Yes. And it is one of the most effective ways NDIS participants can use their funding to improve physical function, manage chronic conditions, and work toward independence goals.
Here’s exactly how Exercise Physiology fits within the NDIS, which funding categories apply, and what to do if you want to get started.
What is Exercise Physiology?
An Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) is a university-trained allied health professional who specialises in prescribing exercise for chronic disease, disability, injury and complex health conditions. Exercise Physiology is not personal training. It is a clinical service delivered by registered health professionals, which is why it qualifies for NDIS funding.
At Beachside EP, we are a registered NDIS provider. This means we can work with NDIA-managed (agency-managed), plan-managed, and self-managed participants and we handle all billing directly.
Which NDIS funding categories cover Exercise Physiology?
Exercise Physiology can be funded under two different NDIS support categories depending on the goals in your plan.
Improved Health and Wellbeing — Core Supports (CB Daily Activity). This category covers Exercise Physiology sessions focused on maintaining or improving your physical health and function as part of daily life. It is commonly included in plans where health management is a core goal, for example managing a chronic condition, improving cardiovascular fitness, or maintaining mobility.
Therapeutic Supports — Capacity Building. This category covers Exercise Physiology sessions focused on building your capacity and independence over time. Examples include building strength to perform daily tasks more independently, improving balance to reduce falls risk, or developing pain management skills through exercise. This category is typically used where the goal is long-term functional improvement rather than ongoing maintenance.
Which category applies to you depends on the goals written into your NDIS plan. If you’re unsure, your Support Coordinator or Local Area Coordinator can confirm. You can also call us and we’ll help you work it out.
Does it matter which plan management type I have?
No. We work with all three plan management types. Here’s how billing works for each.
NDIA-managed (agency-managed). As a registered provider, we bill the NDIS portal directly. You attend your sessions and we handle all invoicing. No upfront payment required.
Plan-managed. We invoice your plan manager directly. You simply attend your sessions and your plan manager processes the payment. You can use registered or unregistered providers under plan management, but as a registered provider we are always an eligible option.
Self-managed. You pay for your session upfront and then claim reimbursement through the myplace participant portal. We provide itemised invoices with all the information you need to submit your claim. You have the most flexibility in choosing providers as a self-managed participant.
What conditions does Exercise Physiology help with under NDIS?
Exercise Physiology is appropriate for a wide range of NDIS-supported conditions and disabilities, including:
Neurological conditions including Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, acquired brain injury, and stroke. Spinal cord injury, with strength, function and independence programs tailored to level of injury. Intellectual disability, with structured movement programs to support physical health and daily function. Autism Spectrum Disorder, with sensory-aware exercise programs supporting motor skills and wellbeing. Musculoskeletal conditions including chronic pain, arthritis, and post-surgical rehabilitation. Mental health conditions including exercise as a clinical intervention for anxiety, depression and psychosocial disability. Cardiovascular and metabolic conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and weight management. Falls prevention and balance, particularly for older NDIS participants or those with neurological conditions.
Do I need a GP referral to access Exercise Physiology under NDIS?
No formal GP referral is required. You need to have the relevant funding category in your NDIS plan. To get started, contact us with your participant name, NDIS number, plan category, and your goals. We confirm your funding and arrange your first appointment.
What happens at your first appointment?
Your initial session is a thorough assessment, typically 45 to 60 minutes, covering your health history, current physical function, your NDIS goals, and what you want to achieve. We design an individualised exercise program aligned to your plan outcomes and deliver it via our exercise app with videos, sets, reps, and notes. We provide goal-aligned progress reports on request, suitable for NDIS plan reviews.
Is telehealth available under NDIS?
Yes. Telehealth Exercise Physiology sessions are available for NDIS participants depending on your plan management type and funding category. Contact us before booking to confirm whether telehealth is appropriate for your specific situation.
How do I get started?
Contact us with the following information: your name and NDIS participant number, your plan management type, which funding category you have, and a brief description of your condition and goals.
You can call us on 0409 051 260 or email admin@beachsideep.com.au. We’ll confirm your funding eligibility and book your first appointment, typically within 1 to 2 weeks.
What if I’m not sure whether Exercise Physiology is right for me?
Call us. We will give you an honest answer about whether Exercise Physiology is appropriate for your condition and goals. If it is not the right fit, we will tell you and point you in the right direction.