The Right Fit: How Moving Healthcare Matches NDIS Participants with the Right OT or Physiotherapist

By Gabriella Schiftan, Managing Director & Principal Physiotherapist

Dr Gabriella Schiftan of Moving Healthcare talking with an elderly woman in a cosy living room.

Choosing allied health support isn’t just about getting the next available appointment. When a physiotherapist or occupational therapist comes into your home and helps with your long-term therapy, the relationship becomes a central part of your care.

The important decision for NDIS participants, especially if you’ve had a bad experience in the past, is to be matched with the right therapist. And with so many providers to choose from, finding one who truly understands your needs can be a challenge.

The right fit means your therapist:

  • Communicates in a clear, respectful, and supportive style;
  • Has experience that aligns with your specific needs and goals;
  • Creates a sense of safety through both progress and setbacks; and
  • Has an approach that feels collaborative.

Having a therapist who truly understands your challenges and works with you can make a meaningful difference in daily life. That’s why Moving Healthcare thoughtfully matches you with therapists who are not only clinically skilled but also genuinely

Why the “Right Fit” matters in NDIS physiotherapy and occupational therapy

NDIS therapy goes far beyond treatment alone. The system has specific funding rules and reporting requirements, and not every clinician is familiar with how these work in practice.

The right NDIS clinician will:

  • Understand what supports and therapies are funded under your plan
  • Structure treatment to help you get the most value from your funding
  • Complete assessments and reports using appropriate NDIS language
  • Support you to understand your needs and advocate for yourself

NDIS physiotherapists and occupational therapists also bring specialised skills in managing chronic and complex conditions over time. While general physiotherapists may focus on a single injury or short-term concern, NDIS specialists are experienced in working with people who have multiple or overlapping conditions. For example, recovery after a stroke may involve communication challenges and mental health impacts, such as PTSD or depression. These factors may not be obvious in a primary diagnosis, but they affect day-to-day life. An NDIS-experienced therapist understands how to tailor treatment to your unique presentation.

How Moving Healthcare matches NDIS participants with the right clinician

Here at Moving Healthcare, we make sure you’re matched with the right clinician for a long-term, sustainable match. Starting therapy is a big step, especially for people with complex or multiple needs. Our process ensures you are comfortable every step of the way.

Rather than committing to a quick yes or no based simply on availability, we ensure we find the right fit for you. If we’re not the right fit, we’ll say so and refer you to someone else. Our goal is always a long-term, sustainable match — not a short-term solution.

1. Understanding Who You Are

Two women outdoors, smiling at each other. One woman in a wheelchair, while the other, Dr Gabriella Schiftan of Moving Healthcare, touches her shoulder supportively. Wooden fence in the background.

Effective therapy starts with understanding you. Whether you contact us directly or are referred by a support coordinator, we take the time to learn about your medical history, diagnoses, and current goals and challenges. 

Our intake process usually starts with a call. A Moving Healthcare team member triages you. This helps us understand both primary presentations and any additional conditions. Where helpful, we can also organise a short screening call with a therapist (currently facilitated by our director, Gabriella Schiftan) before your first session.

We also learn your communication preferences and personality. These details help us match you with a therapist who helps you feel comfortable and heard. This also includes telling us what gender you’d prefer your therapist to be.

2. Matching based on clinical expertise and your NDIS needs

At Moving Healthcare, we match you with a therapist according to their:

  • Experience with your diagnosis;
  • Experience with complex presentations; 
  • Experience working with people in your age group; and 
  • Experience in NDIS supports

3. Matching based on location and routine

We consider practical factors such as location, home visit availability, preferred appointment times, and session frequency. For ongoing therapy (such as weekly or monthly sessions), we only confirm a match when the therapist has long-term capacity.

After the match: What happens in your first session

Your first session is an opportunity to start building rapport and see how the clinician fits with you. In the first session, your therapist will discuss communication preferences. If required, will speak with family members or care providers. 

Together, you and your therapist review goals. The therapist completes subjective and objective assessments to understand where you are and where you want to go. They may include a short treatment, giving you something practical to take away from day one.

How we support a strong ongoing relationship

Sustainable long-term care starts with building a trusting relationship with your therapist. At Moving Healthcare, we check in to ensure you feel comfortable with the level and consistency of care you receive. 

We value open communication. If raising a concern directly with your therapist feels difficult, our administrative team can help address any concerns you, your carers or your support coordinator may have. Together, we want to create an environment where therapy feels safe, collaborative, and genuinely focused on your progress.

Two people outdoors, one in a wheelchair and the other standing, touching their shoulder supportively. Surrounded by greenery and flowers.

How do you know if the clinician isn’t the right fit?

Give yourself a few sessions to build rapport and then think about how therapy feels. Ask yourself: Does your therapist make you feel at ease, or even smile, despite how challenging the therapy is? For many people, three sessions are enough to judge if you feel understood and comfortable. 

If a match isn’t right, Moving Healthcare will handle the transition so that your care isn’t disrupted.

Move With Us

Our goal is to help you feel confident in your journey. We know what a big step it is to start therapy, and we respect that journey. We don’t take the privilege of working with you lightly.

Choose a clinician who understands NDIS support and values personalised care to support your goals. Contact us at Moving Healthcare.

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