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NDIS Exercise Physiology Providers

An NDIS exercise physiologist is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) who can help when your disability affects how you move or manage everyday activities. They can build an exercise program around your goals, abilities and routine, then adjust it as you progress. This support may be funded through your Capacity Building budget.

On this page, we look at what exercise physiology can help with, who may be eligible for support, how funding works and what the NDIS will not pay for.

If you are ready to explore your options, tell us what you are looking for. We can help you find exercise physiology providers who match your goals and circumstances.

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What Does an NDIS Exercise Physiologist Do?

Exercise physiology is an allied health service that uses movement and exercise to help you work towards everyday goals. An exercise physiologist looks at how you move, what you want to do more easily and what feels manageable in your life. Together, you can build a program that works for you.

The NDIA may fund exercise physiology when it meets the NDIS funding criteria and relates to your disability support needs.

NDIS exercise physiology services may include:

  • Assessing your movement, strength and endurance
  • Creating an exercise program around your goals
  • Helping you improve balance and reduce falls risk
  • Managing fatigue and pacing activity across the week
  • Maintaining physical function as your needs change
  • Reviewing your progress and adjusting your program
  • Training family members, carers or support workers to help you follow your program safely
  • Writing reports to explain your progress or support needs

Accredited Exercise Physiologists hold the AEP credential through Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA). Unlike physiotherapists, they are not registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). When you compare providers, ask whether the person you will see is an AEP.

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Who Can Get NDIS Exercise Physiology Support?

You may be able to get exercise physiology support when your disability affects your strength, movement, stamina or ability to take part in everyday activities.

You may choose an exercise physiologist if you want support to:

  • Move around your home or community with more confidence
  • Build strength or endurance for daily tasks
  • Manage fatigue so you can do more across the week
  • Keep doing activities you enjoy as your needs change
  • Take part in sport, recreation, work or study
  • Build an exercise routine you can manage on your own

Your goal might be walking to the shops without needing a break or getting through a work shift with more energy. What matters to the NDIA is the link between the support and your disability needs—not whether your goal sounds clinical.

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What Does Working with an Exercise Physiologist Look Like?

Sessions might happen at home, in a clinic or gym, out in the community or by telehealth. The setting depends on what you want to work on and what the provider offers.

An exercise physiologist may help you:

  • Follow a short home program using equipment you already have
  • Practise movements you use in everyday life
  • Plan gym exercises you can continue between appointments
  • Pace activity so one busy day does not leave you exhausted for the next few
  • Build strength, balance and endurance at a manageable pace
  • Keep track of your progress and change the program when needed
  • Give your support workers clear instructions for helping you practise safely

It is worth asking for a written copy of your program, so you and anyone supporting you can refer back to it between sessions.

How is Exercise Physiology Funded Through the NDIS?

Exercise physiology may be paid for from your Capacity Building budget. Funding often sits under Improved Health and Wellbeing, though some plans may include it under Improved Daily Living. Check the support category in your plan before booking.

Depending on your plan, funding may cover:

  • An initial assessment and exercise program
  • Individual or group sessions
  • Reviews and changes to your program
  • Reports that explain your progress or support needs
  • Training for family members, carers or support workers

Because every NDIS plan is different, check yours before you book. If you are unsure whether exercise physiology is included, ask your Support Coordinator or plan manager. You can also check the NDIA’s current pricing information.

What NDIS Exercise Physiology Funding Does Not Cover

The NDIS may fund exercise physiology that meets its criteria and relates to your disability support needs. It does not generally pay for exercise aimed only at overall fitness or wellbeing.

There are a few other limits to keep in mind:

  • Gym memberships are not funded by the NDIS, even if your sessions take place at a gym
  • General fitness costs remain your responsibility
  • A service must fit the supports and funding available in your plan

If you are not sure whether a particular program fits your plan, check before signing up. The NDIS may fund disability-related support to help you use a gym, but not the membership itself.

How Does NDIS Exercise Physiology Work for Children?

For children, exercise physiology may help build strength, balance, coordination and confidence through activities they enjoy. An exercise physiologist can work alongside parents, carers and other providers to make the activities part of everyday life.

An exercise physiologist may support a child with:

  • Building strength, balance and coordination
  • Joining in school sport or community activities
  • Feeling more confident with movement
  • Trying activities the family can practise at home
  • Giving parents and carers practical ways to support the child between sessions

For children under 9, exercise physiology may be available through the NDIS early childhood approach when it suits the child’s disability support needs. The focus is on helping the child take part in everyday activities and giving families strategies they can use day to day.

How Care Decisions Helps You Find NDIS Exercise Physiology Providers

Finding a provider with the right experience and availability can take time. Care Decisions is a free, independent service that helps you explore exercise physiology providers who may suit your needs.

We begin by asking what matters to you, along with practical details such as your location and plan management type. We then send you an Options Report with providers to consider in your own time.

We are not a Support Coordinator or part of the NDIA. You do not pay for our service; providers pay us a referral fee. There is no obligation to choose anyone we suggest, and the final decision is always yours.

How It Works

We can help you explore NDIS exercise physiology providers who suit what you are looking for. Here is how the process works.

Step 1

Step 1

Let’s Get Started

Tell your dedicated NDIS matching specialist about your goals, support needs, location and preferences. That gives us a clearer picture of the kind of provider who might suit you.

Step 2

Step 2

Get a Tailored Exercise Physiology Options Report

Our NDIS specialists put together a personalised Options Report with provider choices based on what you have told us. You can compare them in your own time.

Step 3

Step 3

Let Us Help You Make the Most of Your NDIS Plan

Once you receive the report, the providers can get in touch with you. We can also help you understand the provider-finding process and, where relevant, explore plan management options. Before choosing a provider, compare prices, availability and services to see what works best for you.

Common Questions About NDIS Exercise Physiology

Do I need an NDIS registered exercise physiologist?

If your funding is NDIA-managed, you need to use a registered NDIS provider. If your plan is self-managed or plan-managed, you can generally choose a registered or unregistered provider. Either way, check that the person you will see holds the AEP credential and can work with your plan management type.

The two can overlap. Physiotherapy may be a useful first step if you need help with a new injury, a movement assessment or advice about mobility equipment. Exercise physiology often focuses on building strength, endurance and function through a program you keep practising over time. Some people work with both. You can also read about NDIS physiotherapy providers.

Yes, if both supports meet your needs and are funded in your plan. Check which budget or support categories apply and how much funding you have available before booking both.

No. The NDIS does not fund the membership itself, even if your exercise physiology sessions take place at a gym.

Some providers offer home visits and telehealth, as well as sessions in a gym or clinic. Ask what is available and which setting will work best for your goals.

You can ask your Support Coordinator, Local Area Coordinator or GP for suggestions. Care Decisions can also help you compare providers based on your goals, location and preferences. Ask whether they have capacity now or a waitlist before you book

This page is general information only. It is not medical or financial advice. Funding decisions depend on your individual NDIS plan and circumstances. For current NDIS rules and pricing, visit ndis.gov.au.