan
- Supervised therapy session or exercise program
- Home exercise prescription to facilitate improvement between sessions
- Contact your Support Coordinator or GP (if agreed)
- Progress reports for plan review, if necessary
But equipment or assistive device costs suggested during the therapy sessions are not funded through service fees. These must be funded separately under Consumables or Assistive Technology types.
Do Physiotherapists Make Me Pay for Travel?
Yes. If your physio is coming to see you at your home, school, or community setting, travel charges may apply. In line with the NDIS Price Guide:
- Providers can claim travel time for the time spent travelling to you
- Additionally, non-labour costs such as tolls or parking fees can be claimed if receipts are provided
- It’s important to budget these costs upfront to enable you to stay within your budget.
How many sessions will I need?
This will be solely dependent on your objectives, conditions, and improvement. Some individuals need intensive sessions once per week to develop strength or recover from injury. Others need fortnightly or monthly sessions to ensure mobility, pain control, and revise exercise programs.
Your physiotherapist will advise on a frequency that is suitable for your objectives but also within your means.
How to Maximise Your NDIS Physiotherapy Funding
Below are some real tips to maximise your physiotherapy fund:
1. Set Specific and Measurable Aims
Rather than making the statement “improve mobility”, you might make an aim like:
“Walk 20 metres independently with a walking frame to reach my kitchen and bathroom safely.”
“Climb three steps into my home without assistance to get in safely.”
Specific aims guide your therapy programme and help to support funding at review.
2. Define Your Budget Category
Physiotherapy sessions fall under Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living unless you have health objectives under Improved Health and Wellbeing. Check the budget allocations of your plan prior to signing service agreements.
3. Get Actively Involved
Attend all sessions, ask questions, and follow your home exercise programs. Active involvement attains faster progress and demonstrates to the NDIS that therapy is beneficial for your independence.
4. Demand Regular Progress Reports
Ask your physiotherapist to write short progress reports showing improvements, challenges, and recommendations for future action. They are critical evidence for your subsequent review of your plan.
5. Plan for Reviews
The impact of physiotherapy can take time to show. Arrange your treatment with a strategic aim to produce up-to-date progress evidence at review dates to secure continued funding.
Finding the Perfect Physiotherapy Service
When selecting a physiotherapy service, remember:
- Registration – Are they NDIS registered, or do you self-manage your funds?
- Experience – Do they work with your specific condition or disability?
- Communication – Do they listen to what you desire and adjust therapy to suit your requirements?
- Transparency – Do they advise you on their charges, what’s included, and travel fees beforehand?
A good physiotherapist will keep your independence, comfort, and confidence top of mind each step of the way.
Conclusion
Physiotherapy is essential for increasing strength, mobility, pain management, and daily function in NDIS members. Knowing the price of NDIS physiotherapy in Sydney and what to expect places you in an ideal position to make the most out of your funding and achieve your objectives with confidence.
If you need experienced, compassionate physiotherapists sensitive to your experience, Ability Allied Health is here to help. Our healthcare professionals will work closely with you to create individualised therapy plans that meet your goals, funding, and lifestyle.
Call us today to discuss how our NDIS physiotherapy can help you move, feel, and live better every day.
