Orthopedic Segment to Lead Global US Physical Therapy Market During 2023-2031

According to our new research study on "US Physical Therapy Market Forecast to 2031 - Global Analysis - by Therapy, Application, Age Group, End User, and Geography," the market is expected to grow from US$ 46.75 billion in 2023 to US$ 87.83 billion by 2031; it is estimated to record a CAGR of 8.2% from 2023-2031. Physical therapy helps to treat spine, shoulder, knee, and neck injuries or pain. The traditional role of physical therapists is to recommend exercises and provide hands-on care to facilitate patients develop, maintain, and restore functional ability that injuries, aging, and chronic or progressive diseases may restrict. Key factors driving the growth of the US physical therapy market are the growing importance of physical therapists and increasing direct access to therapy. However, burnout among physical therapists hinders the market's growth.

With the growing digital era, innovative technologies can be employed to improve treatment delivery and patient outcomes of physical therapy practices. With the use of virtual reality to monitor rehabilitation through wearable devices, the field of physical therapy is experiencing a remarkable transformation. Adopting wearable devices and telehealth services heightens patient engagement in their recovery journey. Further, some physical therapists in the US have started offering telehealth services, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, to treat patients. According to a report published by the APTA, 98.0% of physical therapists surveyed were not providing telehealth consultations to patients prior to the pandemic. However, after July 2020, over 47.0% reported using telehealth, and the number is further anticipated to increase in the future.

Virtual reality introduces an unprecedented level of patient engagement through the recovery process, allowing patients to contribute to therapeutic exercises that enhance their physical and mental well-being. The technology particularly benefits those dealing with mobility challenges by simulating real-world scenarios to aid in mobility. In addition, launching virtual physical therapy programs in the country will also improve patient access. In May 2022, United Healthcare partnered with Kaia Health, a digital therapeutics startup, to introduce a virtual physical therapy program. Through this program, the companies planned to offer 24/7 on-demand feedback on physical therapy exercises to eligible patients with musculoskeletal conditions to help them complete the physical therapy movements correctly.

Wearable technology, which has grown in popularity in the last few decades, enables physical therapists to accurately monitor patients' progress using devices such as smartwatches and motion sensors. These wearables track essential metrics such as heart rates, sleep patterns, and physical activity, providing valuable data for the overall treatment plan. The immediate, continuously updated feedback provided by wearables enhances patient commitment, leading to more successful treatment outcomes in the future. As a result, telehealth services and wearable devices offering real-time feedback during exercises can help to personalize treatment plans and improve outcomes. Thus, an upsurge in patient engagement with the adoption of state-of-the-art approaches such as telehealth, virtual reality-based simulations, and wearable devices bring new US physical therapy market trends, allowing therapists to reach a wider patient base and patients to receive treatments from their homes per their convenience.



Based on application, the US physical therapy market is segmented into orthopedic, neurological, cardiovascular and pulmonary, and others. The orthopedic segment held the largest US physical therapy market share in 2023, and it is expected to register the highest CAGR from 2023 to 2031. Orthopedic application of physical therapy includes all types of musculoskeletal disorders. As per the Bone and Joint Initiative USA, nearly 50% of Americans aged 18 and above (i.e., ~124 million people) have musculoskeletal disorders. The growth of the US physical therapy market in the orthopedic segment can be attributed to the growing prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, increasing participation in sports activities, and surging incidence of sports injuries and fractures. According to the Osteoarthritis Action Alliance 2023, arthritis affected ~53.2 million adults (1 in 5 people) in the US in 2021; the number is further expected to reach 78 million by 2040. Per the same source, osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis affecting US citizens, with nearly 32.5 million adults in the country suffering from the condition. Many adults with arthritis have moderate or severe joint pain. Orthopedic physical therapists provide various physical therapy services, such as injury recovery/surgery recovery, pain management through exercise, sports injury rehabilitation, sports medicine education and exercises, and strength-building exercises, thereby providing pain relief as well as aiding in recovery.

The market, by age group, is segmented into pediatrics, adult, and geriatric. The adult segment accounts for a significant US physical therapy market share in 2023, owing to growing awareness about physical therapy among adults as a recreational option that can help manage any new aches or pains while helping in the development of a comprehensive exercise regimen for patients. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data published in 2022, 6 in 10 adults have a chronic disease (arthritis, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, stroke, etc.) in the US. In addition, 4 in 10 adults have 2 or more chronic diseases. As per the Bronchitis Facts and Statistics published in November 2022, bronchitis is a common reason for the hospitalization of adults in the US. Approximately 1 in 20 US adults suffer from acute bronchitis yearly, and ?10 million people (i.e., 3% of the population) are affected by chronic bronchitis. Further, according to Statista, between 2010 and 2020, road traffic injuries grew by ~34,000 incidents to ~2.28 million road traffic-related injuries in 2020 in the US. As per the data released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in April 2024, ~290,000 people were injured in crashes in 2022 in the country. Accidents result in physical and mental trauma, requiring immediate medical attention.

Physical therapy focuses on strengthening the muscles and bones that have suffered from physical trauma. Throughout each decade of adulthood, physical therapists can offer innovative solutions and expert guidance to help reduce pain, maintain fitness, and proactively prepare for the future. In addition, physical therapy includes many recreational options that can help to manage any new aches or pains while helping in the development of a comprehensive exercise regimen for patients. Thus, the abovementioned factors support the segment growth in the US physical therapy market.

ATI Physical Therapy, Inc., Physical Therapy Now, The Jackson Clinics, Select Physical Therapy, Onward Physical Therapy, PT SOLUTIONS, Athletico Physical Therapy, Confluent Therapy Solutions, Upstream Rehabilitation Inc., and Peak Performance Physical Therapy are among the leading companies profiled in the US physical therapy market report.

Based on therapy, the US physical therapy market is segmented into laser therapy, electrotherapy, cryotherapy, ultrasound, heat therapy, and other therapies. In terms of application, the market is classified into orthopedic, neurological, cardiovascular and pulmonary, and others. By age group, the market is categorized into pediatrics, adult, and geriatric. In terms of end user, the market is segmented into hospitals and clinics, rehabilitation centers, sports and fitness facilities, and other end users.