Physiotherapy for Intellectual Disabilities Adelaide
Thrive Health Therapies provides experienced and evidence-based physiotherapy services for individuals with intellectual disabilities across Adelaide. Our experienced physiotherapists develop tailored therapy plans that build mobility, confidence, and everyday function. Whether for a teenager or adult, our neuroaffirming and person-centred approach helps each individual reach their goals and thrive in daily life.
What is Physiotherapy for Intellectual Disabilities?
Physiotherapy for individuals with intellectual disabilities focuses on enhancing physical function, movement skills, and independence. Our physiotherapists address a wide range of physical, sensory, and functional challenges through targeted, engaging, and individualised therapy.
Key Areas of Focus:
Gross Motor Skills: Improving strength, balance, coordination, and endurance
Mobility and Transfers: Supporting walking, wheelchair use, safe transfers, and navigation of the environment
Postural Support: Promoting optimal posture to improve comfort, positioning, and participation
Movement Confidence: Helping individuals feel safe and capable in their body through enjoyable, goal-directed therapy
Functional Independence: Enhancing the ability to participate in self-care, school, recreation, and daily routines
Falls Prevention: Building balance and strength to reduce the risk of injury
Benefits of Physiotherapy for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
Physiotherapy can make a meaningful difference in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities:
Improved Physical Function: Supporting strength, coordination, mobility, and energy
Increased Independence: Promoting participation in everyday tasks such as dressing, transferring, or navigating environments
Pain and Posture Management: Reducing physical discomfort, stiffness, or poor posture
Improved Confidence: Empowering individuals to engage with their surroundings safely and confidently
Better Access to Community and Learning: Supporting physical readiness for social, recreational, or school-based participation
Carer and Family Support: Providing strategies for safe mobility assistance, positioning, and home routines
We understand that every individual learns, moves, and communicates differently. Our therapy plans are developed with respect for each person’s abilities, communication style, and preferences.
How We Deliver Physiotherapy
Thrive Health Therapies provides flexible and accessible services across Adelaide, tailored to support individuals with intellectual disabilities in a range of settings.
Community-Based Services: We provide community-based services in your home or a location convenient to you throughout metropolitan Adelaide. We offer mobile services in homes, day options programs, supported accommodation, or any environment where a client feels comfortable. Our team works across metropolitan Adelaide, from Gawler to Aldinga. Learn more about our service areas.
Clinic-Based Services: Our Findon clinic and gym is fully accessible and designed to accommodate a wide range of mobility and sensory needs. It includes specialised rehabilitation equipment and provides a structured, private space for clients who benefit from a controlled environment.
Telehealth Services: We also offer comprehensive telehealth services, providing clients with convenient, video-based therapy consultations for those who may have difficulty travelling to our clinic or prefer the convenience of remote support.
Funding Options for Physiotherapy
We accept a variety of funding options, making physiotherapy for intellectual disabilities accessible for everyone:
Home Care Packages (HCP)
Private Health Insurance
Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plans (GP Team Care Arrangements)
Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA)
Learn more about the funding options we accept.
Why Choose Our Physiotherapists?
No wait time: We can start working with you straight away!
Experienced: Our therapists are senior clinicians with years of experience working with a wide range of presentations.
Extensive Coverage in the community: We serve a large geographical area, providing physiotherapy across all of metropolitan Adelaide from Gawler to Aldinga. We see clients at home or at a location convenient to them. Our approach is flexible and guided by the client’s comfort and preferences.
Clinic space: Our fully accessible clinic and gym in Findon has been specially designed to be appropriate for a wide range of presentations and disabilities. With sensory-sensitive design and a variety of equipment, it's ideal for structured therapy sessions and building movement confidence.
Individualised care: Every client receives a personalised therapy plan based on their unique needs and goals.
Neuroaffirming Practice: We provide compassionate and affirming services to support and empower neurodiverse individuals.
Multi-Disciplinary Approach: We offer a wide range of allied health services under one roof, allowing for a holistic approach to your health. Learn more about our team.
NDIS Provider: We provide services to National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants.
Funding Options: We accept a variety of funding options, helping our clients access the support they need.
LGBTQIA+ friendly: We celebrate, value and include people of all backgrounds, genders, and sexualities, Our Findon clinic is a welcoming, safe and inclusive space for all LGBTQIA+ people and families.
FAQs Physiotherapy for Intellectual Disabilities in Adelaide
If you can’t find an answer to your question, please contact our friendly team on 0474 248 081 or email enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com
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Intellectual disabilities refer to limitations in cognitive functioning and adaptive behaviour, which affect everyday social and practical skills. These conditions may impact learning, communication, and independence.
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Physiotherapy supports mobility, posture, strength, and movement confidence. It helps individuals engage more fully in daily activities, develop independence, and prevent physical complications such as falls, fatigue, or pain.
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We support a wide range of goals, including learning to walk, improving balance, using mobility aids, managing posture, participating in sport or recreation, and increasing independence at home or in the community.
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Yes – we offer mobile services and can visit you at home, in supported accommodation, or in community settings across metropolitan Adelaide.
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Absolutely. Collaboration with families and support teams is an essential part of our service. We provide ongoing updates, recommendations, and education to support the whole care network.
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No! We can start working with new clients right away.
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No! You do not need a referral to see one of our physiotherapists. Our experienced physiotherapists are able to start working with you straight away!
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We accept referrals from a wide range of funding sources, including the NDIS, home care packages, Department of Veterans Affairs, Chronic Disease Management (previously known as EPC) and private clients. Learn more about our accepted funding sources.
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Prices vary between services. Our therapists work with you to ensure you get the best program of services within your budget allocation.
Please contact us for a personalised quote.
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