Living with a disability can put extra strain on the body. Using a wheelchair every day, walking with an altered gait, sitting for long periods or living with muscle tightness can all lead to joint pain, stiffness and muscle problems over time. These are called musculoskeletal (MSK) problems, and for many NDIS participants they’re a real barrier to everyday life. This post explains the common ones, how physiotherapy can help, and when the NDIS can fund it.
Common disability-related joint and muscle problems
Some of the MSK problems we see most often in NDIS participants:
Shoulder and wrist pain in wheelchair users, from years of pushing, transferring and reaching.
Joint tightness and contractures in conditions such as cerebral palsy, stroke, brain injury and spinal cord injury.
Hip, knee and back pain linked to the way someone walks, stands or sits.
Posture and seating-related pain, often from a chair, wheelchair or bed set-up that no longer fits.
Pain and stiffness that limit daily tasks, like dressing, transfers, getting in and out of the car or walking in the community.
Loss of strength and mobility that builds up over time, increasing the risk of falls.
Left alone, these problems can make daily life harder and reduce independence. Physiotherapy aims to reduce pain, keep joints moving and build the strength needed for everyday tasks.
How physiotherapy can help
A physiotherapist starts by assessing how the problem affects the participant’s daily life, then builds a plan around their goals. Depending on the person, this may include:
Exercise programs to build strength, flexibility and endurance.
Stretching and positioning to manage tightness and contractures.
Hands-on treatment to ease pain and stiffness, where appropriate.
Hydrotherapy, where warm water supports the body and makes movement easier. Read more about NDIS hydrotherapy.
Technique and load advice, such as safer ways to push, transfer or move, to reduce strain.
Equipment and seating input, working with our occupational therapists when a wheelchair, cushion or other equipment is part of the problem.
A home program so progress continues between sessions, with guidance for families, carers and support workers.
Can the NDIS fund physiotherapy for joint and muscle pain?
The NDIS can fund physiotherapy when the problem relates to a participant’s disability and affects their functional capacity, meaning their ability to do everyday tasks and work towards their NDIS goals. It’s usually paid from the Capacity Building budget. Self-managed, plan-managed and agency-managed participants can all use their funding.
Some care is the responsibility of the health system rather than the NDIS. That includes treating injuries or health conditions not related to disability (for example, a sports injury), and the rehabilitation that follows straight after surgery or a hospital stay. If you’re not sure which applies, ask your support coordinator or plan manager, or contact us and we’ll help you work it out.
It helps if your NDIS goals clearly describe what you want to improve, such as “transfer in and out of bed with less pain” or “keep using my manual wheelchair for longer”.
Where sessions happen
Our physiotherapy is mobile. We see participants at home, at school, in the community, and at local hydrotherapy pools across Sydney. Working in the places where problems actually happen, like the bed, the bathroom, the car or the wheelchair, means the advice and exercises fit real life.
Common questions
Does the NDIS cover physio for back pain?
It can, if the pain is related to your disability and affects your daily life and goals. Back pain that isn’t related to a disability is usually handled through the health system instead.
I use a wheelchair and my shoulders hurt. Can physio help?
Yes. Shoulder pain is common in wheelchair users. Physiotherapy can include strengthening, stretching, technique advice and a review of your wheelchair set-up with an occupational therapist.
Can physiotherapy help with contractures?
Physiotherapy can help manage tightness and contractures through stretching, positioning, exercise and advice for carers, often alongside your medical team.
Can I have physio at home?
Yes. All our physiotherapy is mobile. We come to your home, school, sports club, training centre, gym, community setting or a local pool.
NDIS physiotherapy for joint and muscle problems in Sydney
Rewired Therapy’s physiotherapists support NDIS participants with disability-related joint, muscle and posture problems across Sydney.
Learn more about our physiotherapy services, contact us, or make a referral.