How much does physical therapy cost?
How much does physical therapy cost?
$25 – $60 cost per session
$70 – $160 cost per session
Physical therapy cost
Physical therapy costs $25 to $60 per session on average for a co-payment with insurance. Out-of-pocket physical therapy costs $70 to $160 per session without insurance. Physical therapy treatments for a 6- to 8-week period will cost $200 to $1,450 on average with insurance coverage.
| Insurance coverage | Average cost per session* |
|---|---|
| With insurance (co-payment) | $25 – $60 |
| Without insurance | $70 – $160 |
*These private physical therapy costs don't include diagnostic tests.
Physical therapy session cost
Physical therapy cost with insurance
The cost of physical therapy with insurance has a typical co-payment of $25 to $60 per session after your yearly deductible payment. Total fees vary according to the insurance policy. Check your annual maximum limit for physical therapy coverage before booking appointments to avoid unexpected fees.
In most cases, a primary care physician or orthopedic doctor must prescribe physical therapy for you to be eligible for insurance coverage.
Physical therapy cost without insurance
The average cost of physical therapy without insurance is $70 to $160 per session. Your out-of-pocket rates depend on the nature of the injury and the therapy procedures involved in your treatment.
If your insurance doesn't pay for physical therapy, consider asking your Human Resources department if your employer can assist with the costs. Alternatively, certain local colleges or medical schools may offer physical therapy from supervised trainee students at discounted rates.
Cost of physical therapy by injury type
The total cost of physical therapy with insurance ranges from $200 to $1,450, and prices vary by the injury type. Most treatment plans involve 2 to 3 visits per week for about 6 to 8 weeks. Post-surgery recovery times are longer in some cases.
| Injury types | Total co-payment cost with insurance | Total cost without insurance | Number of sessions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knee | $200 – $1,450 | $560 – $3,850 | 8 – 24 |
| Back pain | $300 – $1,450 | $840 – $3,850 | 12 – 24 |
| Rotator cuff | $650 – $2,000 | $1,800 – $5,450 | 26 – 34 |
| Pelvic floor | $200 – $720 | $560 – $1,900 | 8 – 12 |
*Initial evaluation fees cost $150 to $200 extra, or more for MRI diagnostic tests.
Physical therapy cost for knee injuries
Physical therapy to treat a knee injury costs $200 to $1,450 for about 8 to 24 sessions, assuming your insurance covers most fees. Without insurance, knee-recovery programs cost between $560 and $3,850.
Knee joint rehabilitation generally takes 6 to 8 weeks, which varies according to which connective tissues must recover. During this period, it's crucial to wear a compression knee brace to limit swelling and stabilize the joint, particularly after a knee dislocation.
Cost of physical therapy for back pain
Physical therapy for back pain costs $300 to $1,450 on average, including co-payments for 12 to 24 sessions. Individuals without insurance spend $840 to $3,850 for a recovery program. The total number of sessions required depends on the severity of your injuries.
You might need ongoing weekly treatments for several months or even longer with chronic back pain or post-surgery back pain.
Physical therapy cost for rotator cuff
Physical therapy for a rotator cuff injury costs $650 and $2,000 for average co-payments for 26 to 34 sessions. The full price without insurance is $1,800 to $5,450. The first stage requires 2 to 3 sessions weekly. Rotator cuff rehabilitation is essential after shoulder surgery or for persistent shoulder pain.
Consult with your doctor on the necessary rest period for the shoulder in a sling before initiating gradual movement therapy. The rest period typically spans 4 to 6 weeks. Premature movement can trigger more inflammation.
Once progress is visible after a few months of physical therapy, the frequency of appointments can decrease to 2 sessions per month.
Pelvic-floor physical therapy cost
Pelvic-floor physical therapy costs $200 to $720 in co-payments with insurance coverage. Without insurance, the total cost for these sessions can be $560 to $1,900. Noticeable improvements often occur after 8 to 12 pelvic floor treatment sessions.
Benefits of strengthening the pelvic-floor muscle group are:
Alleviating constipation
Enhancing reproductive health
Bolstering bladder strength and control
Reducing or eliminating incontinence
Physical therapy price factors
The cost of physical therapy fluctuates based on several factors, including:
Initial evaluation – The comprehensive assessment that goes along with your first treatment costs more than follow-up sessions.
Care setting – Opting for in-home physical therapy is 2 to 3 times more expensive than clinic visits because of the therapist's additional travel time.
Therapist's expertise – A specialist with extensive experience and advanced qualifications will charge more compared to those with less experience.
Insurance – Your insurance plan's terms and deductibles influence the amount you'll pay out-of-pocket.
Session duration and frequency – Prolonged sessions have higher prices. Inquire about possible discounts for long-term treatments.
Insurance network – Clinics affiliated with your insurance network offer services at more affordable rates, whereas out-of-network clinics charge more.
Therapy type – Therapies employing specialized equipment may have higher fees to accommodate the extra overhead costs.
Geographic location – Physical therapy clinics in urban regions with high living costs typically charge more than those in rural areas.
Diagnostics – Extra charges apply for diagnostic tests such as X-rays and MRIs.
Additional services – Acupuncture costs $75 to $120 per session, and massage prices are $50 to $130 per hour.
Physical therapy FAQs
What is physical therapy?
Physical therapy, also known as physiotherapy, is the practice of retraining and healing muscles through personalized and supervised movement routines that build strength. The therapy commonly includes massage and stretching techniques, alongside medical aids, to safely restore mobility in injured tissues.
The most notable advantages of physical therapy include accelerating the recovery period and decreasing your reliance on painkillers.
Does physical therapy work?
Physical therapy works as an effective approach to manage chronic pain, facilitate recovery from injuries or surgeries, and increase the mobility of those with disabilities. Consistent physiotherapy can prevent the need for surgery for some people with repetitive strain disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Physiotherapy is an ongoing treatment that takes regular practice at home between sessions to see the full benefits.
What happens in a physical therapy session?
During your physical therapy session, the therapist evaluates your injuries and guides you through a series of specialized rehabilitative exercises that promote healing.
The role of a physical therapist can also include:
Assessing your strength levels and range of motion
Providing you with home-based routines to practice between sessions
Offering suggestions for additional treatments
Performing soft-tissue mobilization, targeted stretches, ultrasound or light therapy, cupping, or electrical stimulation
Does Medicare cover physical therapy?
Medicare typically covers financial aid for physical therapy if prescribed by a physician. After your initial yearly deductible payment, Medicare covers 80% or more of the approved amount for the treatments. Always verify the coverage and co-payment details with your health insurance provider.
How long is a physical therapy session?
A physical therapy session is anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes long, with appointments scheduled 2 to 3 times weekly. Depending on the kind of physiotherapy treatment, some sessions could extend up to 90 minutes.
What do I wear to physical therapy?
When attending your physical therapy sessions, wear comfortable clothes that are loose enough for exercise. Don't forget to bring supportive athletic shoes and remove all jewelry for unrestricted movement. If needed, you can wear a brace to provide additional support.
Getting estimates from physical therapists
Before searching for a local physical therapist:
Look at cost estimates from at least 3 different therapists to compare expenses.
Find a therapist certified in treating your injury or condition, such as cardiovascular health, neurology, orthopedics, geriatrics, or sports medicine.
Request recommendations from your primary care physician.
Look at the therapist's reviews here on BetterCare and Google.
Confirm the physical therapist has liability insurance and a state license.
Verify the physical therapist accepts your health insurance as payment.
Questions to ask
Before setting up a physical therapy appointment, ask the following questions:
How long have you been a physical therapist?
Do you provide services only at your office, or is in-home therapy also possible?
Have you managed treatments for my specific medical condition before?
Will I be consistently working with the same physical therapist in my sessions?
What do I need to bring for my first visit?
How frequent should my physical therapy appointments be?
Will I be working with your assistants or interns as well?
How long is each session?
What are the short-term and long-term objectives for my physical therapy?
Is my health insurance accepted by your practice?
Do you handle the processing of insurance claims on my behalf?
How early in advance will I need to cancel an appointment or reschedule?
We use our proprietary database of project costs, personally contact industry experts to compile up-to-date pricing and insights, and conduct in-depth research to ensure accuracy in all our guides.