NDIS

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides support for Australians with a permanent and significant disability and their families and carers. It is designed to support people with disability to develop skills and capacity so they can participate in work and community life.

The NDIS is responsible for funding allied health and other therapy services related to a person’s disability – this includes Exercise Physiology. This can assist with: 

• Supporting the independence and social and economic participation of people living with disability.
• Enabling people living with a disability to exercise choice and control in the pursuit of their goals and the planning and delivery of their supports.

Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) have expert knowledge on the human body and the role of exercise in health, fitness, and reducing the onset of chronic conditions symptoms and disabilities. Our Exercise Physiologists develop exercise programs for people with a wide variety of disabilities to help them manage their condition and build capacity for activities of daily living. Their knowledge and extensive training also allow them to provide safe and effective, tailored exercise programs to any person that steps through our doors.

Our services are the only available NDIS North Sydney service. The North Sydney community is very much in need of what Exercise Physiology can deliver.

Exercise Physiology services can be utilised to improve function through muscles that have become inactive or weakened as a result of your disability.

MTP Health’s Exercise Physiologists can tailor their programs for people with disabilities that address critical needs, such as:

• Improved daily living capabilities
• Improved mental and physical health and well-being
• The ability to engage in the community, including social activities
• Overall strength and capacity improvements

The conditions that will benefit from an Exercise Program with MTP Health's Exercise Physiologists are:

• Muscular dystrophy
• Cerebral Palsy
• Brain injuries
• Paraplegia
• Strokes
• Down Syndrome
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• And many more………….

NDIS funding doesn’t cover general everyday living expenses that people without disability would be required to pay, such as train travel, rent, groceries, mobile phone, or movie tickets. Every person is different so it’s important that you are prepared to demonstrate why a request should be deemed ‘fair and reasonable’ in your situation.

Seeking the services of an Exercise Physiologist at MTP Health is highly recommended for you as part of your NDIS plan if you are living with a disability and:

• The disability makes it hard to maintain good health and well-being
• You are at increased risk of developing or already have an existing condition that impairs your physical movement
• Your management plan goals relate to moving independently, maintaining mobility, and/or building strength or fitness

Specific Conditions that can be worked with for improved outcomes include Autism, Muscular Dystrophy, Visually impaired, Cerebral Palsy, Amputees, Stroke and a whole host of other physical & mental disabilities.

Funding under the NDIS is based on evidence of need, your goals, and evidence for the effectiveness of a given treatment approach. Your treatment plan is your gateway to getting the support you need.

What is deemed ‘reasonable and necessary?

The NDIS funds ‘reasonable and necessary supports’ relating to your disability to help you live an ordinary life and achieve your goals.

During your Plan meeting, your NDIS planner will gather information on what supports are reasonable and necessary for your situation by evaluating whether a support request is:

1. Related to your disability and support needs
2. Good value for money.
3. Likely to be effective and beneficial to you.

Some examples of expenses that may be approved include:

• Support workers to help with personal care activities
• Therapeutic supports like behaviour support
• Aids and equipment
• Home modifications
• Mobility equipment.

Comprehensive Plan, Assessment & Reporting

At MTP Health, we help to aid the process of having our services deemed 'reasonable & necessary' by going through a comprehensive assessment. Your Exercise Physiologist will conduct a clinic-based assessment and develop an exercise plan tailored to your disability that will fit within your specific NDIS plan and goals.

The assessment will look at things like: 

• How you move
• Your posture and balance
• Fitness and strength
• Respiratory and cardiovascular fitness
• Diet and lifestyle
• Current medications
• Any limiting factors such as physical disabilities, injuries, or pain.

MTP Health’s Exercise Physiologists will use this information to develop a program that might include private exercise sessions, exercises to practice at home or lifting weights. You may also be given diet, nutrition or lifestyle advice and be supported to make changes that will help you achieve your goals. 

MTP Health Health are Accredited Exercise Physiologists who work with patients as per the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). These services provide physical capacity & and wellness to those with severe and permanent disabilities.

Working in conjunction with the NDIS, the participant’s planner and/ or self-managed patients, MTP Health provides a comprehensive and specialized exercise regime, tailored to the specific needs of the individual.

Exercise Physiologists specialise in prescribing exercise to those with disabilities, they study for 4 years at University to be able to provide the best possible care. Unfortunately, Personal Trainers are not trained to work with people with disabilities and can usually become qualified with 8 weeks! Therefore an Exercise Physiologist is always the most qualified professional to help achieve your health goals.

Exercise Physiology now falls under Core Supports and Capacity Building Categories. The categories we utilise funding in are; “Assistance with Daily Life”, “Improved Health and Wellbeing” AND “Improved Daily Living“. If you have funding in either of these categories, you can see an Exercise Physiologist!