Physical Therapy Services Market by Settings (Hospitals, Outpatient Clinics, and Home Healthcare), Application (Orthopedic Therapy, Geriatric Therapy, Cardiopulmonary Therapy, Pediatric Therapy, Neurological Therapy, and Women’s Health), Payer (Public Insurance, Private Insurance, and Out of Pocket), and Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA): Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032

Physical Therapy Services Overview

The physical therapy services market refers to the sector of the economy that provides therapeutic interventions and treatments to people who have physical limitations, illnesses, or impairments. Physical therapy aims to increase a person's mobility, lessen their discomfort, and improve their capacity for daily activities. Manual therapy, exercise regimens, electrotherapy, and other modalities are all included in the range of techniques and methods used in physical therapy services. These services are frequently provided by physical therapists or physiotherapists with a license who have received professional training in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, and cardiovascular diseases.

Global Physical Therapy Services Market Analysis

The global physical therapy services market size was $122.2 billion in 2022 and is predicted to grow with a CAGR of 4.3%, by generating a revenue of $182.9 billion by 2032.

COVID-19 Impact on Global Physical Therapy Services Market

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major effect on several industries, notably the healthcare sector. The ongoing global health crisis has significantly altered and challenged the market for physical therapy services. The temporary shutdown or limited operation of many healthcare facilities was one of the pandemic's early effects on the market for physical therapy services. Physical therapy was suspended along with non-essential medical services as governments enacted lockdown measures and social distance rules. As a result, physical therapy clinics and practitioners saw a drop in patient attendance and income. During the pandemic, telehealth became an essential tool for physical therapists. With the move towards remote consultations, several professionals began providing their patients with online therapy sessions. While this contributed to some continuity of service and money generation, it also presented difficulties.

Since some physical therapy procedures call for in-person assessments and hands-on interventions, not all physical therapy services can be efficiently delivered through telehealth. For independent practitioners and physical therapy clinics, the financial effects of the pandemic were enormous. Financial pressures were caused by the drop in patient volume and the rising expenses of putting infection control measures, like personal protective equipment (PPE) and sanitization procedures, into place. Smaller practices were more likely to close or merge, and larger healthcare systems had to reassess their spending plans. The market for physical therapy services has faced several difficulties because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Growing Demand for Remote Collaboration to Drive the Market Growth

In the upcoming years, the desire for remote cooperation will be a major driver of the market for physical therapy services. Physical therapy is no exception to the growing importance of remote collaboration in the healthcare sector. Physical therapists can now connect with their patients remotely, providing consultations, and assessments, and even deliver therapy sessions online; thanks to technological improvements and the availability of telehealth platforms.

Physical therapists can reach a larger patient base with the help of virtual collaboration. Patients with chronic diseases or people with hectic schedules who might not have been able to receive physical therapy in person can now simply connect with a physical therapist remotely. Physical therapists now have more options to grow their practices and the market for their services has expanded as a result.  The market expansion in the physical therapy services sector is anticipated to be driven by the rising demand for remote collaboration. The ease of use, better accessibility to care, enhanced continuity of care, and the COVID-19 pandemic's effects have all boosted the use of remote collaboration in physical therapy.

Security Concerns to Restrain the Market Growth

 The market for physical therapy services has grown greatly in recent years, owing to an ageing population, increased public awareness about the benefits of physical therapy, and advancements in medical technology. However, several security issues could potentially slow the market expansion. The possibility of patient data breaches and privacy violations is a significant security threat.

Healthcare facilities that offer physical therapy acquire and preserve sensitive personal and medical data about their patients. New security issues are brought on by the growing reliance on telehealth and remote physical treatment services. Patients can obtain physical therapy remotely through video consultations and computer exercises with the help of telehealth technology. However, during these telehealth meetings, patient data may be transmitted and stored in a way that leaves it open to interception or unauthorized access. Potential for market expansion may be constrained by a patient's reluctance to use remote physical therapy services due to worries about the security and privacy of telehealth platforms.  To overcome these security challenges and promote market expansion, physical therapy professionals and healthcare organizations must prioritize cybersecurity protections. This entails putting in place reliable data protection policies, maintaining up-to-date security measures, and giving staff members sufficient training in data security best practices. Additionally, industry participants should work together to develop guidelines and rules for protecting patient information and securing medical devices. Physical therapy services can continue to expand and offer patients the necessary care in a secure setting by proactively addressing these security issues.

Advancements in Technology to Drive Excellent Opportunities

The market for physical therapy services has significant prospects owing to rising technological advancements in this sector. Physical therapists now have access to a variety of cutting-edge equipment and approaches to improve patient care and treatment outcomes because of the quick development of medical devices and digital solutions. The creation of wearable tech and sensor technologies is one key breakthrough. The motions of patients can be tracked and observed by these devices, providing useful information about their development and performance during therapy sessions. With the help of data analysis, therapy plans may be customized and modified to create more effective and individualized rehabilitation programmes.

Physical therapy is currently transforming thanks to telehealth and virtual reality (VR). Through telehealth, therapists can communicate with their patients remotely and provide consultations, track progress, and provide direction. Patients with restricted mobility or those who live in rural places can especially benefit from this. These tools can examine big datasets, spot trends, and offer insights that might help therapists make more precise diagnoses and treatment choices. Applications with AI capabilities can also automate repetitive processes, freeing up therapists' time and allowing them to focus more on patient care. These technological developments have not only raised the standard of physical therapy care but also boosted patient engagement, widened service access, and optimized therapeutic approaches. As a result, the market for physical therapy services is expanding significantly and offers massive opportunities for those working in healthcare in this industry.

Global Physical Therapy Services Market Share, by Settings, 2022

The outpatient clinics sub-segment accounted for the highest market share in 2022. An important section of the market for physical therapy services is outpatient clinics. Outpatient clinics are medical centers where patients can get therapy or medical care without being hospitalized. Within the market for physical therapy services, the outpatient clinic segment has grown significantly in recent years owing to several factors. First of all, improvements in medical technology and therapeutic methods have made it possible for physical therapists to provide excellent care in outpatient settings. The range of services that can be provided outside conventional hospital settings has increased as a result. The growing focus on early detection and preventive care is propelling the outpatient clinics sector as well. In outpatient settings, physical therapy treatments are usually considered as a preventative approach to treat minor injuries or discomfort before they worsen into more serious conditions. Outpatient clinics can lessen the overall burden on the healthcare system and enhance patient outcomes by providing quick access to physical therapy services.  

Global Physical Therapy Services Market Share, by Application, 2022

The orthopaedic therapy sub-segment accounted for the highest market share in 2022. In the market for physical therapy services, the orthopaedic therapy category is very important. The assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of musculoskeletal illnesses, injuries, and ailments are the main goals of orthopaedic therapy. This form of physical therapy works to increase patients' mobility, lessen their discomfort, and generally improve their quality of life. The orthopaedic treatment sub-segment of the physical therapy services market serves a diverse clientele, including athletes, seniors, and people recovering from operations or injuries.

Orthopaedic therapy delivery has been revolutionized by technological advancements including wearable technology, virtual reality rehabilitation programmes, and telehealth platforms that allow therapists to monitor patient progress and give individualized care from a distance.

Global Physical Therapy Services Market Share, by Payer, 2022

The private insurance sub-segment accounted for the highest market share in 2022. The market for physical therapy services is significantly influenced by the private insurance sector. Health insurance coverage offered by private businesses rather than the government is referred to as private insurance. Private insurance is a major source of funding for healthcare services, including physical therapy, in many nations, including the US. People can access a variety of treatments and rehabilitation programmes; thanks to private insurance coverage for physical therapy services. Individuals who have sustained injuries, undergone surgery, or had chronic diseases that need specialized care are frequently prescribed physical therapy. Patients who have private insurance can get essential physical therapy services without having to pay the full cost out of pocket. Additionally, private insurance coverage allows patients more flexibility and choice in the market for physical therapy services. It gives people the opportunity to choose the physical therapist who best meets their requirements from a network of providers that accept their insurance. This feature of private insurance promotes competition and incentivizes physical therapy providers to offer top-notch treatments to draw in clients. The market for physical therapy services depends heavily on the private insurance sector, which benefits both patients and providers. It fosters choice and competition, gives patients access to a variety of physical therapy treatments, and offers providers financial security. Private insurance coverage will probably continue to play a significant role in the market, as demand for physical therapy services rises.

Global Physical Therapy Services Market Share, by Region, 2022

The North American physical therapy services market generated the highest revenue in 2022. The market for physical therapy services is heavily influenced by the North American continent. North America has a healthy market for physical therapy services thanks to its sophisticated healthcare infrastructure and strong awareness of the significance of rehabilitation and therapeutic interventions. Physical therapy is widely acknowledged as a crucial element of healthcare in the United States and Canada, both for preventive care and for post-injury or post-surgery recovery.  There are numerous hospitals, rehabilitation institutions, and physical therapy clinics in this region, and they offer a wide range of treatments to people of any age group. To encourage quicker healing and better results for patients, North America has adopted cutting-edge techniques like manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and other modalities. In North America, the market for physical therapy services is fiercely competitive, with independent practices and major healthcare institutions competing for customers. This competition forces service providers to upgrade their offerings often, incorporate new technology, and raise patient happiness. The North American region is a vibrant and dynamic market for physical therapy services mainly owing to the high demand, sophisticated healthcare infrastructure, technological improvements, and a supportive policy environment.

Competitive Scenario in the Global Physical Therapy Services Market

Investment and agreement are common strategies followed by major market players. Some of the leading physical therapy services market players are AmeriCare Physical Therapy, Rehab Alternatives PLLC, PIVOT Physical Therapy, ProHealth Limited, BTL, DJO LLC, Performance Health, Athletico Physical Therapy, Geisinger Health, Select Medical Corporation.