Landmark Report Demonstrates the Economic Value of Physical Therapy in the United States

Alexandria, VA — The American Physical Therapy Association released a landmark report: “The
Economic Value of Physical Therapy in the United States.” This macro-economic study examines
the cost-effectiveness and economic value of physical therapist services by comparing physical
therapy with non-physical therapy-based care across several health conditions that are prevalent
across the U.S. The results of this study demonstrate that, where medically appropriate, more
widespread use of physical therapist services would deliver both health and economic benefits to
patients and the U.S. health care system.

“APTA’s ‘Economic Value of Physical Therapy in the United States’ report builds on a growing body
of scientific evidence that supports the high-value, lower-cost interventions physical therapy offers
patients and the health care system,” said APTA President Roger Herr, PT, MPA. “For decades, our
profession has delivered cost-effective care that changes lives, and for just as long, we have strived
to demonstrate our value to policymakers, payers, other health care providers, and the public. Our
new study now allows us to make a compelling case for the impact of physical therapy on not only
individuals, but society as a whole.”

The “Economic Value of Physical Therapy in the United States” report uses an economic model to
calculate the net benefits to patients and the U.S. health care system of choosing physical therapy
over alternative treatments for eight specific conditions, including falls prevention, osteoarthritis of
the knee, and acute low back pain. The study incorporates a variety of patient demographics, stages
of life, and the breadth of physical therapist interventions.

“Not only do these evidence-based findings demonstrate the value that physical therapists and
physical therapist assistants provide today, but ‘The Economic Value of Physical Therapy in the
United States’ study is a dynamic resource that will evolve over time and, more importantly, will
empower APTA and its members to tell our story, to engage policymakers, payers, employers, and
consumers, and to begin to reshape the ways in which those outside the profession understand and
implement policies and programs to best leverage the value of physical therapy,” stated Herr.
APTA engaged the Nous Group, an international management consulting firm specializing in health
and economics, to develop a robust methodology for examining the costs and benefits of a selection
of condition-specific physical therapist services.

Guided by APTA subject matter experts, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to
identify those conditions with the strongest evidence. Ultimately, eight conditions were chosen based on the prevalence of the condition and its associated level of health care spending across the U.S.

APTA is using the findings in “The Economic Value of Physical Therapy in the United States” report
to inform consumers, policymakers, payers, and employers about the significant role physical
therapy plays and the economic value it brings to the health care system. To learn more about
APTA’s campaign and “The Economic Value of Physical Therapy in the United States,” visit
ValueofPT.com.

The American Physical Therapy Association represents more than 100,000 physical therapists,
physical therapist assistants, and physical therapy students nationwide. Visit apta.org to learn more.