Can Exercise Physiology Be Funded Through the NDIS?

What is exercise physiology under the NDIS?

Exercise physiology involves the prescription of evidence-based exercise programs to prevent and manage chronic disease, disability and injury. Under the NDIS, an accredited exercise physiologist (AEP) designs individualised programs to help participants improve their physical function, build capacity, and work towards their specific plan goals.

The NDIS recognises exercise physiology as a legitimate allied health support because of its strong evidence base for improving outcomes across a wide range of disability types — from neurological conditions like cerebral palsy and stroke, to physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and autism spectrum disorder.

Which NDIS support categories cover exercise physiology?

Exercise physiology can be funded through two main NDIS support categories:

1. Capacity Building — Improved Daily Activities (Support Category 07)

This is the most common category used for exercise physiology. It covers therapeutic supports that help participants build their skills and independence. Exercise physiology is funded here when it directly supports capacity building goals — for example, improving strength and balance to become more independent with daily tasks, or building the endurance to participate in community activities.

2. Capacity Building — Improved Health and Wellbeing (Support Category 06)

This category covers exercise physiology when it is linked to managing the health impacts of a disability, such as preventing secondary health conditions or maintaining physical health and function. Not all plans include this category, so check with your support coordinator.

What NDIS plan types does Exercare accept?

Exercare currently accepts:

• Plan-managed participants — We invoice your plan manager directly. No out-of-pocket cost.
• Self-managed participants — We provide a tax invoice after each session. You claim reimbursement through the NDIS myplace portal at the current EP support line rate.

Exercare is currently working towards full NDIS registration. We are not yet able to accept agency-managed participants, but will update clients when this changes.

What does NDIS exercise physiology look like in practice?

For most Exercare NDIS clients, exercise physiology looks like this:

1. An initial assessment at your preferred location — home, gym, hydrotherapy pool, park or via telehealth
2. A personalised exercise program designed around your NDIS goals and functional capacity
3. Regular supervised sessions — weekly or fortnightly to start, transitioning to monthly maintenance
4. Progress notes after every session and formal progress reports for plan reviews
5. Liaison with your support coordinator, plan manager and other allied health providers

All sessions are delivered by an accredited exercise physiologist. Exercare is a fully mobile service — we come to you across south-east Melbourne, eliminating the need for transport which can be a significant barrier for many NDIS participants.

What conditions does NDIS exercise physiology support?

NDIS exercise physiology is suitable for a wide range of disability types, including:

• Cerebral palsy
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• Acquired brain injury (ABI)
• Spinal cord injury
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Muscular dystrophy
• Down syndrome
• Stroke recovery
• Intellectual disability
• Parkinson's disease (where disability is NDIS-funded)

Does NDIS exercise physiology need to be in a clinic?

No. NDIS exercise physiology can be delivered anywhere — at home, at a gym, in a hydrotherapy pool, at a park, or via telehealth. For many NDIS participants, in-home or community-based delivery is significantly more effective than clinic-based sessions, because it allows the exercise physiologist to work within the participant's real environment and daily routine.

Exercare is a fully mobile service based in Dandenong North, south-east Melbourne. We visit NDIS participants at home, at accessible gyms and pool facilities, or in their local community — removing transport as a barrier to consistent participation.

How do I get NDIS exercise physiology on my plan?

If exercise physiology is not currently included in your NDIS plan, here's what to do:

1. Talk to your support coordinator about including exercise physiology in your next plan review
2. Ask your GP or treating specialist to write a letter of support outlining why exercise physiology is relevant to your disability goals
3. Request an assessment report from an exercise physiologist (Exercare can provide this) to support your application
4. At your plan review meeting, clearly link exercise physiology to specific goals in your plan

If exercise physiology is already funded in your plan, contact Exercare directly — no referral needed. We'll help you get started right away.

Frequently asked questions

This article was written by the Exercare team. Exercare provides mobile exercise physiology services across south-east Melbourne for NDIS, aged care, Medicare and private health clients. Learn more about Exercare →