Physical limitations don’t have to prevent you from leading a life filled with movement, confidence, and independence. With the right support - such as the expertise of a qualified exercise physiologist - NDIS participants can work towards achieving goals that improve physical function, well-being, and self-assurance. In this article, we’ll explore how exercise physiology within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can make a meaningful difference in participants' lives, helping them stay active and engaged with everyday life.
If you’re an NDIS participant, caregiver, or healthcare provider, understanding the benefits of exercise physiology can help you make informed decisions that support daily living and well-being. By the end of this article, you’ll be familiar with the role of an exercise physiologist, the types of support NDIS funding covers, and why exercise physiology can be a transformative part of care.
Does the NDIS Cover Exercise Physiology?
NDIS funding plays a crucial role in helping participants access a range of health and well-being services, including the essential support offered by exercise physiology. Exercise physiologists (EPs) are allied health professionals with specialised training in creating and managing therapy programs that cater to each individual’s specific health needs, primarily using exercise and movement based strategies. To see exactly which types of supports are funded under the NDIS, you can refer to their comprehensive guide here.
Exercise physiology services fall under two primary NDIS funding categories
● Improved Daily Living: This category covers services that address daily functional needs, making it easier for individuals to manage their condition and enhance independence.
● Improved Health and Wellbeing: This category supports exercise programs that focus on preventive care and managing chronic conditions, including exercises that help with:
○ Pain reduction
○ Improved mobility
○ Mental well-being
These categories are designed to fund therapeutic activities that promote independence, skill development, and ongoing health management - all critical factors for maintaining autonomy and quality of life. For more information, the official NDIS website provides a helpful overview of these categories and the services available.
Why Choose an Exercise Physiologist Over a Physiotherapist?
Many people wonder about the differences between exercise physiologists and physiotherapists, especially within NDIS-funded care. While both professionals play vital roles in health management, an exercise physiologist brings a unique skill set that can be particularly beneficial for NDIS participants aiming to improve mobility, build strength, and develop long-term habits for a healthier lifestyle.
The Distinctive Approach of Exercise Physiologists
Exercise physiologists specialise in understanding the body’s response to physical stress and activity , particularly for individuals managing chronic conditions, recovering from injury, or coping with disabilities. Rather than just focusing solely on rehabilitating an injury, EPs use comprehensive therapies that address a person’s broader wellbeing. For NDIS participants, this means an EP can design supports that not only assist with mobility but also improve or manage:
● Cardiovascular and metabolic function
● Mental well-being and psychosocial disability
● Functional independence and the integration of activities of everyday life
Physiotherapists, on the other hand, often focus more specifically on rehabilitation after an injury or surgery. For participants with ongoing or progressive conditions, an exercise physiologist’s support can be invaluable in sustaining health and independence over time.
Building a Program Tailored to Individual Goals
Working with an NDIS-approved Exercise Physiologist means receiving tailored support that meets each person’s unique needs, goals, and abilities. These programs aren’t one-size-fits-all; they are carefully designed based on a participant’s physical condition, medical history, and personal objectives. By gradually building confidence, capacity, strength and flexibility, Exercise Physiologists help participants progress safely and effectively.
Tip from the Kinetic Team: “Your therapy should be as unique as you are! Don’t be afraid to ask questions and communicate your goals so we can tailor services that feel right for your body.”
The Benefits of Exercise Physiology for NDIS Participants
Working with an exercise physiologist offers a range of unique benefits that go beyond simple physical activity. Exercise physiology sessions are structured to support each participant’s long-term well-being, with a focus on physical, mental, and emotional health. Here’s how exercise physiology contributes to a more holistic approach to health for those on the NDIS.
Improving Physical Health and Reducing Pain
One of the primary goals of an exercise physiologist is to help participants improve physical health, reduce pain, and increase mobility. Through targeted exercises, they address areas of weakness or imbalance, which can be especially helpful for those with musculoskeletal or neurological conditions. An NDIS-funded exercise physiologist can design movements that:
● Strengthen muscles
● Enhance joint mobility
● Help manage chronic pain
By carefully adjusting the intensity of each session, exercise physiologists ensure participants don’t overexert themselves. This is particularly important for individuals with conditions like arthritis, cerebral palsy, or multiple sclerosis, where fatigue or strain could worsen symptoms. Exercise physiology provides a safe space to explore physical potential, with benefits that extend into daily activities such as walking, lifting, or even dressing.
Supporting Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing
The psychosocial wellbeing benefits of physical therapies are well-established, and Exercise Physiologist’s lead the way in bringing these benefits in to daily reality. Regularly therapy can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, boost mood, and foster a sense of self efficacy. For many NDIS participants, these sessions provide structure that helps build a mental and emotional foundation for handling daily challenges.
The structured support of an exercise physiologist allows participants to set achievable milestones, which can be incredibly motivating. As progress builds, participants often experience:
● Improved self-esteem
● Greater sense of control over their health
● Increased resilience and positive outlook
Knowing that their program is uniquely designed to fit their needs can make all the difference, fostering a positive outlook and promoting resilience.
Tip from the Kinetic Team: “Celebrating small wins can be just as important as reaching big goals. Each milestone matters!”
Creating Lasting Independence Through Exercise Physiology
For NDIS participants, achieving independence is often a key goal in their health and wellness journey. Exercise physiology supports this by empowering individuals to build physical skills and confidence, ultimately making everyday activities easier to manage. An exercise physiologist doesn’t just focus on immediate needs - they work to equip participants with the tools and habits they need for sustainable, long-term health.
Building Skills for Everyday Living
One of the greatest benefits of exercise physiology is its focus on skills that directly translate to everyday life. For example, exercises that improve core strength and balance are essential for tasks like:
● Moving around the home
● Reaching for items
● Getting in and out of a car safely
By developing these core capabilities, participants gain confidence in handling various tasks independently. Additionally, exercise physiology programs teach participants how to incorporate safe and effective movement into their routines. These skills can be particularly valuable for NDIS participants who may face barriers to regular physical activity, such as limited access to gyms or restricted mobility. Working with an exercise physiologist enables participants to learn exercises they can do at home, maintaining progress even outside of scheduled sessions.
Long-Term Health and Preventative Care
Exercise physiology doesn’t just address current challenges; it also serves as a form of preventative care. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of numerous health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. For NDIS participants, this proactive approach can be life-changing, offering health benefits that extend well beyond the immediate effects of exercise.
By integrating these preventative practices, exercise physiology promotes a sustainable, healthy lifestyle. Participants gain physical strength along with the resilience and motivation to continue their health journey independently. This emphasis on long-term health is a key reason why exercise physiology remains such a valuable component of NDIS-funded care.
Empower Your Health Journey with Kinetic Medicine
Exercise physiology can be a powerful step toward a healthier, more independent life for NDIS participants. At Kinetic Medicine, our accredited exercise physiologists work closely with each client, tailoring programs to suit their unique needs and goals. Whether you’re seeking improved mobility, pain reduction, or overall wellness, our team is here to help you every step of the way. Start your journey to greater independence today - explore our NDIS services or reach out with any questions and take the first step toward a healthier, more active life.
