Joint Media Release - Associations Collaborate to Urge NDIS to Reinstate Funding for Qualified Remedial Therapists and Myotherapists

Massage & Myotherapy Australia and the Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA) have jointly called on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to revise recent changes to the Support Rules that exclude qualified remedial massage therapists and myotherapists from providing funded services.

The joint submission, presented to the NDIS Supports Rules consultation, outlines growing concerns that current restrictions are diminishing health outcomes, reducing participant choice and undermining a proven sector of the healthcare workforce.

Based on survey data from around 10,000 members of the three leading massage/complementary health associations, the submission reveals that 73% respondents treated NDIS clients, and 67% have already experienced negative impacts on their patients following the October 2024 policy change.

The submission argues that:

• Qualified remedial massage therapists and myotherapists meet rigorous professional standards similar to Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) registration, including recognised training, ongoing professional development, insurance and ethical compliance.
• Remedial massage therapy and myotherapy play a vital role in managing pain, stress, mobility and function – core needs for many NDIS participants.
• Multiple government schemes including WorkSafe, SIRA NSW and aged care programs already fund remedial massage therapy and myotherapy – highlighting inconsistent and conflicting policy and regulation across governments.
• Exclusion contradicts both current medical guidelines and the lived experience of NDIS client carers, and healthcare professionals.

Ann Davey, CEO of Massage & Myotherapy Australia, stated, ‘the evidence is clear: professionally qualified remedial massage therapists and myotherapists deliver vital care that is both cost-effective and life-enhancing. Denying access contradicts the principles of choice, inclusion and evidence-based practice.

‘These changes to the NDIS Support Rules disadvantage people with disability who rely on these services. Many are now forced to pay privately or forgo treatment entirely.’

Massage & Myotherapy Australia and ANTA are urging the NDIS to adopt a more inclusive and collaborative approach by recognising accredited remedial massage therapists as eligible providers under the Support Rules.