How Much Is Physical Therapy – Physical therapy (PT) is a critical part of recovery and pain management for many individuals dealing with injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions.
But one common question arises for those considering treatment: How much does physical therapy cost?
Understanding the cost can help patients budget appropriately, make informed decisions, and avoid financial surprises.
In this article, we’ll break down the cost of physical therapy in various scenarios, what influences pricing, insurance coverage details, and tips for saving money.
What Is Physical Therapy?
How Much Is Physical Therapy – Physical therapy is a healthcare service designed to help individuals restore movement and function after an injury, surgery, or illness.
Physical therapists (PTs) use a variety of techniques, such as exercises, manual therapy, heat/cold therapy, and electrical stimulation, to assist recovery.
PT can be used for conditions like
- Sports injuries
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Stroke recovery
- Chronic pain (like back or neck pain)
- Arthritis
- Balance and mobility issues
Average Cost of Physical Therapy Without Insurance
Without insurance, the average cost per physical therapy session in the U.S. ranges from $75 to $350, depending on various factors.
Initial Evaluation
The first session typically involves a comprehensive evaluation.
This visit usually costs more due to the in-depth assessment and development of a treatment plan.
Expect to pay between $150 to $300 for an initial evaluation without insurance.
Follow-Up Sessions
Subsequent visits often cost less and range from $75 to $200 per session.
The frequency of sessions—often 1 to 3 times per week for several weeks—can add up quickly.
For example, attending therapy twice a week for six weeks could cost $900 to $2,400 or more.
Factors That Influence Physical Therapy Costs
Several factors affect how much you’ll pay for physical therapy:
1. Location
Therapy sessions in urban areas or affluent neighborhoods are generally more expensive than in rural or suburban areas due to higher overhead and living costs.
2. Type of Facility
Costs vary based on whether the therapy is done in a hospital, an outpatient clinic, a private practice, or at home. Hospital-based physical therapy tends to be the most expensive.
3. Specialization
Specialized physical therapy (e.g., neurological, pediatric, sports rehab) may require more expertise and equipment, thus increasing the price.
4. Duration and Frequency
The more sessions you need and the longer each session lasts, the more you’ll spend overall.
5. Therapist Experience
Highly experienced or specialized therapists may charge more for their expertise and successful outcomes.
Insurance Coverage for Physical Therapy
Many health insurance plans cover physical therapy to some extent, but coverage varies widely depending on the plan.
Copays and Coinsurance
If you have insurance, you’ll likely be responsible for a copay or coinsurance amount.
Copays range from $10 to $75 per session, while coinsurance typically means you’ll pay 10% to 50% of the total session cost after meeting your deductible.
Deductibles
You must usually meet your annual deductible before insurance starts to cover PT.
If your deductible is high, you may end up paying full session costs until the deductible is satisfied.
Visit Limits
Some insurance plans cap the number of covered sessions per year, often between 20 to 30 visits, unless further sessions are deemed medically necessary.
Pre-Authorization
In many cases, insurance requires a physician’s referral or pre-authorization before approving physical therapy. Skipping this step can result in denied coverage.
Medicare and Medicaid Coverage
Let’s take a look at the different coverages applicable to physical therapy.
Medicare
Medicare Part B covers physical therapy deemed medically necessary. In 2025, the therapy cap is about $2,330 for physical therapy and speech-language pathology services combined.
After reaching this threshold, Medicare may still pay if the treatment is justified.
Typically, Medicare pays 80% of the approved amount, and you’re responsible for the remaining 20%, unless you have supplemental coverage.
Medicaid
Medicaid coverage varies by state but often includes physical therapy services, especially for children and those with specific medical conditions. Prior approval and a referral are commonly required.
Out-of-Pocket vs. Insurance: Which Is Better?
In some cases, paying out of pocket may be more cost-effective, especially if you:
- Haven’t met your deductible
- Have high copays or coinsurance
- Want to avoid insurance paperwork
- Prefer working with a therapist outside your insurance network
Some clinics offer discounted cash rates or packages for self-pay clients. It’s worth asking if they offer sliding scale pricing based on income or payment plans.
Telehealth and At-Home Physical Therapy Costs
How Much Is Physical Therapy – Due to growing demand, many providers offer telehealth physical therapy, which can be more affordable, typically ranging from $30 to $100 per session.
At-home physical therapy (where the therapist visits your home) is convenient but usually costs more, often $150 to $300 per visit, due to travel time and personalized service.
Tips to Save Money on Physical Therapy
Here are some tips to help you save money on physical therapy:
- Check Your Insurance
Know what’s covered, how many sessions are allowed, and what your copay or coinsurance is.
- Use In-Network Providers
Staying within your insurance network significantly lowers costs.
- Ask for a Payment Plan
Many clinics are willing to work with you on spreading out payments.
- Compare Clinics
Rates vary between providers, so get a few quotes and ask about package deals.
- Supplement with Home Exercises
Follow your PT’s at-home exercise recommendations to potentially reduce the number of required sessions.
Is Physical Therapy Worth the Cost?
How Much Is Physical Therapy – While physical therapy can seem costly upfront, it often prevents more expensive interventions like surgery or long-term medication use.
It can also dramatically improve quality of life, reduce pain, and restore function.
The long-term benefits—like returning to work sooner, improved mobility, and pain reduction—often outweigh the short-term financial burden.
Conclusion
How Much Is Physical Therapy – The cost of physical therapy varies depending on whether you have insurance, your location, the provider, and the type of therapy you need.
Without insurance, you might pay between $75 and $350 per session, while insurance can reduce those costs but may still leave you with copays or coinsurance.