Over 4.4 million people in Australia have a disability. A disability can be any condition that limits someone’s mobility, sensory or mental functions, and it can be permanent or temporary.
Disabilities can be caused by an accident or trauma, disease or genetics.
What is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) assists those living with a significant, permanent disability to get access to the services and support they require, and is currently helping over 500,000 Australians.
The NDIS provides funding to eligible people to gain greater independence, more time with friends and family, access to new skills, jobs or volunteering in their community and an improved quality of life.
One of the services that the NDIS covers is Physiotherapy.
How can Physiotherapy help those on the NDIS?
Physiotherapy services can have a very positive impact on your life. A personalised Physiotherapy program can help you achieve your health and lifestyle goals such as, improved well being, developing more confidence and a greater independence.
It can help increase your physical activity levels, build strength, improve mobility and prevent injury, so you can live a more active, healthier and happier life!
What Conditions can be helped by a Physiotherapist?
Physiotherapists are highly trained professionals that are trained to build on strengths and improve function.
They work with many different people, with a range of disabilities that affect movement and control, and that are either life-long or life-limiting.
Some specific conditions that greatly benefit from Physiotherapy include –
- Cerebral Palsy
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Intellectual Disability
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Acquired Brain Injury
Physiotherapy can also treat a wide range of conditions and assist with various health goals such as –
- Surgery Recovery and Rehabilitation
- Recovery from Stroke or Heart Attack
- Managing Heart Conditions and Diabetes
- Injury Prevention
- Chronic Pain/Pain Reduction
- Age Related Problems
- Increasing Mobility
What are NDIS Physiotherapy Services?
The goal of Physiotherapy is generally to help improve a person’s ability to function and move.
NDIS Physiotherapy Services may include –
- General physiotherapy
- Sports physiotherapy
- Fitness based rehabilitation
- Pilates
- Massage
- Dry Needling/Acupuncture
- Hydrotherapy/Aquatic physiotherapy
Your Physiotherapist can also provide –
- Pain management plans
- Advice on managing conditions
- Home exercise programs
- Recommendations for equipment or aids
- Posture training
- Falls prevention advice and Balance training
How to access Physiotherapy Services on your NDIS Plan
You can use your NDIS money for physiotherapy services if it is listed in your NDIS plan.
Do you self-manage your funds? If so, you can choose the provider you prefer. Alternatively, if a plan manager or the NDIA manage your money for you, then you will need to use an NDIS-approved provider.
There are strict government safety and quality guidelines for registered NDIS providers.
When you have an appointment with your physiotherapist the cost is deducted from the funds you allocated to Physiotherapy in your NDIS funding.
What to expect on your first appointment
Your first appointment is a great opportunity to get to know each other. Ensuring you feel comfortable, can trust your new Physiotherapist and are happy to start your treatments.
Your Physiotherapist will –
- Read over your NDIS plan
- Discuss your disability, lifestyle and goals
- Discuss your medical history
- Conduct a thorough assessment of your condition
- Examine muscle strength, joint mobility, balance and endurance
- Discuss mobility aids as required
- Ask permission to contact other providers on your treatment team as required
Your physiotherapist will then recommend a personalised treatment plan.
You will also work together to create a service agreement to set out your goals and the plan to achieve them. It entails how many treatments they recommend and the costs etc. This will be signed and a copy sent to your manager if applicable.
NDIS Services at SPHC
Our Physiotherapists are highly trained and experienced, and are registered NDIS Providers for Therapeutic Supports .
Depending on each recipient’s needs, our team can provide a combination of the services below to help achieve the individual’s goals as set out in their NDIS Plan.
- Standard or extended Physiotherapy Consultations
- Aquatic Physiotherapy
- One on One Pilates
- Group Pilates or Clinical Physiotherapy Classes
- Step-Safe Falls Prevention Classes
- Home Visits if within the 4017 postcodes
Please contact our reception team on 38691099 to discuss your plan to see how we can help you. We’re looking forward to meeting you.
Read more about our NDIS Physiotherapy NDIS Physiotherapy .
For those wanting more information on how to apply for the NDIS – CLICK HERE .