Shortage of physical therapists poses risk for future care By HPN Staff The demand for physical therapists is expected to skyrocket in the next decade, driven by an aging population, a new focus on preventive healthcare, and growing interest in recreational fitness. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 14% growth in employment for physical therapists between 2023 and 2033, much faster than average. The BLS prediction comes as the Physical Therapist’s Journal predicts a shortfall in available PTs. Industry stakeholders say targeted policy interventions must take place to retain current workers and boost the number of physical therapists entering or returning to the workforce. Why it matters Physical therapists provide patients the necessary assistance to recover from injuries, surgeries and illnesses that restrict movement and function. One of their most important roles is in addressing and reducing pain. One population that suffers from restricted function is the 65 and older group. As people age, mobility and balance are critical to maintaining quality of life, and strengthening those abilities can prevent trips and falls. Physical therapy can also relieve pain from arthritis and other signs of aging. While the need for physical therapy for seniors is growing, the number of seniors is, too. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that the number of those 65 years or older grew from 2010 to 2020 at the fastest rate since 1880 to 1890. In fact, one in six people belongs to that population. With that growth in population, there is a risk that there won’t be enough professionals to provide physical therapy in the next 10 years. The bigger picture Policymakers have weighed options in recent years to address the projected PT shortfall. In 2023, Congress considered the Physical Therapist Workforce and Patient Access Act, which would have allowed all physical therapists to participate in the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment program. However, the bill was never passed. The American Physical Therapy Association, which supported the bill, continues to push for similar state and federal legislation to increase access to physical therapy. These efforts coincide with industry efforts to promote physical therapy as preventative care, a shift that is compounding demand. Rather than just promoting recovery after a surgery, PT is now used to promote overall physical health. And the targeted market has expanded far beyond athletes; office professionals, who sit for extended periods of time or deal with ergonomic issues, are primed for practicing stretches that can be a line of defense against tight hips or carpal tunnel syndrome. Additional context The BLS estimates the median annual pay for a licensed therapy provider is more than $101,000. It is estimated that there were about 239,000 therapists in 2023; that number is predicted to grow by almost 37,000 in 2033. It takes approximately six to seven years in undergraduate and graduate studies to prepare for licensure. PTs must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination and then be licensed in the state in which they practice.
