Physiotherapy for Spinal Cord Injuries – NDIS Support

How Physiotherapy Supports People with Spinal Cord Injury Under the NDIS

Living with a spinal cord injury (SCI) can affect movement, strength, sensation, independence, and long-term health. Under the NDIS, physiotherapy plays a vital role in helping people with SCI build capacity, maintain function, and participate fully in everyday life.

At My Rehab Team, our physiotherapy services are based on current research and international best practice, while staying focused on what matters most under the NDIS: functional goals, independence, safety, and quality of life.

Why Ongoing Physiotherapy Is Important for SCI

Spinal cord injury is a lifelong condition. Research strongly supports that physiotherapy should not stop after hospital rehabilitation. Instead, ongoing and consistent therapy helps people with SCI to:

• Maintain strength and mobility
• Reduce pain and spasticity
• Prevent secondary complications (such as pressure injuries or muscle loss)
• Improve confidence and independence
• Stay active and involved in the community

For many people with SCI, physiotherapy is a long-term support need, not a short-term intervention.

From “Coping” to Building Capacity

In the past, rehabilitation focused mainly on learning how to compensate for lost movement. Today, evidence shows that the nervous system can continue to adapt and improve through regular, active movement and practice.

Modern physiotherapy focuses on:

• Repetitive, meaningful movement
• Task-based training (real-life activities like transfers, standing, or walking practice)
• The right level of challenge to promote improvement

This approach aligns closely with the NDIS goal of capacity building.

Task-Specific Training

Practising everyday tasks helps people improve:

• Balance and sitting tolerance
• Transfers (bed, chair, toilet, car)
• Standing and walking ability (where appropriate)
• Endurance for daily routines

These activities are directly linked to NDIS functional goals.

Technology-Assisted Therapy

Some people benefit from equipment such as:

• Body-weight-supported walking systems
• Robotic or assisted gait training

Research shows these approaches work best when used consistently and at the right stage of recovery. They can help increase confidence, endurance, and mobility skills.

Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)

FES uses gentle electrical signals to activate muscles that are weak or paralysed. It may help to:

• Improve muscle strength and size
• Reduce spasticity
• Support walking or arm function
• Improve circulation and overall health

FES can also help prevent long-term complications, which supports NDIS goals around health maintenance and independence.

People with SCI have a higher risk of:

• Heart and circulation problems
• Muscle and bone loss
• Reduced fitness and endurance

Physiotherapists help by prescribing SCI-specific exercise programs, which may include:

• Strength training
• Cardiovascular exercise
• Home-based or community-based programs

These programs are tailored to the person’s abilities, supports, and environment.

Physiotherapy can support people with SCI to manage:

Spasticity

Through movement, stretching, positioning, and active exercise to improve comfort and function.

Pain

Including long-term nerve pain, using movement-based and neuromuscular approaches alongside the wider care team.

Pressure Injury Prevention

Physiotherapists assist with:

• Seating and wheelchair positioning
• Pressure relief strategies
• Education for participants and support workers

This is critical for maintaining safety and avoiding hospital admissions.

The NDIS recognises the importance of participation, not just physical ability. Ongoing physiotherapy supports people with SCI to:

• Leave the house safely
• Return to work, study, or volunteering
• Engage in social and community activities
• Build confidence in daily routines

Longer-term physiotherapy programs are associated with better participation and quality of life outcomes.

Physiotherapy for SCI may be funded under:

• Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living
• Core Supports (where appropriate and goal-aligned)

Supports may include:

• Regular physiotherapy sessions
• Community-based rehabilitation
• Home programs and carer training
• Equipment trials and recommendations

Prepared by

David Chan
Physiotherapist at MRT

At My Rehab Team, we work closely with:

• NDIS participants
• Families and carers
• Support coordinators
• Plan managers

Our focus is on:

• Meaningful, goal-driven therapy
• Evidence-based practice
• Long-term function and wellbeing
• Supporting independence at home and in the community

Want to Talk About NDIS Physiotherapy?

If you or someone you support is living with a spinal cord injury, our team can help explore how physiotherapy can support NDIS goals now and into the future.

📞 Contact My Rehab Team to discuss supports tailored to your NDIS plan.

References:

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