Movement is one of the most powerful tools for improving function, managing pain, and building independence. For women with an NDIS plan, exercise physiology puts that tool in your hands with a programme designed specifically for your body, your goals, and your funding. 

This guide covers what NDIS exercise physiology actually involves, who can access it, how the funding works, and what your first appointment at North West Healthy Women looks like. 

Ready to find out if your NDIS plan covers exercise physiology? Contact North West Healthy Women today to check your funding and book an initial assessment. 

 

What is NDIS exercise physiology? 

NDIS exercise physiology refers to accredited exercise physiology services delivered to NDIS participants as part of their funded supports. An exercise physiologist is a university-qualified allied health professional who designs and delivers tailored exercise programmes to help people manage disability, chronic conditions, and functional limitations. 

For women living with a disability or chronic pain, exercise physiology is about far more than fitness. It is about removing barriers to movement, building strength and independence, and gaining all the physical and mental health benefits that regular exercise provides, with professional support every step of the way. 

 

Who can access NDIS exercise physiology? 

NDIS exercise physiology is available to participants whose plans include funding under Category 15: Improved Daily Living. This is the primary support category used for therapeutic supports, including exercise physiology. 

To access exercise physiology through NDIS, you generally need to be either self-managed or plan-managed. These management types allow you to access services from a provider of your choosing. 

North West Healthy Women works with self-managed and plan-managed participants. If you are unsure whether your plan covers exercise physiology or which management type you hold, reach out and we will help you work through it. 

 

Conditions we support 

NDIS exercise physiology is individualised. Your programme is built around your specific disability, goals, and functional needs, not a one-size-fits-all approach. North West Healthy Women supports women living with a wide range of conditions, including: 

Intellectual disability and cerebral palsy

Exercise physiology for women with cerebral palsy may focus on goals such as tone management, postural support, improving upper body strength, or building functional movement for everyday tasks like transfers and self-care. Sessions are adapted to suit your mobility level and communication preferences. 

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

We understand that new environments and unpredictable routines can feel stressful. Sessions for women with ASD are structured to feel safe and consistent. We start with quiet, one-on-one sessions to establish comfort and routine before gradually progressing to more structured movement. Sensory sensitivities are taken into account throughout. 

Vision impairment and hearing loss

Exercise programmes are designed with clear verbal or tactile guidance, and we adapt our communication approach to suit your needs. The goal is to support safe, confident movement regardless of sensory differences. 

Mobility limitations 

If you use a wheelchair, have limited range of motion, or find it difficult to access a clinic, sessions can be adapted or delivered in a setting that works for you. You do not need to be able to move freely to benefit from exercise physiology. 

Neurological conditions and acquired brain injury

We support women managing conditions that affect movement, coordination, balance, and fatigue with programmes tailored to your current function and rehabilitation goals. 

Mental health conditions and chronic pain

Exercise physiology has well-established benefits for mood, anxiety, sleep, and pain management. If your disability intersects with mental health or persistent pain, your programme will reflect that. 

 

What to expect in a session 

Here is what a typical experience at North West Healthy Women looks like. 

Your first appointment is an initial assessment. Your exercise physiologist will talk with you about your disability, your NDIS goals, your current activity levels, any pain or movement limitations, and what you would like to achieve. This is a conversation, not a test. 

From there, an individualised programme is developed. Sessions typically run for 45 to 60 minutes and may include resistance training, functional movement exercises, stretching, balance and coordination work, or activity-based tasks that connect to your daily life goals. Every element is chosen based on what is relevant and safe for you.  

Programme sessions are delivered at our clinic. For women with ASD or sensory sensitivities, we keep the environment calm and predictable. We move at your pace, and we will always explain what is happening before we do it. 

 

How to use your NDIS funding at North West Healthy Women 

Using your NDIS funding at our practice is straightforward. Here is what the process looks like. 

Step 1: Check your plan. Review your NDIS plan for funding under Category 15 (Improved Daily Living). If you are plan-managed, your plan manager can confirm this for you. 

Step 2: Get in touch. Contact North West Healthy Women to discuss your goals and confirm we are the right fit. Let us know you are a NDIS participant and which management type you have. We will take it from there. 

Step 3: Book your initial assessment. We will schedule your first appointment and explain everything you need to bring or prepare. 

Step 4: Start your programme. Your exercise physiologist will develop a personalised plan based on your assessment and NDIS goals. 

Step 5: Ongoing support. We provide regular progress reviews and adjust your programme as your needs change. If you are approaching a plan review, we can provide supporting documentation, including functional assessment reports and progress notes, to help you make the case for continued or increased funding. 

 Billing: For plan-managed participants, invoices are submitted directly to your plan manager. For self-managed participants, you pay and claim reimbursement through the NDIS portal. We follow NDIS pricing arrangements, so there are no unexpected costs. If you have questions about how billing works for your plan type, we are happy to walk you through it before you book. 

 

Information for support coordinators and healthcare professionals 

If you are a support coordinator or healthcare professional looking for a quality NDIS exercise physiology provider for a female client, North West Healthy Women is a women-focused allied health practice on Brisbane’s Northside. 

We work with self-managed and plan-managed participants. When making a referral, it is helpful to include your client’s NDIS participant number, plan management type, relevant diagnoses, and any specific goals or considerations. We aim to see new clients promptly and can accommodate a range of complex presentations. 

We contribute to NDIS goal-setting documentation and provide detailed progress notes and functional assessment reports to support plan reviews. If your client is approaching a plan renewal and needs supporting evidence for therapeutic supports, we can help with that process. 

To make a referral or discuss a client’s suitability, contact our team directly by phone or via our website enquiry form. 

 

Take the next step 

NDIS exercise physiology can open the door to better movement, greater independence, and improved wellbeing, on your terms and at your pace. North West Healthy Women is here to make that process as clear and straightforward as possible. 

Contact us today to book your initial assessment or to ask any questions about whether our services are right for you. When you reach out, simply let us know you are an NDIS participant and which plan management type you hold. We will guide you through everything else. 

 

Frequently asked questions 

Do I need a referral to access NDIS exercise physiology at North West Healthy Women? 

No referral is required. You can contact us directly. It is helpful to have your NDIS plan details ready, including your plan management type and any relevant funding information, so we can confirm your eligibility quickly. 

How many sessions does my NDIS funding cover? 

The number of sessions depends on your individual plan and the funding allocated under Category 15. We can discuss typical session frequencies during your initial assessment and help you make the most of your available funding. 

Can North West Healthy Women help with my plan review? 

Yes. We can provide functional assessment reports, progress notes, and letters of recommendation to support your NDIS plan review. This documentation can help make the case for continued or increased therapeutic support funding.