NDIS July 2026 5 min read

How Exercise Physiology and Occupational Therapy Work Together Under the NDIS

Exercise physiology and occupational therapy are frequently funded together under the NDIS — and when they're coordinated well, participants achieve their goals faster and get more value from their plan. Here's how the two professions complement each other.

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.

Example: A participant with cerebral palsy has a goal of getting dressed independently. The exercise physiologist works on upper limb strength and coordination through a graded exercise program. The OT assesses the dressing task, recommends adaptive clothing and equipment, and practises the sequence with the participant. Both clinicians share progress notes and adjust their approaches together.

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 07 — Improved Daily Activities). 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 10 (Home Modifications) for specific AT prescription or home modification reports, while EP runs concurrently under Category 07.

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

For support coordinators: Exercare's integrated EP and OT model means you can refer a participant for both services with a single contact. We'll coordinate internally and provide joint progress reports for plan reviews on request. Send a referral enquiry →

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.

Older adult — independent living at home

An aged care client wants to remain living at home safely. The exercise physiologist runs a falls prevention program targeting lower limb strength and balance. The OT assesses the home for hazards, recommends modifications (grab rails, non-slip surfaces, improved lighting), and assesses whether current assistive equipment is adequate. Both services are funded through the client's Home Care Package.

EP services now. OT coming in 2026.

Exercare's exercise physiology services are available immediately across south-east Melbourne. OT services launch in 2026 — join the waitlist now so you're first in line.

NDIS EP intake Join OT waitlist

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 — launching 2026. Join the OT waitlist now and we'll contact you as soon as services are available.
  3. Existing EP clients — you'll be first priority for OT when it launches. Mention you're already receiving EP services when you join the waitlist.
  4. Support coordinators — contact us directly to discuss coordinated referrals for participants who need both services.

Frequently asked questions

Can one NDIS plan fund both EP and OT?
Yes. Both are funded under Capacity Building (Support Category 07 — Improved Daily Activities) and can run concurrently from the same plan budget. Some participants may also have separate OT funding under AT (Category 05) or Home Modifications (Category 10).

Is there a risk of double-up between EP and OT?
When coordinated well, no. EP and OT address different aspects of function and set goals that complement each other. At Exercare, our clinicians will review each other's programs to ensure there is no duplication and that sessions are building toward the same overall outcomes.

This article was written by the Exercare team. Exercare provides mobile exercise physiology now and is launching occupational therapy in 2026 across south-east Melbourne. Join the OT waitlist →