US Physical Therapy Market 2024–2033

Reports Description

As per the current market research conducted by CMI Team, the US Physical Therapy Market is expected to record a CAGR of 3.1% from 2024 to 2033. In 2024, the market size is projected to reach a valuation of USD 52.8 Billion. By 2033, the valuation is anticipated to reach USD 70.1 Billion.

The US physical therapy market encompasses services aimed at enhancing and restoring functional ability and quality of life for individuals with physical impairments or disabilities. It includes a wide range of therapies such as orthopedic, neurological, cardiopulmonary, and sports therapy.

Key market drivers include an aging population, rising chronic diseases, and technological advancements like telehealth and wearable devices. The market comprises various providers, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private practices. Growth is further propelled by increased awareness, government healthcare initiatives, and a focus on preventive care, making physical therapy an essential component of the healthcare system.

US Physical Therapy Market – Significant Growth Factors

The US Physical Therapy Market presents significant growth opportunities due to several factors:

• Aging Population: The growing number of elderly individuals in the U.S. increases the demand for physical therapy services to address age-related conditions such as arthritis, joint pain, and mobility issues.

• Rising Incidence of Chronic Diseases: The prevalence of chronic conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity necessitates ongoing physical therapy for management and rehabilitation, driving market growth.

• Technological Advancements: Innovations such as telehealth, wearable devices, and robotic-assisted therapies enhance treatment accessibility, effectiveness, and patient engagement, propelling market expansion.

• Increased Awareness and Acceptance: Greater public awareness of the benefits of physical therapy for preventive care, rehabilitation, and overall wellness leads to higher patient uptake and market growth.

• Expansion into Rural Areas: There is significant potential for growth by expanding physical therapy services into underserved rural areas, where access to such care is often limited. This can be facilitated through mobile clinics and telehealth.

• Development of Specialized Programs: Creating specialized physical therapy programs for specific populations, such as pediatric, sports, and women’s health, can attract new patient segments and meet diverse healthcare needs, enhancing market presence and profitability.

US Physical Therapy Market – Mergers and Acquisitions

The US Physical Therapy Market has seen several mergers and acquisitions in recent years, with companies seeking to expand their market presence and leverage synergies to improve their product offerings and profitability. Some notable examples of mergers and acquisitions in the US Physical Therapy Market include:

• In 2022, UnitedHealthcare collaborated with Kaia Health, a digital therapeutics start-up, to introduce a virtual therapy program. Eligible patients can access 24/7 on-demand guidance for physical therapy exercises, ensuring accurate performance and enhancing the effectiveness of their rehabilitation efforts.

• In 2022, Ivy Rehab, a national leader in outpatient pediatric therapy and musculoskeletal rehabilitative treatments, expanded its presence significantly by adding 12 new outpatient clinics. This expansion underscores their commitment to providing accessible and specialized care across diverse communities.

• In 2022, U.S. Physical Therapy, Inc., bolstered its market presence by acquiring a six-clinic physical therapy practice in West Virginia and Pennsylvania. This strategic move enhances their regional footprint and consolidates their position as a key player in the physical therapy market.

These mergers and acquisitions have helped companies expand their product offerings, improve their market presence, and capitalize on growth opportunities in the US Physical Therapy Market. The trend is expected to continue as companies seek to gain a competitive edge in the market.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE RELATED MARKET

US Physical Therapy Market – Significant Threats

The US Physical Therapy Market faces several significant threats that could impact its growth and profitability in the future. Some of these threats include:

• Regulatory Changes and Compliance: Constant shifts in healthcare regulations can impact reimbursement rates, billing practices, and overall operational costs for physical therapy practices. Changes in Medicare and Medicaid policies, as well as evolving insurance requirements, pose compliance challenges and financial uncertainties.

• Healthcare Reimbursement Pressures: Declining reimbursement rates from insurance companies and government payers can squeeze profit margins for physical therapy providers. This pressure is exacerbated by increasing administrative burdens and paperwork associated with reimbursement processes.

• Competition and Consolidation: The industry is experiencing consolidation among healthcare providers, including physical therapy practices. Larger healthcare systems and corporate entities entering the market may lead to increased competition, potentially squeezing out smaller independent practices.

• Technological Disruption: Advances in technology, such as telehealth and wearable devices, offer new opportunities but also pose threats to traditional physical therapy practices. Telehealth platforms could provide convenient alternatives to in-person therapy, potentially reducing patient visits to physical therapy clinics.

• Workforce Challenges: Recruiting and retaining skilled physical therapists is critical for maintaining quality care and meeting patient demand. However, shortages of qualified professionals, coupled with high turnover rates and burnout, pose significant challenges for the industry.

Category-Wise Insights:

By Type of Therapy

• Orthopedic Therapy: Focuses on musculoskeletal issues like joint replacements and sports injuries. Trends include a rise in outpatient procedures, integration of telehealth for follow-up care, and a shift towards evidence-based practice to optimize recovery and patient outcomes.

• Neurological Therapy: Targets conditions like stroke and spinal cord injuries, emphasizing neuroplasticity and technology integration for rehabilitation. Trends include the use of robotics and virtual reality for therapy sessions, personalized treatment plans based on neuroimaging, and a growing emphasis on community reintegration and functional independence.

• Cardiopulmonary Therapy: Addresses heart and lung conditions, with trends towards preventive care, early intervention through exercise programs, and post-surgical rehabilitation focusing on improving cardiovascular endurance and respiratory function. Integration of wearable technology for remote monitoring and personalized rehabilitation plans are also emerging trends.

• Geriatric Therapy: Tailored for elderly patients, focusing on mobility, balance, and chronic pain management as the aging population grows. Trends include the use of fall prevention programs, multidisciplinary care teams to address complex health issues, and incorporating technology to enhance accessibility and adherence to therapy programs tailored to older adults’ specific needs.

• Pediatric Therapy: Addresses developmental delays and injuries in children, emphasizing early intervention, family-centered care, and specialized therapeutic techniques like sensory integration therapy. Trends include telehealth services to reach children in remote areas, collaborative care models involving educators and caregivers, and advancements in pediatric orthotics and prosthetics to improve mobility and independence.

• Sports Therapy: Focuses on athletes’ injuries and performance enhancement, integrating biomechanics, sports-specific training, and injury prevention strategies. Trends include the use of data analytics for injury prevention, personalized conditioning programs using wearable technology, and a shift towards integrative care models that combine physical therapy with sports medicine and nutrition counseling.

• Vestibular Therapy: Manages balance disorders, with trends in advanced diagnostics such as vestibular function testing, and customized vestibular rehabilitation programs. Virtual reality and computerized balance systems are increasingly used for therapy sessions, allowing for precise assessment and targeted interventions to improve balance, reduce dizziness, and enhance overall vestibular function.

• Women’s Health Therapy: Addresses pelvic floor dysfunction, prenatal/postpartum care, and menopausal issues. Trends include holistic approaches integrating yoga and mindfulness, specialized training in pelvic health for physical therapists, and advancements in biofeedback and neuromuscular retraining techniques to improve pelvic floor muscle function and quality of life.

• Others: Includes niche areas like oncology rehabilitation, wound care, and lymphedema management, adapting to specialized patient needs and technological advancements such as robotic-assisted therapy and personalized medicine approaches tailored to individual patient conditions and recovery goals.

By Application

• Acute Care: Focuses on treating patients with severe injuries or illnesses requiring immediate medical attention. Trends include integrating physical therapy early in hospital stays to accelerate recovery and reduce hospital readmissions.

• Rehabilitation: Involves restoring function and mobility after injury or surgery. Trends include personalized rehabilitation plans and the adoption of advanced technologies like robotic-assisted therapy.

• Preventative Care: Emphasizes maintaining physical health to prevent injuries and chronic conditions. Trends include promoting active lifestyles and ergonomic assessments in workplaces and sports settings.

• Occupational Health: Addresses injuries and conditions affecting work performance. Trends include ergonomic assessments, workplace injury prevention programs, and rehabilitation tailored to job-specific demands.

• Others: This category encompasses specialized areas like sports medicine, pediatric therapy, and geriatric care. Trends include specialized training for therapists, patient-centered care models, and advancements in therapeutic techniques tailored to unique patient demographics.

By Age Group

• Pediatrics: Physical therapy for children focuses on developmental delays, congenital conditions, and injuries. Trends include increased emphasis on early intervention and family-centered care to optimize childhood development.

• Adolescents: Therapy addresses sports injuries, posture issues, and musculoskeletal problems. Trends involve sports specialization concerns and injury prevention strategies tailored for active teens.

• Adults: Therapy targets rehabilitation after surgeries, chronic pain management, and workplace injuries. Trends include the integration of technology for personalized treatment plans and the rise of preventative care models.

• Elderly: Physical therapy aids in managing arthritis, mobility issues, and falls prevention. Trends emphasize geriatric-specific rehabilitation programs and telehealth solutions to improve accessibility and continuity of care.

By End Users

• Hospitals and Clinics: These settings provide comprehensive physical therapy services alongside other medical treatments, focusing on acute care and post-operative rehabilitation. They integrate advanced equipment and interdisciplinary collaboration to optimize patient recovery and management.

• Home Care Settings: Increasingly popular due to patient convenience and cost-effectiveness, home care physical therapy involves personalized treatments in patients’ homes. This segment benefits from technological advancements facilitating remote monitoring and personalized care plans tailored to individual home environments.

• Outpatient Clinics: Primarily cater to non-emergency cases, offering a range of physical therapy services in a more accessible and specialized environment. These clinics emphasize patient education and self-management strategies, empowering individuals to maintain health and prevent recurring issues.

• Rehabilitation Centers: Specialize in intensive therapy programs for patients recovering from injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions, emphasizing holistic rehabilitation. They utilize state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive care teams to address physical, psychological, and social aspects of recovery.

• Fitness and Sports Centers: Provide preventive and rehabilitative physical therapy services tailored for athletes and fitness enthusiasts, focusing on performance enhancement and injury prevention. These centers integrate sports science and biomechanical analysis to optimize athletic performance and support long-term physical health.

• Others: Includes schools, workplace wellness programs, and community health centers offering physical therapy services, reflecting a growing trend towards preventive healthcare and holistic well-being. These settings often collaborate with local healthcare providers to promote wellness and address musculoskeletal issues through education and early intervention strategies.

Report Scope

Competitive Landscape – US Physical Therapy Market

The US Physical Therapy Market is highly competitive, with a large number of manufacturers and retailers operating in the US. Some of the key players in the market include:

• ATI Physical Therapy Inc.
• Select Medical Holdings Corporation
• US Physical Therapy Inc.
• Upstream Rehabilitation Inc.
• Athletico Physical Therapy
• FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers
• Pivot Physical Therapy
• Concentra Inc.
• PT Solutions Physical Therapy
• Kindred Healthcare LLC
• RehabCare Group Inc.
• Spooner Physical Therapy
• COR Physical Therapy
• NovaCare Rehabilitation
• Professional Physical Therapy
• Others

These companies operate in the market through various strategies such as product innovation, mergers and acquisitions, and partnerships.

Innovative newcomers entering the US physical therapy market often leverage technology and specialized service models. Startups and tech-driven companies are introducing telehealth platforms, wearable devices for remote monitoring, and AI-powered rehabilitation tools, aiming to enhance patient outcomes and operational efficiency.

Key players dominating the market include large healthcare systems like Select Medical and HealthSouth Corporation, which operate extensive networks of outpatient rehabilitation clinics and rehabilitation hospitals nationwide.

These industry leaders leverage economies of scale, established referral networks, and comprehensive service offerings to maintain market dominance, setting high standards in care delivery and patient outcomes.

The US Physical Therapy Market is segmented as follows:

By Type of Therapy

• Orthopedic
• Neurological
• Cardiopulmonary
• Geriatric
• Pediatric
• Sports
• Vestibular
• Women’s Health
• Others

By Application

• Acute Care
• Rehabilitation
• Preventative Care
• Occupational Health
• Others

By Age Group

• Pediatrics
• Adolescents
• Adults
• Elderly

By End User

• Hospitals and Clinics
• Home Care Settings
• Outpatient Clinics
• Rehabilitation Centers
• Fitness and Sports Centers
• Others