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July 2025
The global physical therapy market size is calculated at USD 28.06 billion in 2024, grew to USD 29.18 billion in 2025, and is projected to reach around USD 41.54 billion by 2034. The market is expanding at a CAGR of 4% between 2025 and 2034.
The physical therapy market is primarily driven by the rising prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and the increasing number of surgeries. People are becoming aware of the benefits of non-pharmacological treatment. The increasing investments and collaborations enable key players and researchers to develop innovative devices for physical therapy. The future looks promising, with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and the growing need for personalized treatment.
| Metric | Details |
| Market Size in 2025 | USD 29.18 Billion |
| Projected Market Size in 2034 | USD 41.54 Billion |
| CAGR (2025 - 2034) | 4% |
| Leading Region | North America share by 39.5% |
| Market Segmentation | By Therapy Type, By Application, By Age Group, By End-Use, By Delivery Mode, By Equipment Type, By Region |
| Top Key Players | Select Medical Corporation, ATI Physical Therapy, Upstream Rehabilitation, Kindred Healthcare, Athletico Physical Therapy, U.S. Physical Therapy, Inc., Concentra Inc., CORA Health Services, FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers, Professional Physical Therapy, Genesis Rehab Services, RehaMed International, Back in Motion, PIVOT Physical Therapy, NovaCare Rehabilitation, MyoTherapy Physical Therapy, BTL Industries, Zimmer MedizinSysteme, Enovis (DJO Global), Dynatronics Corporation |
The physical therapy market involves services, technologies, and products to rehabilitate individuals through physical methods rather than medication or surgery. These services target the restoration, maintenance, and improvement of physical function, movement, and quality of life across a range of medical conditions, such as musculoskeletal disorders, neurological impairments, post-surgical recovery, sports injuries, and chronic pain. It includes manual therapy, exercise-based regimens, electrotherapy, and other modalities delivered across multiple settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, home health care, and telehealth platforms.
The rising prevalence of musculoskeletal and neurological disorders and the increasing number of surgeries necessitate physical therapy and rehabilitation. Advancements in medical technologies drive the latest innovations in physical therapy. Government and private companies provide favorable reimbursement policies, enabling patients to afford and access advanced physical therapy. The increasing collaborations among key players facilitate the development of innovative devices.
AI can revolutionize physical therapy by providing remote care and developing innovative devices. It can be used to predict injury risk, interpret medical imaging, and evaluate patient-related outcomes. AI and machine learning (ML) algorithms can analyze vast amounts of patient data and suggest appropriate treatment. They enhance the efficiency and accuracy of physical therapy. AI is used to provide evidence-based practice, helping in clinical decision-making. AI and ML also reduce medical errors in healthcare practices. AI-based interventional strategies, such as virtual reality and gaming, determine the most effective strategies for various patient populations.
Increasing Number of Surgeries
The major growth factor for the physical therapy market is the increasing number of surgeries. The rising prevalence of chronic disorders and increasing road accidents are the primary reasons for surgical procedures. Physical therapy is an essential part of treatment for patients, especially after major surgeries. This helps them regain mobility and strength after surgery, improving their well-being. Physiotherapy accelerates the recovery process and prevents future injuries in the same area. Moreover, physical therapy can prevent secondary issues to surgeries, such as infection, blood clots, and other complications.
Lack of Skilled Professionals
Certain countries, especially underdeveloped and developing countries, lack skilled professionals to provide advanced physical therapy. The lack of physiotherapists restricts personalized care to patients. In India, it is estimated that for a population of 1.40 billion, there are only 0.59 physiotherapists per 10,000 people.
What is the Future of the Physical Therapy Market?
The market future is promising, driven by the growing need for personalized treatment. Telehealth, wearable devices, and sensors play a key role in providing personalized therapy to patients. Telehealth enables healthcare professionals to deliver physical therapy through video calls and provide tailored consultation. Wearable devices can continuously measure patients’ vital signs, enabling providers to monitor patients remotely. Based on their diagnoses, physiotherapists can tailor treatment regimens based on patients’ conditions. Additionally, robotics and sensors contribute to hybrid care, helping patients maintain their posture while at work.
By therapy type, the orthopedic physical therapy segment held a dominant presence in the market in 2024. This is due to the rising prevalence of orthopedic disorders and sports injuries, and the increasing number of surgeries. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is estimated to affect 1% of the global population by 2050, accounting for an 80.2% increase from 2020. Apart from RA, orthopedic physical therapy is used to manage other disorders, such as knee instability, lower back pain, and muscular dystrophy.
By therapy type, the neurological physical therapy segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period. Neurological physical therapy is used to improve cognitive functions and improve movement and balance. It aims to manage neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, and stroke. Neurological physical therapy helps patients regain the highest level of function and independence, improving their well-being. It involves a wide range of activities, including speech therapy, stress management, social and behavioral skills retraining, etc.
By application, the musculoskeletal disorders segment held the largest revenue share of the market in 2024. This segment dominated because physical therapy relieves musculoskeletal pain and stiffness. Some common examples of musculoskeletal disorders include back pain, arthritis, osteoporosis, and tendonitis. According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), osteoporosis is estimated to affect around 200 million women globally. Physical therapy can help patients regain normal physical function or mobility. In the U.S., the musculoskeletal services account for 12% of the total annual healthcare expenditure.
By application, the sports & athletic injuries segment is expected to grow with the highest CAGR in the market during the studied years. The increasing number of people involved in sports results in the rising prevalence of sports injuries. In 2023, about 242 million people, or 80% of Americans in the U.S. of 6 years or older, participated in at least one sports or fitness activity. Physical therapy can prevent and cure sports injuries through injury risk assessment, personalized exercise programs, and education.
By age group, the adult (18-64 years) segment contributed the biggest revenue share of the market in 2024. Adults require advanced physical therapy due to various reasons, such as chronic disorders, surgeries, and occupational disabilities. Long working hours limit physical exercise among individuals, resulting in back pain and other chronic disorders. More than 80% of jobs require hours of desk work. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 31% of adults and 80% of adolescents do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity, necessitating physical therapy. (Source - WHO)
By age group, the geriatric (65+ years) segment is expected to expand rapidly in the market in the coming years. The geriatric population is more prone to developing chronic disorders, including musculoskeletal disorders. Physical therapists focus on improving function and quality of life for older adults. They address issues like balance disorders, reduced flexibility, mobility challenges, and post-surgery recovery. They provide exercise programs, balance and fall prevention strategies, and education and training.
By end-use, the outpatient clinics segment led the global market in 2024. The segmental growth is attributed to favorable infrastructure and the availability of specialized equipment. Outpatient clinics have skilled professionals to provide advanced treatment. They offer tailored services with different rehabilitation programs. The increasing number of outpatient clinics and favorable reimbursement policies boost the segment’s growth.
By end-use, the telehealth platforms segment is expected to witness the fastest growth in the market over the forecast period. The growing demand for personalized treatment and remote monitoring augments the segment’s growth. Telehealth platforms eliminate the need for patients to visit clinics, saving time and traveling costs. Healthcare professionals can also treat multiple patients in a short span through telehealth.
By delivery mode, the in-person physical therapy segment accounted for the highest revenue share of the market in 2024. In-person physical therapy enables physical therapists to provide physical and emotional support. Patients can have access to cutting-edge equipment that is installed in clinics or hospitals. Physical therapists also visit a patient’s home to provide in-person therapy. They carry portable devices to patients’ homes and deliver personalized care.
By delivery mode, the tele-physical therapy segment is expected to show the fastest growth over the forecast period. Tele-physical therapy enables patients to access relevant expert care across various geographical locations, eliminating the need to visit clinics physically. The advent of advanced technologies, such as AI/ML and VR, enables therapists to provide personalized treatment.
By equipment type, the therapeutic exercise equipment segment held a major revenue share of the market in 2024. This is due to the ability to perform a wide range of activities, such as improving strength, balance, and fitness. Therapeutic exercise equipment enhances physical health and aids rehabilitation. It is essential in every type of disorder and focuses on providing targeted care, thereby promoting recovery and vitality. Traction tables, ankle exercisers, overhead pulleys, resistance bands, and treadmills & bikes are some common equipment.
By equipment type, the wearable sensors & robotic assist devices segment is expected to account for the fastest growth in the upcoming years. Technological advancements and the need for remote monitoring propel the segment’s growth. Wearable devices enable continuous monitoring of patients’ vital signs and track patient activity, allowing therapists to make effective clinical decisions. Robotic devices also automate operations and reduce manual errors.
North America dominated the market share by 39.5% in 2024. The availability of a robust healthcare infrastructure, increasing investments, and the presence of key players are the major growth factors of the market in 2024. Hospitals and clinics in North American countries have cutting-edge technologies to provide advanced care. Government organizations support rehabilitation clinics and physical therapy hospitals through funding.
Key players, such as Select Medical Corporation, CORA Health Services, and U.S. Physical Therapy, Inc., are the major contributors to the market in the U.S. According to a recent survey in 2024, 51% of Americans have received care from a physical therapist at some point in their lives. Annually, more than 50 million Americans receive physical therapy. In addition, approximately 13,600 openings for physical therapists are anticipated each year over the next decade.
Around 90% of Canadians have at least one risk factor for heart disease. About 4 in 5 Canadians experience at least one episode of low back pain (LBP) at some point in their life. Moreover, 11 million people over 12 years of age are affected by musculoskeletal disorders annually. (Source - Canadians Physiotherapy Association) All these aspects potentiate the need for physical therapy.
Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the physical therapy market during the forecast period. The rising prevalence of musculoskeletal and neurological disorders and the rising adoption of advanced technologies boost the market. Government organizations create awareness of physical therapy and its benefits among the general public through initiatives and funding. The burgeoning medical tourism sector encourages people from foreign nations to visit Asia-Pacific countries due to affordable treatment.
A recent projection report estimated that approximately 460 million people (33.3% of the total population) needed rehabilitation in China in 2020, and projected that almost 636 million people (45% of the total population) will need rehabilitation services in China in 2034, representing a 38.3% increase. (Source - Med Nexus)
Almost 35-40 crore Indians have chronic musculoskeletal pain that limits mobility, reduces productivity, and diminishes quality of life, necessitating physical therapy. Kerala has emerged as a prominent rehabilitation tourism destination in India. It comprises about 3,000 healthcare institutions, including internationally accredited hospitals and physiotherapy centers.
Europe is expected to grow at a considerable CAGR in the physical therapy market in the upcoming period. The growing research and development activities, along with favorable government support, bolster market growth. Key players collaborate to develop innovative medical devices and access advanced technologies. Additionally, physical therapists collaborate to form an association and expand their services to a larger patient population. The increasing demand for personalized treatment and technological advancements favors market growth.
There is one physiotherapist for every 430 people in Germany. There were 1,079 rehabilitation facilities in Germany with 161,430 beds in 2023. (Source - DESTATIS) The total healthcare expenditure amounted to approximately €494.65 billion in 2023.
There is one physiotherapist for every 1,136 people in the UK. A new analysis revealed that the NHS needs 12,000 more physiotherapists to expand its ability and meet demand. According to the YouGov March 2024 survey of 2,000 Britons, approximately 39% have received care from a physiotherapist at some point in their lives. Of these, 47% are older people aged over 55 years. (Source - YouGov)
In January 2025, Genrobotics launched India’s first robotic-assisted Pediatric Gait Trainer that leverages advanced virtual reality (VR) technology and real-time interactive games. Vimal Govind, CEO of Genrobotics, commented that the company aims to revolutionize physical medicine and rehabilitation through technology, ensuring that individuals with gait challenges, regardless of age, have access to advanced rehabilitation solutions. (Source - Economic Times)
By Therapy Type
By Application
By Age Group
By End-Use
By Delivery Mode
By Equipment Type
By Region
July 2025
July 2025
July 2025
July 2025