Physical therapy is a branch of healthcare devoted to the rehabilitation of joints, muscles, movement and balance.

Physical therapy settings
Orthopedic practices, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, sports and fitness centers.

What does a physical therapist do?
Typically they do a history and physical to evaluate the current level of your disability and limits. From here they make a diagnosis and then offer suggestions for therapy. This may involve a variety of physical therapy exercises and tasks as well as self-help exercises. Also, they provide education on the use of devices such as walkers, canes and splints. Physical therapy may also involve the use of tools and equipment, heat, ice, ultrasound, electrical stimulation and swimming pools. You may be asked to continue doing various exercises at home. Movement is medicine. 

Conditions treated by physical therapists
Orthopedic and hand conditions, neurological conditions, age-related conditions, post-amputation issues, musculoskeletal disorders, developmental conditions, post heart attack rehab, COPD and pulmonary/lung rehab, sports injuries, trauma recovery, biofeedback for incontinence, pelvic floor exercises, intensive care recovery, wound and burn management and cancer treatment recovery.

Benefits of physical therapy
Physical therapy has been found to be effective for improving outcomes. PT may speed recovery of muscle strength, maintenance of muscle mass, improving movement and mobility, improving balance, a return to normal activity, decrease pain, avoid orthopedic surgery and prevent injury.

Cost of PT
Many PT offices will gladly give you a discounted cash pay cost for services in order to bypass the burdens of dealing with health insurance plans. The average cost of physical therapy can range from $20-$350 per session. Insurance-based pricing is inevitably more than cash pay. Cash pay is usually about $75-$150 per session depending on the type of injury, the type of therapy and whether special equipment is required.

Get a free estimate from a physical therapist near you.

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Cash pay pricing beats insurance-based pricing and hassles. Check prices before you book. 

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Written by HEALTHdrum