When it comes to physical therapy, the costs can vary significantly depending on the type of service, the location, and the complexity of the treatment. If you have ever wondered about the most expensive types of physical therapy services, you are not alone.
Physical therapy is essential for recovering from injuries, improving mobility, and managing pain. But it doesn’t always come cheap. In fact, it can become quite a financial burden, depending on your specific needs. Here is a breakdown of what goes into these costs and which services are known to be the most expensive:
What is the Average Cost of Physical Therapy Services?
Before diving into the most expensive types of physical therapy services, it is helpful to understand the average costs of basic treatments. Typically, an initial evaluation visit at a private physical therapy office will cost you between $150 and $200. This evaluation is crucial because it sets the foundation for your treatment plan.
During this session, a therapist will assess your condition and review your medical history. The therapist will then determine the best approach to improving your movement and reducing pain. Remember, these evaluations are thorough and often last up to an hour.
Rosa / Unsplash / Typically, at a hospital facility, the cost of an initial evaluation can range from $400 to $500.
Follow-up visits, which are a regular part of physical therapy, also come at a cost. In a private office, you might pay anywhere between $80 and $120 for each follow-up session. But, once again, hospitals can charge far more, with follow-up visits sometimes costing $300 to $400.
These sessions generally involve guided exercises, hands-on therapy, and patient education to help you manage your condition independently. The overall expense of therapy adds up quickly, especially when considering that most treatments require multiple sessions over several weeks or months.
Orthopedic Rehabilitation Therapy: One of the Most Expensive Types of Physical Therapy Services!
This form of therapy focuses on treating conditions related to the bones, muscles, joints, and tendons. If you have recently had joint replacement surgery or suffered from a severe sports injury, chances are you will need orthopedic rehabilitation.
Because it often involves a tailored approach to each individual’s specific injury, orthopedic rehab can be costly. A standard session in a private clinic may range from $150 to $250, and the price can easily double if you are treated in a hospital setting. In addition to the therapy sessions, you may also need advanced equipment or specific orthopedic devices to support recovery.
This will further add to the expense. These sessions frequently incorporate manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and patient education.
Neurological Physical Therapy
This specialized therapy focuses on treating patients with disorders affecting the nervous system, such as stroke, spinal cord injuries, or multiple sclerosis. Because these conditions are often chronic and progressive, the therapy required is intensive, long-term, and requires specialized expertise.
Alan / Unsplash / For neurological physical therapy, the cost can range from $200 to $350 per session, depending on the location and the severity of the condition.
Neurological disorders often result in complex movement and coordination problems, which require extensive time and attention from the therapist. Treatment plans may involve gait training, balance exercises, and coordination activities. All of these are highly personalized.
Aquatic Physical Therapy
Aquatic therapy is another high-cost treatment that is gaining popularity. As one of the most expensive types of physical therapy services, it offers unique benefits for patients who struggle with weight-bearing activities or have limited mobility. In this form of therapy, the patient performs exercises in a pool, where the water's buoyancy reduces stress on the joints and muscles.
However, the use of specialized pools, often heated and equipped with underwater treadmills or resistance jets, adds to the expense of this treatment. On average, aquatic therapy can cost between $100 and $200 per session in a private facility. Hospital-based aquatic therapy services can push the cost even higher, reaching up to $400 for a single session.
