Updated on May 16, 2026
Choosing the right physiotherapist is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as an NDIS participant or as a family member supporting someone who is. The right fit can mean the difference between a plan that truly transforms daily life and one that falls short of your goals.
But with so many providers out there, how do you know who’s right for you? The good news is that you have every right to ask questions before committing. In fact, the NDIS encourages participants to research providers, check reviews, and speak with multiple providers before signing a service agreement.
This guide walks you through the most important questions to ask, so you can find a physiotherapist who’s qualified, experienced, and genuinely a good match for your needs.
Why choosing the right NDIS physiotherapist matters
Physiotherapy under the NDIS is funded as a therapeutic support, typically under the Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living category. It’s designed to help participants improve mobility, build strength, increase independence, and work toward goals that matter to them.
Because it’s such a goal-focused, hands-on service, the relationship you build with your physiotherapist is central to your progress. A great physio doesn’t just run through exercises, they listen, adapt, collaborate, and celebrate milestones with you.
So before you book your first session, here are the key questions to ask.
10 questions to ask before choosing an NDIS physiotherapist
1. Are you registered with AHPRA and the NDIS?
This is your non-negotiable starting point.
All physiotherapists delivering NDIS services must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), specifically with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia. You can search the public register on the AHPRA website to verify any practitioner’s credentials.
Beyond AHPRA, ask whether the provider is a registered NDIS provider with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Registered providers are required to meet the NDIS Practice Standards and cannot charge above the NDIS Price Guide limits. If your plan is NDIA-managed, you can only use registered providers.
2. Have you completed an NDIS worker screening check?
A current NDIS Worker Screening Check is a legal requirement for anyone delivering NDIS supports — separate from AHPRA registration. It checks that a worker doesn’t pose an unacceptable risk to participants.
If you’re working with a sole trader or a smaller practice, it’s worth asking specifically whether the physiotherapist (and any support staff involved in your care) has completed this check. You can verify workers using the https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/provider-registration/find-registered-provider .
3. What experience do you have with my specific disability or condition?
Physiotherapy is a broad field. A physiotherapist might be excellent with sports injuries but have limited experience supporting people with neurological conditions, complex physical disabilities, or developmental delays.
Ask directly:
- Have you worked with participants who have [your condition or disability]?
- How many participants with similar needs are you currently supporting?
- What approaches or techniques do you typically use?
Experience matters but so does willingness to learn and collaborate. A physio who is honest about their experience, explains their approach clearly, and is open to working alongside other members of your support team is often a great sign.
4. How do you develop and review my treatment plan?
Your physiotherapy should be built around your goals, not a generic template. Under the NDIS, physiotherapy funding is approved because it’s considered reasonable and necessary for your specific situation.
Ask how they approach the initial assessment, how your goals are identified and documented, and how often the plan is reviewed. Good practice includes:
- A thorough initial assessment of your physical abilities, limitations, and daily environment
- Goals that align with your NDIS plan
- Regular reviews to track progress and adjust the program
- Collaboration with you, your family or carers, and other health professionals
5. Where do you deliver services?
This is a practical but key question. NDIS physiotherapy can be delivered in several settings:
- At a clinic
- In your home
- At school, work, or a community setting
- Via telehealth
For many participants, mobile physiotherapy — where the physio comes to you — is the most practical and beneficial option. Exercising and practising skills in the spaces where you actually live and move produces more meaningful, functional outcomes.
Ask whether home visits are available in your area, whether there are additional costs for travel (check this against the NDIS Pricing Arrangements), and whether telehealth is offered for follow-up sessions.
6. How do you communicate and involve me in decision-making?
The NDIS is built on the principle of choice and control. As a participant, you have the right to be fully informed, to ask questions, and to be involved in every decision about your supports — as clearly stated in the NDIS Code of Conduct.
Ask how the physiotherapist keeps you (and your family or support network, if relevant) updated on progress. Do they provide written session notes or progress reports? Will they communicate with your support coordinator or other allied health professionals? How do they handle feedback or concerns?
A good NDIS physiotherapist should be a collaborative partner — not someone who hands you a program and disappears.
7. How do you measure progress toward my goals?
It’s not enough to attend sessions, you want to know whether the therapy is actually working. Ask how the physiotherapist tracks and measures your progress toward your NDIS goals.
This matters not just for your own wellbeing, but for your NDIS plan reviews. You’ll need evidence that the supports in your plan are helping you make progress, so having clear outcome data is valuable.
Questions to ask include:
- What tools or assessments do you use to measure outcomes?
- How often do you formally review progress?
- What happens if we’re not seeing the expected improvements?
- Will you provide progress reports for my NDIS plan review?
8. What are your fees, and how do you manage NDIS billing?
Registered NDIS providers cannot charge more than the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. Ask for a clear breakdown of fees per session, including any additional charges for report writing, travel, or equipment.
Also clarify how they manage billing depending on your plan management type:
- NDIA-managed plans: The provider claims directly from the NDIA
- Plan-managed plans: Invoices go to your plan manager
- Self-managed plans: You pay and claim reimbursement, or the provider can invoice you directly
There should be no out-of-pocket expenses for eligible participants whose physiotherapy is included in their NDIS plan — but it’s always smart to confirm this upfront and ensure services are budgeted for.
9. What is your availability, and what happens if you’re unavailable?
Consistency is important in physiotherapy. Disrupted treatment or long gaps between sessions can affect your progress.
Ask about their current caseload, typical wait times for new participants, and how frequently sessions can be scheduled. It’s also worth asking what happens if your usual physiotherapist is sick or goes on leave. Is there a backup arrangement, and will you be introduced to any covering practitioner beforehand?
10. Can I speak to other participants or read reviews?
Word of mouth and peer reviews are powerful. Before committing, look for:
- Google reviews or testimonials on their website
- Feedback from your support coordinator or local disability networks
- Community forums or Facebook groups for NDIS participants in your area
You can also check the NDIS Provider Register to verify the provider’s registration status and registration groups.
You’re allowed to change providers
One thing many participants don’t realise is that you can change providers at any time. The NDIS gives you the right to choose the supports that work best for you, and if your physiotherapist isn’t meeting your needs, you don’t have to stay. You’re also not required to share your full NDIS plan with any provider.
If you’re unsure where to start, a Support Coordinator can help you identify suitable physiotherapists, compare providers, and set up service agreements. They can also advocate for you if any issues arise.
Conclusion
Choosing the right physiotherapist is a process, and these questions are your toolkit. Don’t feel rushed, and don’t be afraid to speak with multiple providers before making a decision. The right physiotherapist will welcome your questions, be transparent about their practice, and make you feel genuinely supported from day one.
At Centre Disability Support, we’re here to help NDIS participants navigate their options and access high-quality allied health services that make a real difference. If you’d like guidance on finding the right supports for your plan, get in touch with our team — we’d love to help.
