What is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy (PT) is the practice of helping people out of pain and and getting back to normal movement and/or feeling. When a person is unable to do the things they are normally able to do, such as walking, stretching, bending over, sitting straight; normal every day activities, a physical therapist is needed. The first step to physical therapy is assessing a person’s movement. Depending on the patient’s goals of recovery and the reality of achieving those goals, the physical therapist’s job is to put a plan of recovery forward. Physical therapists work/operate at the following places:
- Outpatient clinics
- Fitness centers
- Hospitals
- Inpatient rehabilitation centers
- Homes (private)
- Schools
- Hospices
- Nursing Houses
Physical Therapy Cost
When physical therapy is assigned by a doctor to a patient, making the need a medical necessity, the majority of the cost can be picked up by the patient’s health insurance plan. By calling your health insurance company, they can tell you exactly what is covered and how much out-of-pocket money you’ll spend. The cost of physical therapy widely varies depending on the specialty of the need, as the spectrum of care can go from infants (pediatric) to helping older people (geriatric). Those who suffer from neurological (brain trauma) and need long term physical therapy care will end up paying more than someone who needs periodic care for a sports injury.
Physical Therapy Salary
There are currently over 228,000 physical therapist employed in the US. The highest paid physical therapist work in Nevada (#1), Alaska (#2), and New Jersey (#3).
- Salary: $92,920/yr
- Hourly Rate: $44.67/hr
(Source: BLS)
Physical Therapy Near Me
The top 3 national physical therapy providers are as follows:
Use your health insurance portal to find a physical therapist near you that is covered by your insurance plan. To find a complete list of physical therapist in your area, use Google Maps.