Supporting People Living with Disabilities

How Physiotherapy is Not Just for Dodgy Hamstrings

When most people hear “physiotherapy,” they picture sports injuries — a footballer clutching a hamstring or someone being wrapped in tape before a marathon. But while physios do treat their fair share of sprains and strains, the heart of physiotherapy has always been broader; it’s rooted in rehabilitation, recovery, and support for those facing long-term challenges. From the trenches of the First World War to the hospital wards of the polio era, physiotherapy began with a mission: to help people reclaim function, movement, and independence in the face of life-changing challenges. So yes — we can help you get back on the pitch. But we’re just as committed to helping you get up the stairs, carry your own groceries, or manage fatigue at work. And through the NDIS, physiotherapy support is more accessible than ever for Australians living with disability. Why not call us for a chat on (02) 9816 5092 today.

A Little History

Physiotherapy as we know it began to formalise during World War I, when the sheer number of soldiers returning home with amputations, spinal injuries and neurological trauma demanded a new kind of professional — someone trained not just in care, but in rehabilitation. In the decades that followed, particularly during the polio epidemics, physiotherapists played a key role in helping people regain movement, adapt to new challenges, and avoid long-term complications.

That foundation — of restoring function and supporting independence — remains at the core of what we do today.

What physiotherapy can offer

Modern physiotherapy is incredibly diverse, and one of its most meaningful applications is in supporting people living with disability — whether due to neurological conditions like cerebral palsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis or acquired brain injury, or physical conditions such as spinal cord injury, muscular dystrophy or limb difference.

Physiotherapy doesn’t aim to “fix” disability. Instead, it works to maximise comfort, ability, and confidence in day-to-day life.

Here’s how physiotherapy may help:

1. Building strength and mobility – Even small improvements in strength, coordination, or posture can make daily tasks feel more manageable. Physiotherapy provides targeted exercises and hands-on treatment to support whatever level of movement is right for you — whether you walk, use mobility aids, or use a wheelchair.
2. Preventing secondary issues – When movement is reduced, there’s a greater risk of complications like joint stiffness, pressure injuries, or respiratory problems. Physiotherapists work to reduce these risks with stretching, positioning advice, breathing exercises, and equipment recommendations.
3. Promoting independence – This is often the most powerful outcome. With physiotherapy, people can often learn strategies to move more confidently, conserve energy, or use adaptive tools. Physios may also collaborate with occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and support coordinators to provide holistic, team-based care.
4. Managing fatigue and energy – Fatigue isn’t just tiredness — it can be unpredictable and deeply limiting. Physios can help with pacing strategies, graded activity plans, and energy conservation techniques to help you do more with less strain.
5. Improving quality of life – Sometimes, the most meaningful changes are the smallest: being able to sit more comfortably, reach something without straining, or get through a workday without pain. Physiotherapy always starts with your goals and adapts to what matters most to you.

Physiotherapy and the NDIS

If you’re an NDIS participant, physiotherapy may be available to you through your plan, depending on your goals and support needs. This could include regular sessions for hands-on treatment, help with assistive equipment, reports for plan reviews, or training for support workers or carers.

Physiotherapy can be included in your Capacity Building supports under Improved Daily Living, or sometimes under Core supports, depending on how your plan is structured. We’re happy to help you navigate your funding and provide the documentation you need to access services that suit you.

At Hunters Hill Physiotherapy, we work with NDIS-managed, plan-managed, and self-managed participants. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, looking to maintain your current level of function, or aiming to improve comfort and participation, we can support you with personalised, evidence-informed care.

Conclusion

Living with a disability can come with barriers, but accessing physiotherapy shouldn’t be one of them. Whether your goal is to walk further, reduce discomfort, or just make daily life a bit easier, we’re here to help.

Call us on (02) 9816 5092 to make an appointment with our friendly team and find out how physiotherapy may support you or someone you care for through the NDIS.

Information provided here (including text, graphics, images, outbound links, and other material) is for informational purposes only. It is general in nature and is not to be used or considered as a substitute for personalised professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified allied health provider regarding any symptoms, medical conditions, or treatments and before undertaking any new health care regimen.