Physical therapy: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What physical therapy is

Physical therapy is care from a licensed physical therapist who evaluates how you move, then designs exercises, hands-on treatment and education to help you recover from injury or surgery or manage pain. Visits follow a plan set with you and, often, your doctor.

Signs you need it

  • Pain that limits how you walk, lift or reach and has not eased
  • Recovery after surgery or an injury
  • Your doctor recommended physical therapy
  • Balance problems or fear of falling
  • Stiffness that limits daily tasks or sport

What the pro does

  • An evaluation of your history, movement and goals
  • A plan with exercises and, when appropriate, hands-on work
  • Teaching exercises to do at home
  • Tracking progress and adjusting the plan
  • A plan for returning to activity or discharge

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Evaluation and follow-up visits
  • Visit length and frequency
  • Equipment used
  • Insurance and referral rules
  • Home visits versus clinic
  • Specialty such as sports or pelvic health

What a written quote should spell out

  • Visit length, frequency and how many visits are planned
  • What the evaluation includes
  • Cancellation terms
  • Billing, insurance and referral details
  • Home exercise materials provided

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What is your license, and what is your specialty?
  • Do I need a referral from my doctor?
  • What will my plan look like?
  • How will we track progress?
  • What should I do at home?
  • When should I stop an exercise?

Red flags

  • Promising a cure
  • Skipping the evaluation and starting treatment
  • Pressure to sign up for many visits upfront
  • Dismissing your pain
  • Cannot show a license

What you can do yourself

Rest, gentle movement and following your doctor's instructions may help, but talk with your doctor or a physical therapist before starting new exercises, especially after injury or surgery. Seek urgent care for sudden severe pain, numbness or weakness.

Licenses and permits

Physical therapy is a licensed health profession. Ask for the license type and number and check it with your state licensing board before booking.

Physical therapy questions

Do I need a referral?

It depends on state rules and your insurance. Ask the clinic.

Will physical therapy hurt?

Some exercises are challenging. Tell the therapist if pain increases.

How long will it take?

It depends on the issue and goals. The therapist should explain a plan.

Can I do exercises at home?

Often yes, as instructed by the therapist.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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