How Exercise Physiology and Occupational Therapy Work Together Under the NDIS

Two professions, one set of goals

Exercise physiology and occupational therapy approach disability support from different angles — but they share the same underlying goal: helping the participant live a fuller, more independent life.

Exercise physiologists build the physical foundation — the strength, endurance, balance and fitness that make daily activities possible. Occupational therapists build on that foundation, focusing on the specific skills, adaptive strategies and environmental modifications that allow a person to actually perform those activities in their real life.

The combination is particularly powerful for NDIS participants, where goals typically span both physical capacity and functional daily living outcomes.

When EP and OT are funded together under the NDIS

Many NDIS plans include both exercise physiology and occupational therapy under Capacity Building (Support Category 15 — Improved Daily Living Skills). This is appropriate when a participant has goals that span both physical capacity and daily living function — which describes the majority of participants with physical, neurological or intellectual disability.

Plans may also include OT under Support Category 05 (Assistive Technology) or Category 06 (Home Modifications) for specific AT prescription or home modification reports, while EP runs concurrently under Category 15.

The advantage of one provider for both services

When EP and OT are delivered by different providers, information sharing is often limited to written reports. Clinicians may set goals that overlap or even conflict, plan reviews can produce contradictory recommendations and the participant has to manage two separate relationships and two sets of administrative tasks.

When both services are delivered by the same provider — as they will be at Exercare — the advantages are significant:

• EP and OT clinicians can talk directly, share session notes in real time and adjust programs in response to each other's observations
• Goals are set collaboratively from the outset, with each clinician aware of what the other is working on
• Progress reports for plan reviews tell a consistent, coordinated story — strengthening the case for continued or increased funding
• The participant has one point of contact for all allied health — one phone number, one invoice, one provider relationship
• For support coordinators and plan managers, dealing with one provider for multiple services significantly reduces administrative load

Real examples of EP and OT working together

Participant with stroke — community re-engagement

Following a stroke, a participant wants to return to shopping independently. The exercise physiologist designs a program to rebuild walking endurance, standing balance and upper limb strength. The OT assesses the supermarket environment, recommends a walking aid, practises the route and develops cognitive strategies for managing a shopping list. Both clinicians co-write the plan review report, documenting progress across physical and functional domains.

Child with autism — school participation

A child with autism has goals around school participation and self-regulation. The exercise physiologist runs sensory motor programs to improve body awareness, coordination and emotional regulation through structured physical activity. The OT conducts a sensory assessment, develops a sensory diet and liaises with the school about classroom modifications. Sessions are co-planned to ensure the physical and sensory work is consistent and reinforcing.

Adult with a physical disability — independent living

An NDIS participant wants to live more independently at home. The exercise physiologist runs a strength and mobility program targeting the physical capacity needed for transfers and daily tasks. The OT assesses the home for hazards, recommends modifications (grab rails, ramps, improved access) and assesses whether current assistive equipment is adequate. Both services are funded through the participant's NDIS plan.

How to access both EP and OT at Exercare

1. Exercise physiology — available now. Complete the NDIS intake form or call us. No referral needed.
2. Occupational therapy — available now for NDIS participants. Select OT (or both OT and EP) on the same intake form.
3. Existing EP clients — let us know you'd also like OT and we'll coordinate care across both clinicians.
4. Support coordinators — contact us directly to discuss coordinated referrals for participants who need both services.

Frequently asked questions

This article was written by the Exercare team. Exercare provides mobile exercise physiology and NDIS occupational therapy across south-east and eastern Melbourne. Start your intake →